DodgeCharger.com Forum

Mopar Garage => Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, & Tires => Topic started by: 1970Moparmann on September 02, 2013, 08:36:32 PM

Title: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: 1970Moparmann on September 02, 2013, 08:36:32 PM
I'm really surprised but my rubber PST bushings only lasted 4,000 miles.  Since I would like to do some mild road racing, should I go with poly?   Opinions wanted....

Thanks. :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: cdr on September 02, 2013, 11:10:44 PM
if the upper arm bolts were tightened with the car up in the air it will tear the bushing & it wont last very long.  :shruggy:
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: Mike DC on September 02, 2013, 11:28:00 PM
 
Only 4000 miles?  Something is wrong there. 

Maybe it's the install or maybe it's the parts, but it's something. 

Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: WHITE AND RED 69 on September 03, 2013, 03:05:45 PM
Only 4000 miles, that sucks! How is your alignment? Maybe something is off causing it to wear down quicker? 

I'd go with polyurethane since you have to replace them. All of my poly bushings have about 5000 miles and they still look good. The only spot I have had bad experiences with poly is the lower control arm but that was my fault cause I torqued it down with the car in the air.
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: 1970Moparmann on September 03, 2013, 04:15:36 PM
I will probably go with the Poly's.  I didn't do the original suspension work, so not sure if it was torqued down in the air or not. 

Thanks guys!
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: 375instroke on September 11, 2013, 11:04:26 AM
Why would torquing in the air matter with poly?  Don't they slide like a bearing unlike the rubber ones that twist?
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: 375instroke on September 11, 2013, 11:06:22 AM
I've seen bushing material rated from best to worst like this:
1. Delrin
2. Rubber
3. Sand
4. Polyurethane
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: WHITE AND RED 69 on September 11, 2013, 01:43:14 PM
Quote from: 375instroke on September 11, 2013, 11:06:22 AM
I've seen bushing material rated from best to worst like this:
1. Delrin
2. Rubber
3. Sand
4. Polyurethane

Sounds like you got that info from a reputable source. Too bad nobody makes Delrin suspension bushings for Mopars.
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: 375instroke on September 12, 2013, 02:09:05 PM
Quote from: WHITE AND RED 69 on September 11, 2013, 01:43:14 PM
Too bad nobody makes Delrin suspension bushings for Mopars.

Nobody?
http://www.paeco.com/Delrin%20Bushings.htm
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: myk on September 12, 2013, 02:28:05 PM
Lol, what's wrong with 'poly bushings? 
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: 68CoronetRT on September 13, 2013, 12:28:40 AM
Delrin is definitely the move. In Off-Road racing, its all about Delrin. We have to custom build each piece for our truck on a lathe. It's alot of work but well worth it.
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: fy469rtse on September 13, 2013, 12:43:19 AM
moparman ,
have a look at repco in Australia, aftermarket suspension co over here, they make offset and standard bushes for our Valiant's , fit b body also,
the reason for the offset bush is for more camber caster adjustment. 
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: bull on September 13, 2013, 02:31:24 AM
Quote from: myk on September 12, 2013, 02:28:05 PM
Lol, what's wrong with 'poly bushings? 

Squeaky, squeak, squeak, that's what.
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: myk on September 13, 2013, 04:17:40 AM
Well that Delrin stuff sounds too expensive.  As long as the 'polys do a good job of beefing up my suspension, the squeaking they make can join the orchestra of strange noises that the car's already making...
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: WHITE AND RED 69 on September 13, 2013, 02:18:51 PM
Quote from: 375instroke on September 12, 2013, 02:09:05 PM
Quote from: WHITE AND RED 69 on September 11, 2013, 01:43:14 PM
Too bad nobody makes Delrin suspension bushings for Mopars.

Nobody?
http://www.paeco.com/Delrin%20Bushings.htm

Ok, you got me there. But no one mass produces them, hopefully in the future someone will make full kits.

Delrin sounds great but that's way too expensive to have each bushing custom made. You could buy a new set of tubular control arms with bushings installed for the cost to have delrin bushings made for your used control arms.

Quote from: bull on September 13, 2013, 02:31:24 AM
Quote from: myk on September 12, 2013, 02:28:05 PM
Lol, what's wrong with 'poly bushings?  

Squeaky, squeak, squeak, that's what.

I have been using poly bushings for the last 3 years and have yet to hear them make any noise.  And if they do start, all of them have grease fittings so it's an easy fix.

If you do hear any noises, just means your engine isn't loud enough.   :nana:
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: myk on September 14, 2013, 01:09:57 AM
Well said, my friend!
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: bull on September 15, 2013, 10:13:43 AM
Squeaky, squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak.................. :brickwall:
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: myk on September 15, 2013, 01:37:56 PM
Lol.  I raise guinea pigs, so maybe the Charger will have someone to talk to when I'm at work...
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: bull on September 15, 2013, 04:23:53 PM
 :D
Title: Re: Upper Control Arm Bushings
Post by: 375instroke on September 16, 2013, 01:35:52 PM
I really don't know what's better.  We have poly lower control arm bushings on our Mustang endurance road race car, and they seem ok for now, and we beat the hell out of that car as far as turns and braking goes.

Poly LCA bushings reuse the old sleeves from the rubber bushings.  Could it be so difficult to make these or other bushings from raw stock?  I see a few people cut poly strut rod bushings to fit better.  I've relocated the crossmember 5/8" forward, moved the lower control arms, which are 3/4" longer than stock, up 3/4", and moved the steering rack back 1/4" and up.  All this to fix deficiencies in the original design.  I don't know if B-bodies have any problems, but I think Hotchkis thinks so.  They relocate one of the upper control arm pivot points.  If the geometry moves the wheels in the wrong direction, what is a stiffer bushing going to help?