Re-bushing suspension and rebuilding brakes on project 1st

[Longroof79]

Poly bushings are alleged to last longer than rubber. I used poly on my front upper and lower control arms and used the 1LE bushings on my rear control arms.
It is a firmer ride with the poly, but I like a car that has a firm road feel and cam handle.

 

[Geo's66]

Jack, didn't think to mix/match like that... Who's poly's did you use up front? Did you use rubber for the body mounts? Everything I've read said to use rubber in the rear control arms, too. Thanks

 

[Geo's66]

Guys, where do you buy the 1LE bushings? Dealerships or a vendor here? Thx

 

[pontiacgp]

I agree. Just a word of mouth.

Unless you're going all out autocrossing there is no need for poly bushings really. Thats what im trying to say.

I personally don't find the poly bushings give me a still ride but the car responds better with the poly bushings. I have 660 lbs springs up front and the 34 mm hollow sway bar. In back I have 175 lbs springs and an F body GTA rear sway bar. I have bilstein ak series shocks and the frame is boxed. With my set up there is increased pressure on the pivot points and the stock rubber bushings were not designed to handle that kind of pressure and the deflection would upset the handling of the car. It's all about what you want and there is pros and cons to any set up. Fun part is we can set these cars up just about any way we want.

 

[pontiacgp]

I agree. Just a word of mouth.

Unless you're going all out autocrossing there is no need for poly bushings really. Thats what im trying to say.

I personally don't find the poly bushings give me a still ride but the car responds better with the poly bushings. I have 660 lbs springs up front and the 34 mm hollow sway bar. In back I have 175 lbs springs and an F body GTA rear sway bar. I have bilstein ak series shocks and the frame is boxed. With my set up there is increased pressure on the pivot points and the stock rubber bushings were not designed to handle that kind of pressure and the deflection would upset the handling of the car. It's all about what you want and there is pros and cons to any set up. Fun part is we can set these cars up just about any way we want.

 

[Longroof79]

Guys, where do you buy the 1LE bushings? Dealerships or a vendor here? Thx

I purchased mine from the local Chevy (or GM) dealer about 12 yrs ago. I would first check if they're still available. part #10164152

I used the Energy Suspension urethane body mounts as well.

The poly bushings not only last longer than rubber, but they don't deflect as much as rubber does.

 

[Geo's66]

Thanks guys, great stuff... On my chevelle website, few guys did the pst performance poly's up front, rubber everywhere else. Think that might be the trick. Didn't want to go all out and tubular yet. Even thought mine will have some hp, like the idea of a somewhat softer road car other than solid steering. Thanks for the parts number on the 1LE's, Jack... I will be replacing front /rear springs, would like a slight drop in each so any advice there would be great. Thinking on my 15x8 corvette rally's, 255x70 rear... 225 either 70 or 60 up front for natural rake. Have some other questions but I'll jump to those threads... Thanks, you guys rock

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

Poly bushings are alleged to last longer than rubber. I used poly on my front upper and lower control arms and used the 1LE bushings on my rear control arms.
It is a firmer ride with the poly, but I like a car that has a firm road feel and cam handle.

Poly bushings are more chemical resistance but mechanically wear faster than rubber. This is due to rubber bushings twisting instead of sliding which limits wear. Poly the bolts slides inside the bushings so there is more wear. Also poly has a habit of cold flowing, this allows poly bushings to permanently deform over time, especially with high pressure suspension springs. Many people mistake binding as improved handling and control, if the car snaps out of the bind, the car will go into a violent uncontrolled skid without any warning. Binding and snap oversteer are insidious.

As for getting 1LE bushings, Moog replacement bushings are as firm as the 1LEs. It is hard to buy the stock soft bushings anymore. Deflection is not a bad thing, your rear suspension requires it to operate properly.

 

[Geo's66]

Ok, so any experience with going with poly's up front and 1LE's in rears? Think this makes sense from what I've read. Thanks a lot

 

[autonaut]

I personally don't find the poly bushings give me a still ride but the car responds better with the poly bushings. I have 660 lbs springs up front and the 34 mm hollow sway bar. In back I have 175 lbs springs and an F body GTA rear sway bar. I have bilstein ak series shocks and the frame is boxed. With my set up there is increased pressure on the pivot points and the stock rubber bushings were not designed to handle that kind of pressure and the deflection would upset the handling of the car. It's all about what you want and there is pros and cons to any set up. Fun part is we can set these cars up just about any way we want.

I dont have as much experience as you i can see. I agree these vehicles are only limited by our skills🙂