replacement suspension bushing advice - poly vs rubber
Im replacing the factory bushings and using all the original components. There really isn't a big difference in price between OEM and poly in the PST front end kits
When you say they dont work the same, do you mean the ride and handling is different, stiffer , etc.
Well yes, the poly is less flexible. So, less slop in your suspension, which is good, you’ll have better, more accurate handling. But of course that also means more road noise/vibration etc.
But the bushings themselves work different. The poly bushings can spin in their shells, and the pivot pins can spin in the bushings. That’s not like the rubber bushings. The rubber bushings are friction fit into the shells, and all the suspension movement is flex in the bushing, not anything spinning.
The other thing is, the stock, non adjustable strut rods depend on all the flex and slop in the rubber. They’re not exactly sized, it’s like “one size fits most”, with the slop and flex keeping things from binding. The poly LCA bushings don’t have that slop and flex. So, the strut rods have to be the right length, and that’s not necessarily the stock length. Plus, since the pivot pin can slide, the strut rod length is even more critical. Same for the pin being able to spin, now you need lubrication.
I like the poly bushings better. But in my opinion, if you want them to work right, they should be installed with adjustable strut rods and greasable pivot pins. Do that and they’ll outperform and outlast the rubber. Don’t, and you’ll be like the folks complaining about squeaky bushing that let the pins slide. It’s not a problem with the bushings, it’s bad installation.
