Poly or Rubber?
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma
Poly or Rubber?
I am replacing the leaf spring bushings (1965, 2wd, short bed) and am at the point of replacing with "Factory" rubber type or going polyurethane.
I understand the poly doesn't flex as much and can withstand better over time than rubber, but the rubber will absorb vibration better.
That said, this truck will not see anything extreme, just nice cruising or city driving when the weather is nice.
Will poly be that much more noticeable for the rear? (I have not gotten to the front end yet).
The cost is the same for replacing 4 rubber bushings or one set of rear poly.
Thanks.for any info.
I understand the poly doesn't flex as much and can withstand better over time than rubber, but the rubber will absorb vibration better.
That said, this truck will not see anything extreme, just nice cruising or city driving when the weather is nice.
Will poly be that much more noticeable for the rear? (I have not gotten to the front end yet).
The cost is the same for replacing 4 rubber bushings or one set of rear poly.
Thanks.for any info.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 177
Likes: 109
As a Mechanic by trade. My opinion is that the poly does hold up better than the rubber. But it has some down sides in my opinion. First, they can squeak, and they are hard as plastic. so, they have a tendency to amplify road shock through the suspension parts into the frame and body and to the driver's comfort zone. Rubber is soft and absorbs this shock better. It's all in preference.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 204
Likes: 68
+1 to @stonewalljac
Pros and cons for both. From your description you might be happy with rubber and it will last long enough.
Pros and cons for both. From your description you might be happy with rubber and it will last long enough.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,948
Likes: 4,126
From: Angier, NC
I run poly on my 81 F100 up front and old rubber out back.
I know different suspensions but .....
If you use the lube that comes with the bushings you get no noise.
At least I dont and I got over 28K on them rain & sun, 100*f to 20*f I drive it.
As for ruff ride I dont know what the ride was before as I took the truck apart as soon as it came off the trailer.
I dont think it rides any different than my 02 Duango with 290K on it.
In my case I would go with poly again if I had to pick between rubber or poly.
Dave ----
I know different suspensions but .....
If you use the lube that comes with the bushings you get no noise.
At least I dont and I got over 28K on them rain & sun, 100*f to 20*f I drive it.
As for ruff ride I dont know what the ride was before as I took the truck apart as soon as it came off the trailer.
I dont think it rides any different than my 02 Duango with 290K on it.
In my case I would go with poly again if I had to pick between rubber or poly.
Dave ----
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 94
From: Stanton, Michigan, USA
Based on your projected plans for its use - if it was my project, I'd stay with the rubber.
No real reason why - just 'cause. I would align my vote with Truck4SF's comments.
BarnieTrk
No real reason why - just 'cause. I would align my vote with Truck4SF's comments.
BarnieTrk
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