Poly bushings or not (Page 1/2)
branger DEC 05, 01:25 AM
Hey guys- starting the suspension restoration of my 86 2M6 Notchie. Just replaced front shocks with KYBs. Looking at the other components and should probably do the ball joints too.Thinking while I’m at, might as well replace control arm bushings. I’ve never don’t any of this kinda work before, but not afraid to get my hands dirty. My question is should I bother with poly bushings or replace with original?
Pros and cons of poly?..
Thanks
skywurz DEC 05, 02:00 AM
Polly will last longer, is easier to install, is more forgiving, you won't accidentally rip them when you first install them (extra steps for tightening up the control arms so that doesn't happen) you don't need a press in polly.

I would recommend burning out the old rubber. I bent a control arm once trying to press out the old rubber.
Blacktree DEC 05, 12:34 PM
IMO it depends on intended usage of the car. For a daily driver or cruiser, I'd suggest stock replacement bushings. For a street/strip car, urethane would be better.
eelecurb DEC 05, 07:40 PM
I replaced with poly. Installation went well but it will def ride harsher with poly over the original bushings.
skywurz DEC 05, 08:42 PM
Honestly I didn't notice a ride difference. I put polly in my daily driver. No squeaks or anything like that. I have polly on the cradle, dog bones, a arms front and rear. The poly dog bone fixed the engine feeling like it was a wind up rubber band. Rubber will be trash again in 5 years.
theogre DEC 06, 03:21 AM
Poly bushings or not
Use "rubber" in control arms.
See my Cave, Bushings, Control Arms and rest of section.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

Shho13 DEC 06, 09:31 AM
I thoroughly enjoy the more stiff ride that comes from the poly bushings I installed in my 88, been three years now since I installed them I think it was worth it. If you do poly, make sure you install them with the included grease or they will squeek! If you want to see my installation, it's in my restoration thread in my signature.

Speaking about suspension in the earlier cars, look into that rear sway bar from the Fierostore, from what I hear that makes a considerable improvement in the handling and reduces understeer. https://www.fierostore.com/...0%20%20REAR&d=45&p=1

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"Discord"
Red 1988 GT under restoration!

Let's Go Mets!

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RWDPLZ DEC 06, 12:32 PM
Installed poly all around with Koni's, MUCH harsher ride than rubber, but handling is slightly improved.
cebix DEC 06, 02:14 PM
Go poly. Have them for a few years now. No squeaks. Ride is much firmer but I wouldn't say harsh. No noticeable wear. Have them in my c-arms, the cradle, stabilizer bushings and links.

Don't go for the poly dogbone though. My 2 cents. Rode with that for a few years on my 2.5 auto and got back to the rubber one.
longjonsilver DEC 06, 05:20 PM
i have poly everywhere. i love it. i wouldn't replace with rubber ever, and my car is a daily driver in the summer....
jon

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Astronomy says we will find a coded signal from outer space. Then we'll KNOW that life exists there, for coded signals aren't by chance.

Biology says there are coded genetic signals in every cell, but we KNOW that no intelligence created life.

I'm the original owner of a white ' 84 2M4 purchased Dec 10, 1983 from Pontiac. Always garaged, no rust, 4-wheel drifts are fun!