unit91

I want to replace the bushings in my 68 convert's rear leaf springs. From what I can see they appear to be black rubber and they are deterrioating. I see these neoprene bushings for high performance vehicles, but since mine is only a 200 cu in I'm wondering if the rubber ones won't serve the same purpose. Also I'm thinking about replacing the front end suspension bushings, dust caps, etc. How much of a job is that going to be, and again...neoprene or rubber? I appreciate your input and opinions! Thanks.

67mustang302

It's poly. Depends on what you want. Poly will keep the suspension located better so the car will handle better, and it's way more durable. Rubber is a softer ride but the suspension moves around more.

If you don't plan on using the car to corner, then might as well use rubber.

If you do use poly in the rear, only put it on the front spring eye, leave the shackles rubber. That way the rear bushings have some play and let the spring move rather than twisting during body roll.

Boogie's_AutoRama

Of all the mods I've done to my car, installing the poly bushings front to back had the most dramatic improvement.
However, at the same time I installed gas shocks and a 1" front sway bar. It all works together.

Very solid feel and the ride seems just as soft.

Not really a difficult job.
If you have a vice and a large C-clamp it will be a piece of cake.

67mustang302

Ride quality is more about the shock than anything. Rubber tends to absorb road noise better, and soften the ride over rough roads though.

But yeah, it's not huge...personally I don't think the difference is enough to worry about. You definitely notice it in feel of the suspension. Poly makes the car more responsive.

unit91

Nice vert! 302? What will I need a large C-clamp for?

unit91

Well, since I baby it so much and it's only a 200, I guess rubber will suffice. I can't afford to upgrade it to a 289, 302, etc. My Grandsons like it the way it is - but then they are only 6, 3, and 2, so horsepower ain't in their vocabulary!

Boogie's_AutoRama

I did my bushings back in the day, don't know what the price different between rubber and poly is these days.
If it ain't too much $$$, trust me, you want poly.

The C-clamp is useful for pressing in stuff, like bushings.
Seems like every time I do suspension work I need my big C-clamp.

Thanks for the compliment.
It's got a 289 in it but started out life as a six-banger. Loved the way it drove with the six.
If someone hadn't given me a lost-cause-rust-bucket with a somewhat fresh rebuilt 289 in it I wouldn't have done the engine swap.
But I would have still done the poly bushings.

unit91

It's got a 289 in it but started out life as a six-banger. Loved the way it drove with the six.
If someone hadn't given me a lost-cause-rust-bucket with a somewhat fresh rebuilt 289 in it I wouldn't have done the engine swap.
But I would have still done the poly bushings.[/QUOTE]

When you put the 289 in it, did you have to replace tranny, front suspension, etc.??

Boogie's_AutoRama

At first I had a C-4 behind the V-8, then put a AOD out of an '81(?) Crown Vic.
Followed by Granada brakes.
I drove it around for a little while with the stock springs but changed them to get back to the right ride height.

67mustang302

C clamp helps to push the bushings in. Coat them with anti-seize or similar before installing. The bushing is just there to locate stuff, not prevent things from moving. If you don't lube them, they'll bind and squeak etc.

I prefer anti-seize because it lasts for ever.