[DeTomaso] Rear Bushing Material

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

Tom, I don't think the upper bushings were different materials originally, 
and certainly aren't with available reproductions. What happens is, the 
lower rear a-arm bushings are the most heavily loaded in the while car, as are 
the lower rear shock bushings. So on a vigorously- driven Pantera, those 
bushings will be stressed more and will deteriorate faster. I never was able to 
keep stock lower shock bushings in those areas in decent condition- often 
having them break down after a year, so badly that the shock body touched the 
a-arm mounts, causing a squeek. This's another reason to use polyurethane at 
least in the loaded areas. You will likely never notice an increase in road 
noise, they are cheaper and handling precision goes up, too. Good luck- J 
Deryke