Rubber bushings will give more in twisting (side-to-side) motion and allow the axle to shift more than poly bushings (which do not compress as much), and rubber will absorb some shock. However, the rubber bushings are still pretty hard.

When I replaced my shackles I went with greasable bushings to allow for smoother motion in the shackles, as I too heard that poly bushings could result in a stiffer ride. I haven't noticed any stiffness with the greasable bushings, but I have noticed much more motion and flex.

 

Do you run a greasable bushing on the main leaf mount on the frame? Do they make a bolt with the zerk fitting for there? It looks like a zerk on this bolt would susceptible to being hit easily.

cb

 

Depends on where you are putting them. Motor mounts go with rubber, poly causes vibes.

 

When I installed my lift, the springs came with poly bushings. I also installed new shackles with greasable bolts. They have been on for over 2 years and I have no complaints at all. I just installed a poly transmission mount and so far I'm happy with it.
http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=3.1108

As far as motor mounts I would go with Brown Dog Ultra-Flex Rubber mounts.
http://browndogindustries.com/Wrangler-YJ-1991-1995-4-0L.aspx :thumbsup:

 

Thanks for the replys and input. I think Poly is the way to go for the leaf bushings, which what I need to get today.

thanks

Craig

 

If you are in the area there is performance suspension in Phoenix and bushings are cheap. Know the diameter of the hole it needs to fit and the width and head on down there. From $2 each for poly bushing. I'm in need of some soon. I use them for bushings quite a bit. At the price they sell individuals you could do all four leafs for $50 or so id guess. If you need shackle bushings also that adds a few bucks but still half price of any kits I've seen.

 

Poly everything here on my rig, I'll never have to replace them again. I hated the rubber bushing I tried originally, too bouncy and shifted a lot, expecially the motor mounts. Some people complain from vibration they feel thru them but that is usually with an automatic. I have no experience with autos so I can't help ya there.

 

i would go poly all the way around with everything. even on mm bushings, some people feel vibes from poly, some don't. I didn't.

Also, i heard poly lasts longer than rubber, not the other way around. I have poly mm bushings as well as shackle and main eye bushings.

 

Being in AZ like him I poly everything. Outlasting rubber is key in the heat. Its a little less giving yes but id rather not do it twice.

 

We have brown dog mm and tried the poly originally. Way too many vibes, replaced the poly with rubber and vibes gone. (Still brown dog) all of the other bushings are poly.

 

My experiance was exactly the same

 

I went rubber in MORE motor mounts then poly for everything else. Poly spring bushings wont deteriorate or usually split like rubbber but they sure do egg out after awhile. Another issue with rubber is those sleeves they come in are next to impossible to install in springs even with a giant press. Its easiest to just go poly and replace them if they egg out in a few years.

 

Thanks for all the input. I now have poly bushing and am headed to the garage to start putting my leaf springs on.

Craig

 

Did you check out the place I recommended?

 

No. When I went to pick up the leaf springs I was putting on they had new poly bushing in them. Kind of nice as I did have to spend the extra money on bushing and was able to apply that toward new shocks.

But thanks for the info and when I do need replacements, I know where to go.

Craig

 

Whatever saves money for further mods. Pm me if you go out some time. Always good to take a crowd out wheeling.

And if you ever need help same goes.

 

Thanks for the offer! My wife and I are just getting into our jeep now. Only had it a few monthes but it's coming along.

Craig

 

Poly bushings

AZ Zoner

I am about to replace the front leafs on my 92 YJ 4.0. Was reading your post about bushings and noticed that you had purchased leafs which came with the bushings. Were did you get your leafs and how are the poly bushings holding up? Thanks, I'm in Georgia.

 

I actually got my leaf springs from a guy that wanted a set of oem stock springs. So I did a straight across trade for a set of four rancho, 2 1/2" for my stock ones. The ranchos were close to new and had new poly bushings. I also picked up a set of poly bushings for the top of the shackles. I was very happy with how much the ride improved. Not sure how much was attributed to the bushings but I'm sure they helped a lot based on how bad my old rubber ones looked when I took them out.

I definitely go for the poly bushing

Good luck

cb

 

poly is crap. i removed a 20 yr old rubber bushing and it came out nice and looked new. the poly ones that were 8 yrs old were hard as a rock and cracked. if i could use rubber everywhere i would. problem is no one makes an aftermarket rubber unit for aftermarket springs. you can get rubber to work better, ride better, flex better, and last longer. there is a reason why tires are made from rubber.

 

I went with poly motor mount bushings. Had a different feel first few times I started it up. Felt like motor was being gripped tighter if that makes sense. I like poly for that application and wil op for them when I do springs and shackles.

 

I don't have a Wrangler I have a ZJ ( Grand Cherokee) when I installed my lift kit I replaced all of the front control arms bushings E/S polly bushings what a mistake now I'm replacing all of the arms and going back to rubber bushings. The polly bushings are to hard and noisy you can feel every small bump and crack in the road. my ZJ is an every day driver and we take it off road once a month at best not mudding or rock climbing just trail riding and wildlife viewing.

 

My favorite is a mix of rubber and poly.

If something has to twist ( Like control arms) i like rubber.
If something needs to stay still (Like motor mounts or coil isolators) i like Poly