Gary,
Any time you use a firmer bushing material it is going to transmit more
vibration and noise than rubber. But heck, it's a sportscar! I replaced all
of my suspension bushings with nylatron. I did not use the aluminum solid rack
mounts as I was warned that this will put alot of vibration into the steering
wheel. Just think about it. In this area I think its overkill unless you're
building a racecar. Maybe its OK if you're roads are smooth as a pool table.
Invest in road springs. Makes all of the difference in the car's handling.
Just do not go to the super stiff type that really belong on the racetrack.
Those are way too harsh for road use.
DO buy a front rebuild kit that includes all of the bushings, washers, etc. for
upper and lower. Especially the lower. When taking it apart you may find that
the lower A-arm holes have become elongated due to worn through bushings where
A-arms are riding directly on the large bolt. That will definitely create
sloppy handling and must be repaired (Welding and reaming) or replaced.
Another source of sloppy handling are the brass trunnions and vertical links.
Threads on the links and trunnions can get worn big time. Trunnions are easy
to replace relatively speaking. Especially if you're rebuilding the
suspension. Vertical links are a bit more complicated but certainly not
impossible. The large threaded pin on the verticals links should not be
corroded or worn to where steel is obviously missing. If so, replace them.
Check the ball joints on the rack and pinion. Grab a hold of the free hanging
tie rod and push and pull back and forth in the direction of the unit. There
should be no play or "space" felt through your hands. If so that will also
give you sloppy handling. Could be a number of things. Not all that difficult
to take apart, although a good vise is invaluable and it is a messy job. Or
simply buy a complete rebuilt unit.
As far as the u-joints, unless they making a noise on application of load or
deceleration I'd tend to leave them for now. Unless you're feeling
particularly productive and want to tackle that job while replacing the diff
mounts. With TR IRS it's going to happen some time, so, no time like the
present?
Good Luck!
Greg Dito
CD6250L
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