Front suspension arm bushings?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,974
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From: CenTex Texas
Re: Front suspension arm bushings? (OliverM5)
That's because the bushings are considered part of the control arm. VBP may make a rubber replacement, but i think you're going to have to go with polyurethane bushings.....which VBP does sell. Good Luck! :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Buy USA products! Check the label! Employ Americans
Re: Front suspension arm bushings? (OliverM5)
Vette Brakes or DRM do all of the bushings in the car it will handle better since you have T-1's I think you will like it :D :D
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 17
Re: Front suspension arm bushings? (OliverM5)
THe bushings that are bad are in the lower front control arm - would it be bad to just replace those with the poly bushings and leave the rest alone?
If not, is it ok to do all the front (upper and lower) and leave the rear stock?
If not, is it ok to do all the front (upper and lower) and leave the rear stock?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,483
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington DE
Re: Front suspension arm bushings? (OliverM5)
OliverM5:
I kind of doubt if anyone has replaced only the bottom A arm bushings with the Poly Bushings, and so you most likely will not get a definative answer to your question. The lower A arm is the one that is adjusted with the "Cam" bolts to adjust the Caster and Camber, so I would think that putting Poly bushings on the lower A arm would keep this A arm more ridgidely located than the upper A arm.. This difference in suspension regidity could cause an increase in the deviation of the Caster/Camber and even Toe settings under high suspension forces. But, this is only my intreperation of the possible outcome and is not based on fact or experience.
I would also think that a "lower only" bushing replacement would tend to stiffen up the ride a bit, and if you did this on only one end of the car, I think that you would be upsetting the suspension balance that has been designed into the car.
So, bottom line, I don't think it is a good idea to install Poly bushings in only one of the A arms on either the front or the rear suspension. You can replace All of the bushings with Poly bushings and keep the same balance, but have a very firm ride (rock hard). If you like the firmness of your car now, then your best bet is to buy new lower A arms, with bushings attached. Shop around for the best deal. My local Chevy dealer will give me wholesale prices on all parts, as will Team Chevrolet. I hope this is of some helpl :cool:
I kind of doubt if anyone has replaced only the bottom A arm bushings with the Poly Bushings, and so you most likely will not get a definative answer to your question. The lower A arm is the one that is adjusted with the "Cam" bolts to adjust the Caster and Camber, so I would think that putting Poly bushings on the lower A arm would keep this A arm more ridgidely located than the upper A arm.. This difference in suspension regidity could cause an increase in the deviation of the Caster/Camber and even Toe settings under high suspension forces. But, this is only my intreperation of the possible outcome and is not based on fact or experience.
I would also think that a "lower only" bushing replacement would tend to stiffen up the ride a bit, and if you did this on only one end of the car, I think that you would be upsetting the suspension balance that has been designed into the car.
So, bottom line, I don't think it is a good idea to install Poly bushings in only one of the A arms on either the front or the rear suspension. You can replace All of the bushings with Poly bushings and keep the same balance, but have a very firm ride (rock hard). If you like the firmness of your car now, then your best bet is to buy new lower A arms, with bushings attached. Shop around for the best deal. My local Chevy dealer will give me wholesale prices on all parts, as will Team Chevrolet. I hope this is of some helpl :cool:
