Polyurethane vs. Rubber

[Ranger44]

I stumbled across a short article(which lacked), and it gave me the idea to start this post as a comparison of Polyurethane and Rubber Bushings. Not really as compunds themselves but for certain uses, and the pros, and cons of using them in that certain application.

Examples: Body Mounts, Radius Arm Bushings, Axle Pivots, Leaf Springs, etc.

This may help others determine what is better for which application.

Add your .02. Could be interesting. Anybody else think this is an alright idea. Maybe a new section for the tech liabrary???

 

[kunar]

rubber bushings will allow for more flex, especially in places like the radius arms or the spring eyes. poly bushings will hold up longer though, and are much stiffer. you will also get more NVH from poly bushings. in a street truck or a car, poly is the better choice if you dont mind a stiffer ride, and it will handle much better. in a dedicated trail rig, the softer the better, so rubber is the obvious choice.

 

[Ranger44]

Good input.

 

[rickcdewitt]

rubber bushings will allow for more flex, especially in places like the radius arms or the spring eyes. poly bushings will hold up longer though, and are much stiffer.

poly won't last as long in the above app.s though.it gets squashed flat.

 

[WhiteBroncoII2WD]

for use as body mount bushings I really believe poly is the way to go

 

[nacanitihs]

where the hell can i get the poly body mounts THAT COME WITH THE HARDWARE?!? every set i find only has the bushings. and all of my bolts/washers/spacers are rotted to shit... i see them in the pictures with the mounts but they dont come w/ them.. ugh

 

[Ranger44]

I was just reading that when going with poly bushings, black is your best bet. They add graphite into the black mix, and this seems to deaden the squeeking.

 

[gotmudd]

where the hell can i get the poly body mounts THAT COME WITH THE HARDWARE?!? every set i find only has the bushings. and all of my bolts/washers/spacers are rotted to shit... i see them in the pictures with the mounts but they dont come w/ them.. ugh

energy suspension http://www.energysuspension.com just bought a set for my camaro, they came with the bolts, washers, inserts and bushings cost was @ $120 +tax .

 

[engdept]

energy suspension http://www.energysuspension.com just bought a set for my camaro, they came with the bolts, washers, inserts and bushings cost was @ $120 +tax .

Even Energy Suspension doesn't include the hardware on RBV's. You need to get new hardware from either Ford or LMC Truck.

 

[WhiteBroncoII2WD]

Even Energy Suspension doesn't include the hardware on RBV's. You need to get new hardware from either Ford or LMC Truck.

For me with my City discount Ford turned out the cheapest for me

 

[gotmudd]

Even Energy Suspension doesn't include the hardware on RBV's. You need to get new hardware from either Ford or LMC Truck.

not if you know the bolt sizes that you are dealing with. if you measure the old bolts for length and thread pitch, you can go to any hardware store that stocks a good supply of bolts and washers and get grade5 or grade8. most applications call for grade5 but i prefer grade8

 

[srteach]

I put blue poly cab mounts on my 96 2wd. That eliminated squeaks totally. For my 99 4x4, rubber for suspension, looking for poly for cab.

 

[Shran]

I have seen poly motor mounts used in straight-6 Jeeps over rubber ones to help eliminate engine movement. Apparently they do a pretty good job. I am not sure what other vehicles they are available for.

 

[engdept]

Poly bushings as engine motor mount bushings isn't a good thing in higher horsepower/torque applications. With the poly bushing being rigid, it will rip in two where the rubber bushing will give.

 

[shizzy]

I put Poly all around in my 72 Cutlass. it handles like a dream now but the ride is rather rough. I did get the black, so its kind of a stealthy "mod"