Leaf Spring Bushings

[TravisB]

In my endless search for how to fix my truck I have run upon a situation that I would like some opinions on.

I initially planned to replace all my old worn out rubber bushings with new poly ones from the energy master kit. I have since thought maybe this isn't the right plan and here is why.

I was told by a local friend that he had used the kit on his corvette and they all squeaked. I thought he was just being picky but it looks like a lot of folks talk about them being squeaky and some saying lots of lube help. Anyway, I won't be driving this thing everyday, not sure if that's good for the lube and these bushings or not, but I don't want it to annoy me either. I am to the point where I need to start buying some parts to put the axle back under the truck and need some help with a direction on this.

 

[74 Shortbed]

Use the black not the red.

 

[vkh]

Get the black ones, they are have graphite to help. Then just lube them well and you're set.

 

[Cuba]

Reds seem to be stiffer and SQUEEKY. They suck. I 3rd the black

 

[Snoots]

There are 'grooved' poly ones out there (black) that when greased, don't squeak.

 

[TravisB]

Well it sounds like black is the way to go. Seems they are cheaper than the oe ones anyway in some places.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

 

[yevgenievich]

I went with black greasable poly spring bushing for the front. Helps a bit with the ride quality and flex as well

 

[86Peter454]

Reds seem to be stiffer and SQUEEKY. They suck. I 3rd the black

if we are talking about energy suspension bushings then no they are the exact same hardness.

the only difference between Reds and Black by ES are the black are Graphite injected and the reds are not. they are the same hardness and the reds sqeek because they dont self lubricate like the blacks do.

so go with the blacks.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

if we are talking about energy suspension bushings then no they are the exact same hardness.

the only difference between Reds and Black by ES are the black are Graphite injected and the reds are not. they are the same hardness and the reds sqeek because they dont self lubricate like the blacks do.

so go with the blacks.

That graphite thing has been debunked. @skysurfer called ES and it’s only select components that have it in it. Mostly real heavy duty like F450 and above IIRC. But yes the red is still squeakier then black.

 

[TravisB]

Any reason to go Energy Suspension over Prothane? Looks the same but the Prothanes are a bit cheaper. This is what I found on Jegs.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Prothane/311/7-1001-BL/10002/-1?ymm=4294829822+4294829791+4294829790

3 of these http://www.jegs.com/i/Energy-Suspension/355/3-2126G/10002/-1?ymm=4294829822+4294829791+4294829790 these are a bit cheaper from Rockauto though.

These daystars are only 20 bucks!
http://www.jegs.com/i/Daystar/319/KG02021BK/10002/-1?ymm=4294829822+4294829791+4294829790

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Any reason to go Energy Suspension over Prothane? Looks the same but the Prothanes are a bit cheaper.

Imo ES is the industry leader, I’ve just always went with them. It’s the little detailed like the bushing sleaves are coated and are actually tube not flat stock rolled into a tube.

 

[86Peter454]

i have used prothane engine mount inserts on one of my civics.

id use their products again.

 

[smoothandlow84]

Polyurethane bushing are far superior to the crappy oem rubber. You will only replace the bushings once.

Now, I replaced all of my front end bushings with the red....squeaks....NO. I have not had any issues with the Energy Suspension red squeaking. I will soon be replacing my body mount bushings as well with polyurethane. Black, red, hell blue...doesn't matter to me.

My front swaybar also had red bushings...no squeakng, but then again they came with zerk fitting installed. I had to remove it due to the air ride setup however...now the swaybar is for sale...lol.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Polyurethane bushing are far superior to the crappy oem rubber. You will only replace the bushings once.

Now, I replaced all of my front end bushings with the red....squeaks....NO. I have not had any issues with the Energy Suspension red squeaking. I will soon be replacing my body mount bushings as well with polyurethane. Black, red, hell blue...doesn't matter to me.

My front swaybar also had red bushings...no squeakng, but then again they came with zerk fitting installed. I had to remove it due to the air ride setup however...now the swaybar is for sale...lol.

Kinda hard to squeak when every thing is in bind....lol just kidding.

 

[smoothandlow84]

Kinda hard to squeak when every thing is in bind....lol just kidding.

Hahahahahahahah