[6pack] Suspension bushings

[Robert M. Lang]

Hi,

Unless "forever" is 10 years or less, there's a pretty good likelyhood 
that the job will need doing again in the future.

That said, the rubber parts that we get and that we've been getting for 
some time (like the last 15 years) seem to have problems dealing with the 
environment (like UV light and ozone) and they deteriorate pretty quickly 
as compared to the original parts did.

At any rate, I'm a fan or non-rubber parts based on longevity, not just 
the benfits of a more solid mounting points. So no matter what you do, use 
urethane upper control arm bushings as the min.

To your question, I like urethane for the rear bushings as they get rid of 
a lot of compliance "issues" that the rubber has. The main thing when 
replacning the bushings - no matter what you end up using - is that you 
maintain the proper dimensions with the replacement parts. What this means 
is that if you use urethane, make sure the steel sleeves are the same 
length as the sleeves you take out and make sure that the sleeves are cut 
SQUARE. I've seen a lot of these parts with the steel sleeves dimensions 
all over the place and the will effect how they work when you install 
them. I like delrin even more, but some folks think that effects the 
transmission of road noise more than the rubber. I disagree, but this is 
opinion and we can stop that discussion there.

There are harder rubber bushings available, that might be a resonable 
compromise, but the comments above still hold. Make sure the dimensions 
are right before you install of you get no benefit from doing the parts 
replacement.

regards,
rml
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Bob Lang              Triumph TR6!!            |  This space for rent
2009 NER Solo Chair                            |
Voice:617-253-7438                             |  Cell: 339-927-4489
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