Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

markeb01 · 12-27-2009, 01:30 AM

Please advise which you prefer for a street driven truck. It appears the urethane bushings are easier to install at home, but may be hard on components and have a tendency to squeak if not greased with the correct lubricant. The original style rubber bushings are noiseless and last for decades, but careless installation can damage the trailing arms. If you use urethane, what lubricant do you use, and do they need to be lubricated periodically? Thanks in advance.

protrash64 · 12-27-2009, 01:38 AM

I would guess the lube is the same stuff that comes with sway bars. It's clear, thick, and sticky. I believe it is a type of silicon lube. My sway bars dont squeak.

Rich 5150 69 · 12-27-2009, 11:05 AM

Mark a lot of the street rod crowd use them, a lot less deflection, better handling but your right they do tend to squeak on occasion, most all of them install zirk fittings in them to alleviate the problem and use moly lube no more complaints..
http://www.timskelton.com/lightning/...e_bushings.htm

My prooblem is which one is better suited, poly graphite or urethane bushings...? any advice is welcome as I`m thinking of doing the same.
http://www.p-s-t.com/pc-3037-597-che...d-1963-72.aspx

markeb01 · 12-27-2009, 05:43 PM

Good point, I didn't realize there were other options.

markeb01 · 12-29-2009, 12:19 AM

Any other opinions on rubber, urethane or poly graphite trailing arm bushings??

astrochimp · 12-29-2009, 03:04 PM

The arms actuality twist to make our rear suspension work.
IMHO the polly would limit articulation and put more stress on other parts.

David

vin63 · 12-30-2009, 12:36 AM

I typically use white lithium grease for the assembly of all the bushings. I tend to go with rubber bushings in all of my suspension components, but I have built cars and trucks using urethane bushings with no issues or squeaks, etc. The one area that I do use a urethane bushing is for the track locater/panhard bar.

*lakeroadster* · 12-30-2009, 08:32 AM

I was on the urethane band wagon about 20 years ago and used them on the rear suspension on a '72 Chevy Nova I restored back about 20 years ago. Also used them on my Model A four link and Model T Hairpins.

Having used both rubber and urethane I prefer OEM style rubber mounts. That is what I used when I rebuilt the trailing arms and panhard bar on my C10 last year and when I replaced the rear springs on my '69 Camaro about 3 years ago.

In my experience the urethane transmits a lot more road noise through the suspension pieces and into the frame and thus makes for a harsher / noisier ride.

I would rather trade the slight disadvantage in handling for a less harsh more peaceful ride.

My 2 cents.....

jbgroby · 12-30-2009, 11:56 AM

I need to change mine how to you get them in? Do I need to bring them to a press? I hate banging on things. I have a 1960 GMC with a simple single stock sway bar.

*lakeroadster* · 12-30-2009, 01:05 PM

I removed the bar and then drilled out the rubber with a small drill bit between the O.D. steel tube and the I.D. sleeves. Drove the new ones in with a hammer.

I have heard some people take a torch and burn them out. I gotta think that would be nasty.

Rich 5150 69 · 12-31-2009, 02:10 AM

John you said it right according to this link (nasty)
http://www.timskelton.com/lightning/...e_bushings.htm

[PHP]David said The arms actuality twist to make our rear suspension work.
IMHO the polly would limit articulation and put more stress on other parts./PHP]

I think this would be negligable from a street truck standpoint, the trailing arms are positoned at an angle as not to twist as much plus they sell strengthening plates as well, I will add larger front sway bar 1 13/16 , and a sway bar for the rear 3/4 to 1 inch. I`m not building a road racer just a better handling truck..

oldblue1968chevy · 01-25-2010, 02:03 PM

so rubber or polyurathane??? not building a race car but wanna have good handling if i can get it

markeb01 · 01-25-2010, 05:05 PM

After reviewing all the responses above, plus some pm's I received, I decided to go with the factory rubber bushings. It appears from those having experience with both kinds, the non-rubber bushings will eventually squeek. I'm too old and busted to want to chase chassis squeeks a few years in the future. I'm going to be installing mine in the next week or two per the procedure outlined above by Lakeroadster.

It would still be nice to have more opinions on the record for anyone searching for information on this topic later on.

oldblue1968chevy · 01-25-2010, 05:28 PM

too late!

i went poly....we will see lol

CRGRS 66 · 04-01-2013, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markeb01

After reviewing all the responses above, plus some pm's I received, I decided to go with the factory rubber bushings. It appears from those having experience with both kinds, the non-rubber bushings will eventually squeek. I'm too old and busted to want to chase chassis squeeks a few years in the future. I'm going to be installing mine in the next week or two per the procedure outlined above by Lakeroadster.

It would still be nice to have more opinions on the record for anyone searching for information on this topic later on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

too late!

i went poly....we will see lol

Well you two... Mark, you installed the OEM style, oldblue. you installed the urethane, pro's cons two years later? Are you happy with the poly bushings old blue?

I need to place an order for a variety of bits and pieces for frame/suspension re-assembly, currently torn on this one.

Lugnutz65 · 04-01-2013, 10:18 PM

See my Tips and Tricks Section on my BLOG to see photos of how easy it is to remove the old rubber bushings. Five minutes and they're out! Really! No fire!

I have not driven my truck yet, so I don't know if the poly bushings squeak or not. LOL!

brokenspoke · 04-02-2013, 07:17 AM

Poly do not last as long

thunder71 · 04-02-2013, 07:33 AM

I've seen some of the old poly crack...good rubber lasts along time...
Posted via Mobile Device

Mackie · 04-09-2013, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lugnutz65

See my Tips and Tricks Section on my BLOG to see photos of how easy it is to remove the old rubber bushings. Five minutes and they're out! Really! No fire!

I have not driven my truck yet, so I don't know if the poly bushings squeak or not. LOL!

Hey Lugz,

Great technique for old track arm bushing removal in your tips and tricks! I have a poly bushing set in stock waiting to do the job and I'm wondering about a zerk install to avoid the eventual poly squeak.
Can you say where the rotation actually takes place? If it's between the bolt and sleeve, poly grease is not necessary I figure; just regular grease for metal on metal. If the rotation is between the sleeve's OD and the poly bushing's ID then a zerk with some cut channels might be a good mod.

oldblue1968chevy · 04-09-2013, 03:01 PM

I never heard any noises (this time last year truck stopped being a DD

)

I was happy with em

Reyals Bemus · 04-09-2013, 03:50 PM

Just replaced mine with a set of GM NOS rubber bushings. Love em.

blackcloud45 · 04-09-2013, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lugnutz65

See my Tips and Tricks Section on my BLOG to see photos of how easy it is to remove the old rubber bushings. Five minutes and they're out! Really! No fire!

I have not driven my truck yet, so I don't know if the poly bushings squeak or not. LOL!

I'm dumb... where's the blog?

Lugnutz65 · 04-09-2013, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mackie

Hey Lugz,
Great technique for old track arm bushing removal in your tips and tricks! I have a poly bushing set in stock waiting to do the job and I'm wondering about a zerk install to avoid the eventual poly squeak.
Can you say where the rotation actually takes place? If it's between the bolt and sleeve, poly grease is not necessary I figure; just regular grease for metal on metal. If the rotation is between the sleeve's OD and the poly bushing's ID then a zerk with some cut channels might be a good mod.

I'd bet a dollar the inner sleeve rotates on the bolt. When I think about how tightly the original rubber bushings were holding onto the original inner and outer sleeve, I have to believe that they only provided the limits of the control arm movement. As far as the tracking arm, well I'm not sure about that issue, but I think it's probably the same situation.

blackcloud45 · 04-09-2013, 09:11 PM

Is this it?

www.lugnutz65chevystepside.weebly.com

It only lets me go back so far, then tells me '404 not found'?

