Polyurethane Trailing Arm Bushings?

[ShortCST]

I was under the truck an hour ago, and noticed some cracks in the 50 year old rubber trailing arm bushings.

Does anyone know if someone makes polyurethane replacements?

[RodnRudy]

Summit Racing has them. Energy Suspension Polyurethane trailing arm kit, $18.95
They're what I used on my 68

[ShortCST]

Thanks Rudy! Placing my order now!

[demian5]

Originally Posted by RodnRudy

Summit Racing has them. Energy Suspension Polyurethane trailing arm kit, $18.95
They're what I used on my 68

How did the ride change?

[AussieinNC]

Watch the poly bushings...they substantially reduce the design flex essential for the rear arms to function correctly...

Just my two cents worth...

[Shaky]

Originally Posted by AussieinNC

Watch the poly bushings...they substantially reduce the design flex essential for the rear arms to function correctly...

Just my two cents worth...

And two cents more makes four...

I put polyurethane in mine, but if I had to do it again, I'd put rubber. I think they were meant to flex as part of the system, and putting poly in just puts more stress on the arms...

[demian5]

Originally Posted by Shaky

And two cents more makes four...

I put polyurethane in mine, but if I had to do it again, I'd put rubber. I think they were meant to flex as part of the system, and putting poly in just puts more stress on the arms...

How did it ride?

[ShortCST]

Well, I'm glad that I fell asleep with the Summit shopping cart full. Maybe I'll look at rubber bushings again.

[AussieinNC]

I believe the poly bushings have a place in certain situations, mainly in control surface situations where flex can be detrimental to best performance...

Trust me...unless this truck is a serious performance beast, you are better off using rubber bushings in the trailing arms...

Your wallet will thank you...in so many ways...

The trailing arm support frame is a very rigid mount point and without some point of flex in the system, all direct flex loads are transmitted into the next weakest link, that being the trailing arms themselves.

Same point for the billet center bearings I see being promoted on some sites...the center bearing must be able to float back and forward along the line of the driveshaft to accommodate rear end for and aft movement...mounting it solid billet style should only ever be done if the rear end is a Corvette style fully independent unit...

[ShortCST]

Ok, I'll stick with rubber for the trailing arms.

[Shaky]

Originally Posted by demian5

How did it ride?

Well, it's a C20 that I drive empty, so there was really no noticeable difference. You might notice it on a C10, but I doubt it.

I like poly for the front end of cars, especially the PST graphite impregnated ones. They weren't rock hard and didn't squeak, but as others have said, I'd go for rubber in the trailing arms. I'd do poly in the track arm though.

[6T7 C10]

Last year we put the black polyurethane bushings in the rear trailing arms in my brothers '70 C10 LWB and honestly could not tell much difference from the 47 year old original rubber ones.

[leddzepp]

I've got poly in the 72, and the originals in the 68. They both ride like 45 year old trucks, no difference.

[kaycee]

I put poly graphite on all my suspension components and these handles like a dream no roll in the corners ,no squeeks or binds. Been on the truck for 5 years and still no complaints . Use the grease with the polys and coat them fu@#$% good

[In The Ten Ring]

There are bushings in the trailing arms?

*Ugh, I have that replacement to look forward to as well. I'll go for rubber, my truck is a work truck.

[AussieinNC]

Hey In The Ten Ring

Do yourself a big favor and grab two second hand trailing arms and replace the bushes on the second hand ones...use the rubber bushes in the front of the arms.

Also, about a week before you go to remove the current ones, give all the bolts a really big dose of penetrating spray...then grab the biggest breaker bar you have and be prepared for a really tight pair of bolts thru the bushes.....

Finally, while you have the rear end work going on, replace the bushes in the track arm...these can be the poly style bushes...

Have fun !!!