urethane bushings

JAC · #1 (**permalink**) 11-20-2006, 07:27 PM

Has anyone used urethane bushings in their control arms? and what difference did it make in the ride and handling of your cobra? Thanks.

JAC · #2 (**permalink**) 11-21-2006, 05:57 PM

Anyone? Just wondering if it made for a harsh ride.

Wayne Maybury · #3 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 06:34 AM

I don't have them on my Cobra but I did replace all of the old tired rubber bushings on my '66 Mustang. The new urethane bushings gave the car a more solid feel and I had to have another wheel alignment done as since the rubber bushings were not holding the suspension components in the exact correct position.

The rear suspension is definitely more harsh but that is due to the helper springs I installed on the rear shocks due to the bigger tires touching the fenders on rough roads. I don't think it had anything to do with the urethane bushings.

Wayne

Clois Harlan · #4 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 09:19 AM

I use the urethane bushings in my lower control arms but I kept the rubber bushings in the upper ones so I could get some deflection without bind. Firmer feel when cornering.

Clois

Sorry, JAC I was refering to my rear control arms. I mis read your post.

JAC · #5 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 04:53 PM

Clois, I didn't specify front or rear. I was just trying to find out how much firmer the ride would be with urethane bushings. You and everyone else on this site have been very helpful in making decisions on my build, THANKS A LOT!

Dwight · #6 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 07:31 PM

I replaced all 6 in the rear and I love the ride. I have a 8.8 with an after market four link. My car handles better and I don't think it rides any harsher. The rear end would twitch to the left when I let off at any speed over a hundred. The bushings stopped that. I installed adjustable coilover and now my Cobra tracks straight when I do burn outs.

Dwight

I'm getting ready for 07 London Cobra Show.

mickmate · #7 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 08:52 PM

Urethane bushings are the ideal compromise between a harsh or mushy feel and how much feedback your car transmits from the road. They are also good for durability with low maintenance. Most cars I see use about an 80 for hardness which is generally black in color. We have used some solid suspension bushings in race cars which can also double as an eccentric for suspension adjustment but the ride is too harsh for a street car and maintenance is also an issue. Toss any rubber bushings, they mush out or crack up depending on whether they are wet or dry. Urethane also turns nicely for custom sizes, just use a high rake angle. If you check McMasters website they not only supply alot of this stuff they have great explanations of the properties and applications at the beginning of chapters.