Lugnutz65 · 04-09-2013, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackcloud45

Is this it?

www.lugnutz65chevystepside.weebly.com

It only lets me go back so far, then tells me '404 not found'?

Yes, that's my build thread. At the top of the BLOG you can see different sections that are not on the main page.

Just for fun, I'll post the bushing tip below.

12-27-2009, 01:30 AM	#1
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? Please advise which you prefer for a street driven truck. It appears the urethane bushings are easier to install at home, but may be hard on components and have a tendency to squeak if not greased with the correct lubricant. The original style rubber bushings are noiseless and last for decades, but careless installation can damage the trailing arms. If you use urethane, what lubricant do you use, and do they need to be lubricated periodically? Thanks in advance.

12-27-2009, 01:38 AM	#2
protrash64 Resistance is Futile Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mesa,Arizona Posts: 3,520	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? I would guess the lube is the same stuff that comes with sway bars. It's clear, thick, and sticky. I believe it is a type of silicon lube. My sway bars dont squeak. __________________ 64 CHEVY PICK-UP > http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...otrash+re-hash 64 CARRYALL >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1964+suburban 66 LB >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=427852 STRENGTH/DETERMINATION/MERCILESS/FOREVER .......posted via stationary device

12-27-2009, 11:05 AM	#3
Rich 5150 69 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Galt, Calif Posts: 2,437	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? Mark a lot of the street rod crowd use them, a lot less deflection, better handling but your right they do tend to squeak on occasion, most all of them install zirk fittings in them to alleviate the problem and use moly lube no more complaints.. http://www.timskelton.com/lightning/...e_bushings.htm My prooblem is which one is better suited, poly graphite or urethane bushings...? any advice is welcome as I`m thinking of doing the same. http://www.p-s-t.com/pc-3037-597-che...d-1963-72.aspx __________________ `64 C10 vortec 350/350/373 posi `69 RS/SS 350/350/308 `37 Ford 406/350/324 traclock `68 Dart 370/904/323 suregrip Last edited by Rich 5150 69; 12-27-2009 at 11:35 AM.

12-27-2009, 05:43 PM	#4
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? Good point, I didn't realize there were other options.

12-29-2009, 12:19 AM	#5
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? Any other opinions on rubber, urethane or poly graphite trailing arm bushings??

12-29-2009, 03:04 PM	#6
astrochimp Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Unionville Mo. Posts: 217	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? The arms actuality twist to make our rear suspension work. IMHO the polly would limit articulation and put more stress on other parts. David

12-30-2009, 12:36 AM	#7
vin63 It's Better With Nitro Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 2,262	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? I typically use white lithium grease for the assembly of all the bushings. I tend to go with rubber bushings in all of my suspension components, but I have built cars and trucks using urethane bushings with no issues or squeaks, etc. The one area that I do use a urethane bushing is for the track locater/panhard bar. __________________ 1963 C-10: Deluxe-optioned cab, shortbed, fleetside Pontiac 462 ci, Kauffman D-Port alum. heads 4L80E, narrowed sheetmetal Ford 9-inch Tubular front and rear suspension Custom 6-piston front disc and 4-piston rear disc brakes Last edited by vin63; 12-30-2009 at 12:36 AM.

12-30-2009, 08:32 AM	#8
lakeroadster Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: High Plains of Colorado Posts: 2,485	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? I was on the urethane band wagon about 20 years ago and used them on the rear suspension on a '72 Chevy Nova I restored back about 20 years ago. Also used them on my Model A four link and Model T Hairpins. Having used both rubber and urethane I prefer OEM style rubber mounts. That is what I used when I rebuilt the trailing arms and panhard bar on my C10 last year and when I replaced the rear springs on my '69 Camaro about 3 years ago. In my experience the urethane transmits a lot more road noise through the suspension pieces and into the frame and thus makes for a harsher / noisier ride. I would rather trade the slight disadvantage in handling for a less harsh more peaceful ride. My 2 cents..... Last edited by lakeroadster; 12-30-2009 at 08:37 AM.

