Rubber or poly bushings

[Kevin McDermand]

So I am starting to tear into my truck to replace some much needed bushings for the radiator core support, leaf springs, and everything else. Do I want to get the rubber bushings or the poly? I started taking the front end off the truck tonight because I'm also changing out the motor. I need to get some stuff ordered but didn't know which bushings everyone liked best and why.

 

[Frankenchevy]

I got all poly, but I think I’d rather have rubber to be honest for the quietness and added plush. The poly are supposed to last longer, but I don’t care. I can replace every bushing in a day, so what if I have to do it once every ten years...I’ll be going back once I install my two post lift.

I got ORD stuff for suspension bushings and I believe energy suspension for everything else except the engine mounts. For those I used “OER” rubber bushings.

 

[75gmck25]

I used poly bushings several years ago. They were squeaky at first, even when lubed, but quieted down after a few months. It was a simple job to do them one a time by jacking the truck up in the driveway. I was lucky and did not have any stuck or broken bolts.

My bushings were so bad that my floor pan was sitting on top of the transfer case. Getting the body off the t-case really quieted down the drivetrain noise in the cab.

Bruce

 

[Scott91370]

I stuck with rubber for cab and radiator, all suspension was replaced with poly.

 

[Joshua Keith]

I stuck with rubber for cab and radiator, all suspension was replaced with poly.

Where’d you get your rubber bushings? Can’t find em anywhere :/

 

[Catbox]

It really depends on what you want out of the truck.
Is it a plush and comfy work cruiser, rubber.
Is it a hard charging street beast, poly.

I have all poly in one of my cars and it doesn't bother me at all.
I did it for the performance feel of it.
It sticks in the corners and doesn't have much body roll at all.

If you are unsure, it sounds like they are simple to change if you do not like them either way.
I do like the hybrid idea @Scott91370 has taken with his truck.

 

[Scott91370]

Where’d you get your rubber bushings? Can’t find em anywhere :/

Sorry, I didn't replace them. They're old but were in surprisingly good shape. I say that without seeing what a new set looks like.
But you're right, all I am seeing so far is poly.

 

[Kevin McDermand]

I could care less if it lasts another 42 years. I don't want a stiff ride.

 

[nabeshin]

LMC, National Parts Depot, and Classic Industries all sell both rubber and poly body mounts. I know LMC and National Parts Depot sell rubber suspension bushings.

I have all three paper catalogs.

 

[shiftpro]

Poly for suspension and rubber for cab mounts.

 

[Rusty Nail]

My bushings were so bad that my floor pan was sitting on top of the transfer case. Getting the body off the t-case really quieted down the drivetrain noise in the cab.

Lololololo ya don't say?

 

[Joshua Keith]

LMC, National Parts Depot, and Classic Industries all sell both rubber and poly body mounts. I know LMC and National Parts Depot sell rubber suspension bushings.

I have all three paper catalogs.

I swear I checked classic and and LMC. :/ Saw they had them for the 70s model but couldn’t find mid 80’s

 

[Scott91370]

Look at that, they sure do...
https://www.lmctruck.com/1973-87-ch...frame-mounting-hardware-radiator-core-support

 

[nabeshin]

this should be the ones for 80s trucks...

https://www.lmctruck.com/1973-87-chevy-gmc/body-mounting/cc-1973-87-complete-body-mounting-kits

Looks to be back ordered right now though

 

[Bextreme04]

I had completely collapsed rear cab bushings on my 80 k25. I replaced with the energy suspension poly mount bushings and they work great. I ordered it from summit and got a big tub of their silicone lube at the same time. No squeaks and they are not that stiff at all. In fact, they are just right in the stiffness department so I would be worried the rubber ones would be too soft.