bushing types

[zboss86]

I'm seeing different types of bushings being discussed..

Polyurethane

impregnated polyurethane

delrin (DSE maybe?)

del a lum (Global West?)


Can somebody educate me on the differences and can I hear opinions on the better ones.

Also, would any one of them ride better than the other?

Also, can you get all of them for stock control arms?
I'm sandblasting and powdercoating my front clip and will be installing some sort of bushings soon.

thanks guys,
Shad

[pav8427]

the delrin and similar bushings will transfer more noise, and
harsher ride.

but the offset on a properly set up suspension would pay for
itself in handling and the fun factor.

catchin what i'm pitchin'?

doug

[79T/Aman]

pav8427, not really solid bushings (derlin,steel,nylon ) don't bind and allow the spring and shock to absorb the road noise and vibrations.

[MrQuick]

The bushing choice would be determined by the drivers usage...
* polyurethane - uses a polyurethane surrounded steel tube to control control arm movement. street perfomance,mild race, better deflection control over stock rubber.
* impregnated poly or often refererred to as poly-graphite. Basically the same as poly but lubricated with graphite that is mixed in. street perfomance, mild race. better deflection control over stock.
Most of these will bind and become noisey after the lube runs out or drys.The graphite are worst due to the misconseption that they don't need lubricant. Graphite grease drys faster than high silicone grease, also becomes abrasive.
Energy suspension bushings are better than brand "P" because it features a grease fitting and internal grease channel that allows lube to travel across the bushing surface.
* The delrin 9 (very dense plastic),del-alum style bushings are best used where free movement is demanded and ride quality isn't a priority. I don't care who you talk to, they do transmit more NVH over a stock rubber bushing. When used with stiff shocks, heavy weight springs, subframe connectors and solid body bushings, this can be a concern with your average joe driver but won't be a concern with average Jack racer that rather have the suspension work for him/her.
These bushings are used in heavy street to high race loads. It features a Delrin lined sleeve housed in an aluminum shell to control arm deflection.It provides zero deflection with minimal bind. It is lube-able and does require frequent maintinence to prolong life of delrin sleeve. Delrin does not absorb road vibration or shock so the driver will feel some harshness. Best desribed like driving with your low profile tires inflated to 100psi.

this is a general description of parts in question not meant to sell you on a specific type. I would suggest finding out what and how your car will be used and maybe go for a ride in cars with both systems.

[zboss86]

thanks for the descriptions...

I'm not going to road race this car. It migh see a drag strip 3 times a year. I'd like to drive it a couple of days a week to work, on tours and such. Some of you guys may cuss me but I'm going for the "pro touring look" with the main concerns being reliability, comfort, and COLD AIR CONDITIONING.

Keeping all of this in mind, I'm in the process of swapping the wore out bushings and looking for the better bushing(if there is one for what I'm doing) I've just heard that polyurethane squeeks and the last thing I want is to have a nice ride that squeeks every turn I make.