[jerry]

I plan to replace all the rear bushings on my '64 wagon. I have already done the front with rubber, but am thinking about using poly in the rear. The large rear trailing rod is only reproduced in rubber, but it appears that all the other bushings, including the panhard rod bushings, are available in poly. Any thoughts? I have an IPD front sway bar and the engine was done by Sweedish Speed in Perris, California and produces about 125hp. I also have an M41 trans. The car is only a weekend driver.

 

[Admin]

You might connect with user BHart as he has some experience with these models.

 

[stephenvb]

I replaced my panhard bar bushings with poly a while back in my 1800ES. They hammered out rather quickly. They fit OK when I put them in but didn't have to be forced. It occurs to me that since they have no cushion they probably have to be an almost press fit or they will hammer out.

 

[BHart]

Poly is easier and cheaper to make into various shapes than rubber. I'm not a fan of poly bushings in a street car. Yes, they provide a firmer mounting than rubber but they are not made to last. Any grit that gets between the bushing and the metal starts things wearing out fast.

Use them in a 4x4 driven through mud and they're sloppy in months. A daily driver street car will go a couple of years. Proper, rubber bushings will last decades. In a nice old 122, you don't want to introduce any new vibrations that lead to squeaks and rattles by using materials the car was not designed with.

Changing bushings can be a big job. Do it once and do it with the proper parts.