12-30-2009, 11:56 AM	#9
jbgroby Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Lacombe, LA Posts: 2,772	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? I need to change mine how to you get them in? Do I need to bring them to a press? I hate banging on things. I have a 1960 GMC with a simple single stock sway bar. __________________ http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/jb...23904108567829

12-30-2009, 01:05 PM	#10
lakeroadster Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: High Plains of Colorado Posts: 2,485	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? I removed the bar and then drilled out the rubber with a small drill bit between the O.D. steel tube and the I.D. sleeves. Drove the new ones in with a hammer. I have heard some people take a torch and burn them out. I gotta think that would be nasty. Last edited by lakeroadster; 12-31-2009 at 05:51 PM.

12-31-2009, 02:10 AM	#11
Rich 5150 69 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Galt, Calif Posts: 2,437	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? John you said it right according to this link (nasty) http://www.timskelton.com/lightning/...e_bushings.htm [PHP]David said The arms actuality twist to make our rear suspension work. IMHO the polly would limit articulation and put more stress on other parts./PHP] I think this would be negligable from a street truck standpoint, the trailing arms are positoned at an angle as not to twist as much plus they sell strengthening plates as well, I will add larger front sway bar 1 13/16 , and a sway bar for the rear 3/4 to 1 inch. I`m not building a road racer just a better handling truck.. __________________ `64 C10 vortec 350/350/373 posi `69 RS/SS 350/350/308 `37 Ford 406/350/324 traclock `68 Dart 370/904/323 suregrip

01-25-2010, 02:03 PM	#12
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? so rubber or polyurathane??? not building a race car but wanna have good handling if i can get it __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

01-25-2010, 05:05 PM	#13
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? After reviewing all the responses above, plus some pm's I received, I decided to go with the factory rubber bushings. It appears from those having experience with both kinds, the non-rubber bushings will eventually squeek. I'm too old and busted to want to chase chassis squeeks a few years in the future. I'm going to be installing mine in the next week or two per the procedure outlined above by Lakeroadster. It would still be nice to have more opinions on the record for anyone searching for information on this topic later on.

01-25-2010, 05:28 PM	#14
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? too late! i went poly....we will see lol __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

04-01-2013, 10:18 PM	#16
Lugnutz65 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 1,927	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? See my Tips and Tricks Section on my BLOG to see photos of how easy it is to remove the old rubber bushings. Five minutes and they're out! Really! No fire! I have not driven my truck yet, so I don't know if the poly bushings squeak or not. LOL! __________________ My 65 C10 build: www.lugnutz65chevystepside.weebly.com Want to know more about T5 transmissions? My website has a T5 Info Page and a Step by Step T5 rebuild.



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04-02-2013, 07:17 AM	#17
brokenspoke Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Anderson, Texas Posts: 535	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? Poly do not last as long Last edited by brokenspoke; 04-02-2013 at 07:17 AM. Reason: Spelling

04-02-2013, 07:33 AM	#18
thunder71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Carolina Coast Posts: 582	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? I've seen some of the old poly crack...good rubber lasts along time... Posted via Mobile Device __________________ _____________________________________ 66 C10 shortbed stepside KEEPER 66 C10 longbed stepside SOLD 69 C10 shortbed stepside SOLD 71 C10 custom deluxe long fleetside SOLD _____________________________________

04-09-2013, 03:01 PM	#20
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? I never heard any noises (this time last year truck stopped being a DD ) I was happy with em __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

04-09-2013, 03:50 PM	#21
Reyals Bemus Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Billerica, MA Posts: 329	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? Just replaced mine with a set of GM NOS rubber bushings. Love em.

04-09-2013, 09:11 PM	#24
blackcloud45 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 41	Re: Rubber or urethane trailing arm bushings? Is this it? www.lugnutz65chevystepside.weebly.com It only lets me go back so far, then tells me '404 not found'? __________________ It always comes down to that one stupid bolt...

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