[DeTomaso] Poly vs. Rubber suspension bushings

[Charles Engles]

Dear Charlie,

             Polyurethane (sphere bar or sphere ball?)  versus stock OEM rubber sway bar end and center mounts, is the real topic of discussion?

             OK, based on my experience.

             Of all the suspension mods I have made over three decades, the sphere-bar/ball sway bar end mount and the central poly mounts have been the least dramatic improvement.

             When the inherent hindrances of the stock arrangement were pointed out to me, I was convinced that the stock arrangement was not optimal.  There were a handful of expensive improvements available, which a few people, mostly racers, utilized.  Then the sphere bars/balls became available.   I have them on both cars.  I have the impression that they do work as advertised and handling seems to be incrementally better than stock.   I do not find a phenomenal improvement. There is a subtle improvement.

            Oh---and there is no squeaking with either the sphere bars nor the center poly bushings.   There is no need to lubricate them although I do dose them gently with some silicone spray lube once every two or three years.

          Given your proclivities for driving your Pantera, I would recommend them to you.

                          Warmest regards, Chuck Engles

-----Original Message-----
From: DeTomaso [mailto:detomaso-bounces at server.detomasolist.com] On Behalf Of charlesmccall at gmail.com
Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2020 2:30 AM
To: detomaso at server.detomasolist.com
Subject: [DeTomaso] Poly vs. Rubber suspension bushings

Hi all

I decided to take advantage of being away from my car to fix a long-time engine oil leak by removing my suspension, radiator, etc 😊

 

You know how these things go… I asked the guy to check the car over while he had the engine out, and the task list is growing, so my car is in a bunch of pieces right now. 

 

Mike Drew is helping source parts for me, and he asked if I wanted poly or rubber bushings. I know that this subject has been discussed a million times, but I didn’t take notes. My specific question: 

 

1.	Is it commonly accepted that poly is better but will squeak without proper lubrication? Rubber is maintenance-free but degrades over time and doesn’t work quite as well?
2.	How difficult is it to lubricate them? Is this a matter of installing a zerk fitting and zapping it once a year? Do you wipe it on? How easy is it to access them without a lift?

Thank you!