86IROC112

Time to get under there and start replacing these 30+ year old bushings, struts, shocks, and springs... I've seen some love for the rubber bushings over the poly ones. What are your opinions?


I'm just looking to smooth out the ride and eliminate some the shaking at high speeds. Nothing fancy, I'd just like to get it back to a like new ride.


I just replaced the who knows how old front tires that likely had flat spots and that helped a bunch but I want to freshen everything up under there.

Bob88GTA

iTrader: (2)

If you want a nice tight, squeaking,feel every bump on the road handling beast, go with the poly.
If you want quieter smoother ride, save your rattling teeth, go with the rubber.
I do run the Poly on the sway bar end links.
I had them both.

86IROC112

Thanks Bob,


Best place to get a full set of rubber? Just want a nice riding car. I've had Corvettes so I'm done with crap your pants speed for a while.

Bob88GTA

iTrader: (2)

Classic Industries and Summit have the sets

Drew

iTrader: (58)

If you go with stock replacement parts for a later performance oriented Thirdgen, from a reputable brand (Moog, ACDelco, Federal Mogul) you'll generally get poly, "thermo-plastic" aka poly, or harder durometer rubber. Aside from the base model and V6 suspension, most of the later performance oriented thirdgens had good stuff from the factory. The hype surrounding poly frequently stems from lesser platforms with squishy soft rubber bushings.

I've run poly endlinks, and poly in the track bar, and trailing arms, plus poly trans and motor mounts. No problems. I'd hesitate to use them in the front control arms.

86firebird350

If all you're looking for is something "factory fresh" then go with rubber bushings everywhere and you'll be more than happy. But if you want any kind of increase in handling/steering feel (afterall these are sports cars and who doesn't want better performance) I'd suggest doing a bit more research on the topic. Personally, I wouldn't use rubber anywhere if I were updating/upgrading my suspension. It would be a combination of poly, delrin, and johnny joint/roto-joint in the applicable locations.

vinny R

I used poly on my sway bars. trailing arms and panard bar. No noise and smooth ride. I have not done the front a-arms but when I do I will use the delrin for that. I have heard that if you use poly in the a-arms that is were you get the squeaks and a harsh ride.

JamesC

iTrader: (5)

I swapped poly into the a-arms years ago—I assure you I wouldn't make that mistake again.

JamesC

W.E.G.

Ah yes.

A prospect for membership in the brotherhood of Boo-Yahhh!