Suspension Bushings For Off-Road?

[MotoRider42HC]

Based on some quick Googling, there are three main types of suspension bushing kits for the 1987 944 S...

#1 - OEM Rubber
#2 - Delrin
#3 - Aluminum

Which would work best for flying down gravel roads, blasting through low-water bridges, and maybe slinging some mud???

Delrin self-lubricates and was used in off-road trucks in the 90s, so i'm leaning towards that...

However, everywhere I look says aluminum is way more durable and better handling. However, i'm concerned that dirt could get into the spherical bearing and tear the teflon liner apart???

Any suggestions?

***must be off-the-shelf parts***
(don't have time/money for custom-made)

Thanks!
- James

1987 Porsche 944 S
5.3L L33 LS Swap
Off-Road Rally Racing
https://www.youtube.com/PowerSports

[v2rocket_aka944]

rubber, because it'll give at least some cushion to the rest of the car still (and you!)

offroad trucks tend to come with big repair budgets and sponsorships for when stuff breaks..

[9FF]

Give Elephant Racing a call, they know our cars well and offer a number of different options including a higher durometer (sports) rubber that will tighten things up without compromising compliance too much.

Also on the spherical “aluminum” bearings. I run Racers Edge on one of my cars and iirc they are stainless steel and the bearings are sealed, so there is no need to worry about ingress or corrosion, though they should be regularly inspected like everything else on a competition car.

[MotoRider42HC]

Originally Posted by v2rocket_aka944

offroad trucks tend to come with big repair budgets and sponsorships for when stuff breaks..

true that! wish i had some of that cake, haha.

[MotoRider42HC]

Originally Posted by 9FF

Also on the spherical “aluminum” bearings. I run Racers Edge on one of my cars and iirc they are stainless steel and the bearings are sealed, so there is no need to worry about ingress or corrosion, though they should be regularly inspected like everything else on a competition car.

Do you have any binding issues with those under heavy cornering?

Did they change the car's NVH in any noticeable way?

Thanks!

[9FF]

Originally Posted by MotoRider42HC

Do you have any binding issues with those under heavy cornering?

Did they change the car's NVH in any noticeable way?

Thanks!

No binding issues but yes the nvh is increased somewhat especially from the rear arms but then it is a dedicated track car with no insulation car so the transmission noise drowns everything out.

[MotoRider42HC]

Originally Posted by 9FF

No binding issues but yes the nvh is increased somewhat especially from the rear arms but then it is a dedicated track car with no insulation car so the transmission noise drowns everything out.

I hear you there!

...

I actually got an email back from Racers Edge, and they recommend the full-car aluminum spherical bearing kit.