To poly, or not to poly

[Chargerjase]

I have been talking with James from PST about what would be better in my car, rubber or poly suspension? He said basically that poly is for a firmer feel more performance like suspension, whereas the rubber is softer and more forgiving. I have heard that poly squeaks from members on this forum, but generally it cannot be heard over the engine.
My 73 Charger 400-2 is purely a street vehicle and will never see a race track. It would be great to hear from guys that have redone their suspensions with either rubber or poly or a combination of the two and maybe give me the benefit of their wisdom. Also, any professional suspension guys reading this, please chip in.


Many Thanks
Jason

 

[Speedbird]

I've got upwards of 200 thousand miles on a poly front end including lower control arm bushings with no problems. (A body).
In fact I hit two traffic islands head on at 40 MPH with the drivers side in 2008 with that car.
The only thing I had to replace was the upper control arm. (And two bent cop rims).
I know other people don't like poly(graphite) LCA bushings. but I've put them in several cars with no problems and good service.
Man did I have trouble getting poly ones in the anti sway bar of a 67 Charger last year though.
I had to cut the brackets open and modify them to get them back together around those hard things.

 

[prplcar]

I went with rubber because , as you were told poly is more of a firm sport feel. My car is not much of a corner carver and so the rubber works just fine. My buddy has a car built for autocross, full poly bushings, it holds the road like a viper, and no squeeks.

 

[Chargerjase]

Bump

 

[HawkRod]

I have done bit of both.

I left my rear suspension rubber, as it really does not give or flex that much when turning. For my front suspension, I upgraded it to mostly poly since it is most stressed during turns.

Results? No idea. I haven't driven the car yet as it is undergoing restoration.

 

[slepr1]

I put a complete set of poly bushings in my 77 Cordoba and love it. No squeaks, handles better, I highly recommend.

 

[72Fourspeed]

A friend rebuilt his front suspension using NAPA components. They offer several grades(firmness)of rubber bushings. Perhaps that would be an option ? Scotty is very happy with his results (65 442 ragtop).