Which solid subframe bushings to buy?

[MuscleRodz]

I know there are sevral companies offering solid subframe bushings but I am not sure if any brand is better than another. Do any of them innerlock (sp?) differently than another? I am considering machining them myself as they are about $10 worth of material. I really don't like the aluminum ones due to high stress loads especially in a turn, and possibilty of corrrosion over time. Steel would be much better and it is what I prefer to use. What are your thoughts?

Mike

[Tom Welch]

I have used aluminum in 1st and second gen cars, they worked fine, still do. No corrosion as far as I can see. I dont think brand matters much here, Steel would work fine also.

[chicane67]

I've had my Global West aluminum sub frame bushings in the 67 for 16+ years with zero problems and zero corrosion. Dont really get your comment of 'stress loading' though........

[MuscleRodz]

The 4 bolts that attach the subframe to the car carry most of the load of the front end. The fenders carry some by attaching to the core support but the bolts under the car carry a majority of the load. At static the front bolts are merely holding the frame to the car, but the rear are in tension. When you start going around corners, stress' (or G loads) will cause the front end to pivot around the front bolts and put the rear bolts in shear. One darn good reason for sub frame connectors, they help eliminate alot of movement.

I have always been one for overkill and this is probably another case of that. I am basically looking for feedback on what different people have used. 16 yrs without issues is great feedback to here.

Mike

[chicane67]

Yeah, now that you mention it, I have had the sub frame connectors and bushing ~together~ for that amount of time....... and yes it does it help in more ways that one to have both. I wont do one without the other on any of my builds. An excellent point to make, Mike.

I do know that the front bushing are torqued to 50 while the rears are at 100 ft/lbs, just for a little side note for the clamping/shear thinking.

[Lowend]

I have always used the GW bushings - they come with very nice hardware and the interlocking design in a good setup.

I would stay away from the Comp Engineering SFB's they are poor tolerance and don't include all the bushings