Polyurethane Bushings
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See A Man About A Horse
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,901
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From: Mariposa, Ca.
Polyurethane Bushings
NumberDummy helped me find a set of NOS front leaf springs.The bushings are deteriorated,and I will change them,but wanted to know the pros/cons of rubber vs polyurethane.Would I even be able to find the poly ones to fit my application?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,875
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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
I would assume if poly bushing are made for spring applications of more modern vehicles there should be something out there that would fit your truck. Springs are pretty basic parts which are used on numerous vehicles and I doubt there are many different types of leaf springs. Do you spring or suspension shop in your area? If you do take your spring and parts over there and see if they can match something up.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Burbank, WA
The biggest con with urethane bushings is they are notorious for squeeking (quite noticably) while in their motion of travel. The next con is they transmit road shock and vibration considerably more than rubber. Since these trucks are not the quietset or softest riding things to begin with, I personally wouldn't want to do anything that would make it worse. But in a hot rod or high performance application, they can really firm up things and eliminate wheel hop in certain situations.
Having them fit isn't difficult. Oversize ones can be chucked up in a lathe and turned down easily to the desired diameter.
Having them fit isn't difficult. Oversize ones can be chucked up in a lathe and turned down easily to the desired diameter.
Thread Starter
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See A Man About A Horse
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 660
From: Mariposa, Ca.
I thought I had heard or read they were harsh-riding,didn't know about the noise.Would they have a lot longer life?The closest spring shop is about 1 1/2 hours away,they're closed Saturdays,so the logistics are a problem.In my area,spring shops and radiator shops are scarce.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,160
Likes: 4,762
From: Burbank, WA
I guess one would have to define longer life. I suppose one could make a case that plastic will outlive rubber, but a good quality rubber bushing will out live you and me for what and where we'll use our trucks.
