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.

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

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.

Re: Old (steel) or new (rubber) upper and lower control arm bushings?
 

x2.

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

Re: Old (steel) or new (rubber) upper and lower control arm bushings?
 

X3 for steel bushings.
Less stiction as they cycle

Re: Old (steel) or new (rubber) upper and lower control arm bushings?
 

I went with steel. No regrets.

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.

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:chevy: