Old (steel) or new (rubber) upper and lower control arm bushings? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68PanelTruck · 08-05-2021, 08:19 PM

Hi guys,
I'm gathering up parts for my 68 panel truck to do a drum to disc brake swap. I am also going to add drop spindles at the same time and rebuild the upper and lower control arms with new upper and lower ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings . I have two options:

1) use original upper and lower control arms with new, old style greaseable steel bushings and shafts and order the correct drop spindles to fit the 68 ball joints and tie rods.
or
2) I have another set of upper and lower control arms from a 72+ that will get new rubber bushings. I would also order the correct drop spindles to fit the ball joints, etc.

Right now I do have all new Moog 68 tie rod ends, ball joints, sleeves and a idler arm that I bought and can use with either set of arms (68 or 72+) with the correct CPP drop spindles (I think unless I'm missing something?).

Is there any advantage of using the newer rubber bushing control arms over the older style steel bushing control arms? I have not bought any bushings yet so I can use either set of arms. I do understand that the spindles must match the tie rods and ball joints.

**PGSigns** · 08-05-2021, 09:32 PM

I have swapped my last two trucks to the later arms. Plan to do the same thing to my Burb. I think they ride better and a little less vibration transmitted through the seat. I swap the entire front less the crossmember. Parts are much easier to get local.
Jimmy

theastronaut · 08-06-2021, 10:58 AM

I like the older style bushings, especially on a lowered truck. They're smaller OD for more ground clearance and don't wear out or go soft/degrade like the rubber bushings do. They should deflect less to hold the alignment better as well.

SCOTI · 08-06-2021, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theastronaut

I like the older style bushings, especially on a lowered truck. They're smaller OD for more ground clearance and don't wear out or go soft/degrade like the rubber bushings do. They should deflect less to hold the alignment better as well.

x2.

While the newer 73-87 style bushings are easier to get, I prefer the earlier ones if/when possible to use them.

KQQL IT · 08-06-2021, 08:51 PM

X3 for steel bushings.
Less stiction as they cycle

Greasey Harley · 08-07-2021, 12:31 AM

I went with steel. No regrets.

68PanelTruck · 08-07-2021, 01:52 AM

Thanks for the replies. I wasn't sure if sticking with the old design was a good idea but it sounds like either way is ok. I like the fact that the steel bushings are greaseable.

crazy longhorn · 08-08-2021, 03:15 PM

Steel, is real......if you keep them greased, they will probably last 2 - 300,000 miles

They will be a tad harsher than the rubber bushings, but no flex! I run steel....longhorn

08-05-2021, 08:19 PM	#1
68PanelTruck Registered User Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Frankfort, Ill Posts: 143	Old (steel) or new (rubber) upper and lower control arm bushings? Hi guys, I'm gathering up parts for my 68 panel truck to do a drum to disc brake swap. I am also going to add drop spindles at the same time and rebuild the upper and lower control arms with new upper and lower ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings . I have two options: 1) use original upper and lower control arms with new, old style greaseable steel bushings and shafts and order the correct drop spindles to fit the 68 ball joints and tie rods. or 2) I have another set of upper and lower control arms from a 72+ that will get new rubber bushings. I would also order the correct drop spindles to fit the ball joints, etc. Right now I do have all new Moog 68 tie rod ends, ball joints, sleeves and a idler arm that I bought and can use with either set of arms (68 or 72+) with the correct CPP drop spindles (I think unless I'm missing something?). Is there any advantage of using the newer rubber bushing control arms over the older style steel bushing control arms? I have not bought any bushings yet so I can use either set of arms. I do understand that the spindles must match the tie rods and ball joints. __________________ It's not rust, it's called patina Trying to bring a 68 Panel Truck back from the dead. 396 Big Block, 4 on the floor, and a whole lot of rust.

08-05-2021, 09:32 PM	#2
PGSigns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Hayes Va Posts: 4,569	Re: Old (steel) or new (rubber) upper and lower control arm bushings? I have swapped my last two trucks to the later arms. Plan to do the same thing to my Burb. I think they ride better and a little less vibration transmitted through the seat. I swap the entire front less the crossmember. Parts are much easier to get local. Jimmy __________________ 60 to 66 Chevy and GMC window decals http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=661131 Good friends, good food and a hotrod what else do you need? 1966 BBW long fleet Daily driver 1965 BBW short fleet Sold and going to a good home 1965 Suburban 2003 3500 Duramax 2005 Ultra Classic

08-06-2021, 10:58 AM	#3
theastronaut Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Anderson SC Posts: 3,901	Re: Old (steel) or new (rubber) upper and lower control arm bushings? I like the older style bushings, especially on a lowered truck. They're smaller OD for more ground clearance and don't wear out or go soft/degrade like the rubber bushings do. They should deflect less to hold the alignment better as well. __________________ Project Goldilocks '66 C10 Short Fleet BBW Build '65 C10 Highly Detailed Stock Restoration Thread '78 Camaro Targa Roof Build '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work '66 F100 Full Rotisserie Restoration '40 Packard 120 Convertible Coupe Restoration How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster How To Detail Sand Body Panels, Edges, Corners, Etc

08-06-2021, 08:51 PM	#5
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,254	Re: Old (steel) or new (rubber) upper and lower control arm bushings? X3 for steel bushings. Less stiction as they cycle __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

08-07-2021, 12:31 AM	#6
Greasey Harley Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Post Falls, ID Posts: 898	Re: Old (steel) or new (rubber) upper and lower control arm bushings? I went with steel. No regrets. __________________ Insert clever text here:

08-07-2021, 01:52 AM	#7
68PanelTruck Registered User Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Frankfort, Ill Posts: 143	Re: Old (steel) or new (rubber) upper and lower control arm bushings? Thanks for the replies. I wasn't sure if sticking with the old design was a good idea but it sounds like either way is ok. I like the fact that the steel bushings are greaseable. __________________ It's not rust, it's called patina Trying to bring a 68 Panel Truck back from the dead. 396 Big Block, 4 on the floor, and a whole lot of rust.

08-08-2021, 03:15 PM	#8
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	Re: Old (steel) or new (rubber) upper and lower control arm bushings? Steel, is real......if you keep them greased, they will probably last 2 - 300,000 miles They will be a tad harsher than the rubber bushings, but no flex! I run steel....longhorn __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....



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