Trailing Arm Bushings "Revisited" - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72bowtiestepper · 08-12-2014, 04:00 PM

I read a lot of the older posts on here about the debate on using poly trailing arm bushings vs. the stock type rubber ones. Any of you guys that have replaced your rubber one's with the poly have any issues after a few years of driving ? I have heard of squeaking problems and not enough flex with the poly.
I have my arms removed for repair, and only want to replace the bushings once. Thanks in advance for your input !

Bagd72Chevy · 08-28-2014, 02:15 PM

I'm not sure it really matters after looking at the stock trailing arms. They are so flimsy, I'm sure they flex alot.

72bowtiestepper · 08-28-2014, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bagd72Chevy

I'm not sure it really matters after looking at the stock trailing arms. They are so flimsy, I'm sure they flex alot.

I know what you mean.....I just finished reinforcing mine in the area where the u-bolt attaches to the axle. Welded in some 1/8 plate to "box in" & strengthen the area that was getting rusty. I'm sure they were designed to have some "Flex".

SCOTI · 08-28-2014, 05:38 PM

I've used poly bushings w/o issue. My 68 had them in place for 6+ years of daily driving & they were still good when pulled from service. My T/A's were also stitch welded along the length of the seam as wel as boxed in (front & rear) to increase strength.

There was more bind vs the rubber lined steel sleeve OE bushings & non reinforced set-up but nothing that was overly concerning based on the condition of the poly bushings after the 6yr period.

72bowtiestepper · 08-29-2014, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I've used poly bushings w/o issue. My 68 had them in place for 6+ years of daily driving & they were still good when pulled from service. My T/A's were also stitch welded along the length of the seam as wel as boxed in (front & rear) to increase strength.

There was more bind vs the rubber lined steel sleeve OE bushings & non reinforced set-up but nothing that was overly concerning based on the condition of the poly bushings after the 6yr period.

Thanks Scoti....I will be using the poly one's then also....I can always rely on this site for good info !

08-12-2014, 04:00 PM	#1
72bowtiestepper Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Northwest NJ Posts: 684	Trailing Arm Bushings "Revisited" I read a lot of the older posts on here about the debate on using poly trailing arm bushings vs. the stock type rubber ones. Any of you guys that have replaced your rubber one's with the poly have any issues after a few years of driving ? I have heard of squeaking problems and not enough flex with the poly. I have my arms removed for repair, and only want to replace the bushings once. Thanks in advance for your input !

08-28-2014, 02:15 PM	#2
Bagd72Chevy C10 Collector Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 417	Re: Trailing Arm Bushings "Revisited" I'm not sure it really matters after looking at the stock trailing arms. They are so flimsy, I'm sure they flex alot.

08-28-2014, 05:38 PM	#4
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,914	Re: Trailing Arm Bushings "Revisited" I've used poly bushings w/o issue. My 68 had them in place for 6+ years of daily driving & they were still good when pulled from service. My T/A's were also stitch welded along the length of the seam as wel as boxed in (front & rear) to increase strength. There was more bind vs the rubber lined steel sleeve OE bushings & non reinforced set-up but nothing that was overly concerning based on the condition of the poly bushings after the 6yr period. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.