Suspension stuff...
 

Ok so I'm not getting where I had expected to. Last time I looked at upgrading my suspension I had a Z-28 and there were literally thousands of options. The only options I'm getting for my 86 GMC C3500 are Energy Suspension body mounts, leaf spring bushings, rear sway bar, tie rod end dust covers, and engine/trans mounts?? Does no one make full poly bushing/mount kits for these trucks?

Ideally I'm looking for poly bushings for both sway bars, rear springs, upper/lower control arms, coil spring mount/plate?, engine/trans mounts, carrier bearing?, etc... And I'd love to upgrade to tubular upper and lower control arms except the only options I've found for lowers are 2-4" drops. IMO my truck sits to low as is and I do NOT want to lower it anymore.

Has anyone else gone down this road? Any links if you have, or ideas if you haven't?

Thanks,

-Chris

Re: Suspension stuff...
 

I just went to Summit and looked up all of the Energy Suspension line for an 86 C3500

They have the engine and trans mounts, cab mounts, sway bar bushings, tie rod boots and leaf spring bushings.

Your truck doesn't use rubber or urethane on the control arms. They are steel, therefore not applicable. There is no coil spring plate or mount on these trucks, so again, not applicable.

Re: Suspension stuff...
 

Heres a link to the Energy Suspension catalog http://energysuspension.com/

Re: Suspension stuff...
 

I know there will be completely different opinions on this but I've built/lifted/restored quite a few different crew cabs (73 up to 2000 style) and the couple times I've put anything other than OEM rubber body mounts in they absolutely brought out every rattle, squeak, shimmy, shake and the ride quality was junk. I know poly stuff has there place and I use them in some suspension stuff but for replacing body mounts, never again! It's got to have some cushion and give.

Again, there are people that I'm sure swear that it never changes, probably rides better than rubber, but just wanted to throw that out there. I know this has been discussed before so if ya search the opinions will be shown.

Good luck with the project and enjoy the build!

Re: Suspension stuff...
 

Granted I haven't gotten under the truck and looked (and i will here in a few)... but don't the upper and lower control arms mount via rubber bushing? Thats really what I was looking for was poly replacements for them, and tubular arms would be great for stability and handling.

Thanks for the info tho :)

-Chris

Re: Suspension stuff...
 

Your control arm bushings are steel, not rubber. If you want stability, you're not gonna beat them.

Re: Suspension stuff...
 

Ah. that would end the confusion about poly bushings then :) Thx Tx Firefighter!

Re: Suspension stuff...
 

I put all poly suspension bushings on my old 79. It still rode awesome and I thought "all these anti-poly people are stupid". So I bought some poly cab mount bushings. Worst idea ever!!!

Re: Suspension stuff...
 

So if you're using OEM style rubber where do you go for those? Is the dealer the only place? I've been searching the web and am only finding aftermarket Poly.

Re: Suspension stuff...
 

local auto parts store should have most, if not all the replacement rubber.