79 2wd f100 leaf spring
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: KY
79 2wd f100 leaf spring
Been debating on installing new bushings on my 79 2wd rear leaf springs ,,they seem in good shape but are most likely original, unsure of ride just yet since its not on road yet but close , is it best to go with original style or use energy suspension poly ? Just wanting opinions an options , thanks for any feedback
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Been debating on installing new bushings on my 79 2wd rear leaf springs ,,they seem in good shape but are most likely original, unsure of ride just yet since its not on road yet but close , is it best to go with original style or use energy suspension poly ? Just wanting opinions an options , thanks for any feedback
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
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From: San Jose, CA
Each has their advantages.
The originals, if in good shape have lasted all these years, so longevity is not an issue for you. However some were in pretty bad shape by the time they were five years old. I know some of mine have been, while others have lasted the life of the truck!
The rubber has an arguably better ability to reduce vibrations. At least on paper, as I've never been able to tell the difference on any truck I put poly bushings on (which is every one I've owned so far, and most of my friends) so if your truck is like most, you won't notice.
If your truck is being dialed in down to the last detail, to make it as smooth riding as possible, then sticking with rubber seems a good idea.
The poly have, in most cases, a very long life expectancy as well. If your vehicles are prone to leaking oil all over the place too, the poly is less effected. Spring bushings not being the most prone to oil contamination, but it's "a thing" anyway.
My main reason for liking poly is the side flange shoulders. These keep the leaf springs located in the frame hangers. Some never have an issue, but most trucks I've dealt with had at least one leaf pack shifted over to one side or the other and rubbing on the hanger. So the poly eliminates this one issue at least.
In my opinion they are also easier to install than the rubber. If you have your own press, then it likely does not matter either way. But the poly can be installed by hand and maybe a couple of blows with a light hammer if you can't do it all by hand. The vulcanized rubber in their steel sleeve however need to be pressed in tightly.
If they are tight as expected, you have to have a press. If not tight enough, then they won't locate the springs side-to-side very well anyway.
So basically it can be a toss-up as to which to choose. But each has some strengths and weaknesses that might be what tilt the scales for any particular owner.
Paul
The originals, if in good shape have lasted all these years, so longevity is not an issue for you. However some were in pretty bad shape by the time they were five years old. I know some of mine have been, while others have lasted the life of the truck!
The rubber has an arguably better ability to reduce vibrations. At least on paper, as I've never been able to tell the difference on any truck I put poly bushings on (which is every one I've owned so far, and most of my friends) so if your truck is like most, you won't notice.
If your truck is being dialed in down to the last detail, to make it as smooth riding as possible, then sticking with rubber seems a good idea.
The poly have, in most cases, a very long life expectancy as well. If your vehicles are prone to leaking oil all over the place too, the poly is less effected. Spring bushings not being the most prone to oil contamination, but it's "a thing" anyway.
My main reason for liking poly is the side flange shoulders. These keep the leaf springs located in the frame hangers. Some never have an issue, but most trucks I've dealt with had at least one leaf pack shifted over to one side or the other and rubbing on the hanger. So the poly eliminates this one issue at least.
In my opinion they are also easier to install than the rubber. If you have your own press, then it likely does not matter either way. But the poly can be installed by hand and maybe a couple of blows with a light hammer if you can't do it all by hand. The vulcanized rubber in their steel sleeve however need to be pressed in tightly.
If they are tight as expected, you have to have a press. If not tight enough, then they won't locate the springs side-to-side very well anyway.
So basically it can be a toss-up as to which to choose. But each has some strengths and weaknesses that might be what tilt the scales for any particular owner.
Paul
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 12
From: KY
Each has their advantages.
The originals, if in good shape have lasted all these years, so longevity is not an issue for you. However some were in pretty bad shape by the time they were five years old. I know some of mine have been, while others have lasted the life of the truck!
The rubber has an arguably better ability to reduce vibrations. At least on paper, as I've never been able to tell the difference on any truck I put poly bushings on (which is every one I've owned so far, and most of my friends) so if your truck is like most, you won't notice.
If your truck is being dialed in down to the last detail, to make it as smooth riding as possible, then sticking with rubber seems a good idea.
The poly have, in most cases, a very long life expectancy as well. If your vehicles are prone to leaking oil all over the place too, the poly is less effected. Spring bushings not being the most prone to oil contamination, but it's "a thing" anyway.
My main reason for liking poly is the side flange shoulders. These keep the leaf springs located in the frame hangers. Some never have an issue, but most trucks I've dealt with had at least one leaf pack shifted over to one side or the other and rubbing on the hanger. So the poly eliminates this one issue at least.
In my opinion they are also easier to install than the rubber. If you have your own press, then it likely does not matter either way. But the poly can be installed by hand and maybe a couple of blows with a light hammer if you can't do it all by hand. The vulcanized rubber in their steel sleeve however need to be pressed in tightly.
If they are tight as expected, you have to have a press. If not tight enough, then they won't locate the springs side-to-side very well anyway.
So basically it can be a toss-up as to which to choose. But each has some strengths and weaknesses that might be what tilt the scales for any particular owner.
Paul
The originals, if in good shape have lasted all these years, so longevity is not an issue for you. However some were in pretty bad shape by the time they were five years old. I know some of mine have been, while others have lasted the life of the truck!
The rubber has an arguably better ability to reduce vibrations. At least on paper, as I've never been able to tell the difference on any truck I put poly bushings on (which is every one I've owned so far, and most of my friends) so if your truck is like most, you won't notice.
If your truck is being dialed in down to the last detail, to make it as smooth riding as possible, then sticking with rubber seems a good idea.
The poly have, in most cases, a very long life expectancy as well. If your vehicles are prone to leaking oil all over the place too, the poly is less effected. Spring bushings not being the most prone to oil contamination, but it's "a thing" anyway.
My main reason for liking poly is the side flange shoulders. These keep the leaf springs located in the frame hangers. Some never have an issue, but most trucks I've dealt with had at least one leaf pack shifted over to one side or the other and rubbing on the hanger. So the poly eliminates this one issue at least.
In my opinion they are also easier to install than the rubber. If you have your own press, then it likely does not matter either way. But the poly can be installed by hand and maybe a couple of blows with a light hammer if you can't do it all by hand. The vulcanized rubber in their steel sleeve however need to be pressed in tightly.
If they are tight as expected, you have to have a press. If not tight enough, then they won't locate the springs side-to-side very well anyway.
So basically it can be a toss-up as to which to choose. But each has some strengths and weaknesses that might be what tilt the scales for any particular owner.
Paul
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