More suspension questions...

[Typical Fish]

Thanks for all the advice here:

Suspension Question/Opinions...

Looks like shocks and bushings first. The question is, what bushings?

Thanks.

MG

[masraum]

which bushings to replace, or which type to replace with?

Spring plate, rear control arm, front control arm.

Which to use? Well, Elephant racing makes some nice ones, but they are more pricey than a stock style, I think. The spring plate don't really come by themselves unless you buy aftermarket, so maybe the neatrix. Otherwise, either the Elephant racing or stock style probably is best.

[Randy Webb]

Rubber for street; folks like El for racing

[Jdub]

For the front A arm (control arm) you have these choices:
= OEM A arm w/ rubber bushing (around 6hundred)
= Smart racing: try to buy either bushings (rubber) or have them vulcanize the bushings to your control arms (they will check alignment as well as paint it, etc.)
= Poly bushings: require some lathe work to fit A arm. They squeak.
= Chuck's bushings (spendy, but well made. Unsure how brass conforms to misshape of A arm)

Rear spring plate:
= Neatrix (a bit harder than rubber, a bit softer than pure poly)
= Chuck's bushings

Rear bannana/control arm:
= Original rubber (can you get these?)
= Poly w/metal reinforcement built in
= Monoballs? (thought to not move in all required planes)

That's what I think I know....

John

[mike mueller]

For street applications:

1), I'd recommend plastic (street durometer, not race)...
IF installed correctly.

2) I do like Elephants newest generation bushing kit, good product and price, I've lost a few sales to Chuck

3) I really like these : Needle Bearings
Of course I am a little biased towards the needle bearing kit

[Chuck Moreland]

Jdub,

Actually, for the trailing arm inner link it is poly bushings that have problems moving in multiple dimension and bind. Monoballs move freely.

As for bronze conforming to misshape A arms, it doesn't have to. PolyBronze bearings have a polyurethane jacket around the bronze that accomodates for minor misalignment and provides some vibration absorption. The bronze rides on a steel race that is fitted to the control arm to provide a precise surface.




PolyBronze has been used by a number of board members for street use and they've been quite happy with the ride quality. Since my comments will be viewed with suspect, hopefully some of those board members will chime in.