Stiffen Up your Hatch

[EnergyGeek]

A nice little article about upgrading your suspension bushings in one day. Let us know what you think.


http://www.scribd.com/doc/8168087/HCI-0806-Energy-Suspension?secret_password=2b16fcuzvtonnmewr2rp

[sockjock]

Informative article. I have been considering replacing the worn factory upper and lower control arm bushings on my 95 S10/Blazer 4wd with urethane bushings. I have already replaced the extremely wore out sway bar bushings on this vehicle with your urethane bushings and am very pleased with their performance. The vehicle handles much flatter around curves and feels much more in control. It's been almost 20,000 miles since I installed the ES urethane bushings and they are holding up great. I definitely recommend them. As for my control arm bushings I'm still a little hesitant, I don't want my ride to get too harsh and I plan on offroading this vehicle from time to time and don't want to lose any suspension flexibility. Any thoughts on this?

[EnergyGeek]

Good question bro. It's often a common question how changing out the control arm bushings will effect the ride quality. Essentially it's not the duty of the control arm bushings to dampen or harden the ride like a shock or a coil spring is intended for. The main purpose of the bushings are to be a pivot point when the arms articulate and move through the up and down cycles but because it does offer a firmer durometer and is a tighter fit, you will clearly feel the suspension working. In fact it allows free floating up and down arm movement They will help maintain your vehicle alignment and dramatically reduce your a-arm deflection.

They are firmer more dense in return increase the durability 5 to 10 times longer than rubber and offer a "better than new car" experience.

Please ask as many questions as you would like. That's what we're here for.

Energy

[Vector]

That is a pretty good write up. I really wish I had a hydraulic press.  , I don't so I have to McGuyver my bushings out. I guess you could call me a hard core DIYer. As for sockjock's concern about having a harsh ride. Its off road lol!! Be a man! Offroading is going to be more demanding on your suspension as well as your vehicle. The poly bushings should be a welcome upgrade to help stiffen and support the pivoting parts of  your suspension as they go through their range of motion. The bushings are there to be a pivoting point, but the most basic function they provide is the prevention of metal to metal contact. You can look at bushings as something similar to the cartilage in your joints. You really don't want bone on bone contact. Cartilage in your bones allows you to have a long lasting joint with smooth motion. I have heard though that there are plenty of aluminum bushing kits out there.... I don't think they would be good for off-roading. If you do go through the upgrade to poly bushings on your control arms I am sure you will like them. If not. You could always look into getting offroad suspension seats, that's right. Seats with suspension built into them for a softer ride.