Bushings: Rubber versus Polyurethane

[1986swb]

I am in the process of replacing my upper and lower control arm (A-arm) bushings for my 1986 GMC 1/2 ton (2wd) but I am torn between replacing them with either rubber or polyurethane bushings. I like the increased control feel from the polys but I hate the squeeking noise as experienced with poly sway bar bushings.

Questions:

1. Do control arm poly bushings squeek like sway bar bushing? i.e. going over speed bumps.

2. If so, how significant is the squeeking?

3. Is there a way to eliminate the squeeking?

I'd appreciate your pros and cons on both rubber and polyurethane bushings.

Help me resolve my dilemma! Thanks.

[STOCKISH]

I've used poly before with no issues. Just lube them properly with the supplied grease and enjoy. Or use 67-72 control arms
(metal cross shafts instead of bushings) with your ball joints and not worry about rubber bushings or squeaking ever again.

[Oilbrnr]

Poly with zerks if you are OK with a 'driver' clean chassis.

[gchemist]

Use polygraphite bushing instead. Best of both worlds. I have all polygraphite on my truck. Trucks drives and handles great!!

[1986swb]

Originally Posted by gchemist

Use polygraphite bushing instead. Best of both worlds. I have all polygraphite on my truck. Trucks drives and handles great!!

First of all, sorry for the delayed reply guys. I've been out of town on business. After talking with tons of folks, polygraphite is the way to go -- even older classic muscle car owners are using them (with great results and no major issues). However, I have decided to redo my entire front suspension using basic rubber. I'm changing everything: tie rods, ball joints, idler and pitman arm, all CABs, swaybar bushings, shocks. The rubber bushings may not have the performance factor but they have lasted pretty well (almost 25 years) without any major issues (besides cracking now). I also purchased a pair of front drop spindles (mild 2.5" drop) with rear hangers and shackles (rubber, 4" drop). KYBs round out the shock situation. Purchased everything from Classic Parts (10% off holiday sale plus free shipping -- sweet deal!) and from LMC Trucks. I'm doing the work myself over the Christmas holiday so wish me luck. As soon as I'm done, I'll post some pics to get your feedback (before and after shots).

Thanks everyone for your input.

[bluex]

If your going with energy suspension get the bushings in black. They are polygraphite as well. The red ones are just poly. I have front/rear sets for my K5, but havent put them in yet so no idea how they will do.

I did put poly engine and tranny mounts in my 00 S-10. Worst thing I did to that truck. Vibrated like crazy at a red light/stop sign with the A/C on....

[bigblock73]

Definately get Polygraphite instead of polyeurethane. PST sells some good stuff, I have their products on the front of my 73, was REAL happy with it.

[Mr.Scary]

Im glad someone asked this because i was wondering tha same thing.... Sooooooo polygraphite is tha way 2 go then??

[Todd65]

I went back to original rubber, but I'm cheap.