Rear traling arm bushing selection Options

[technicalninja]

I'm currently restoring the rear suspension on my 75 1.8l and wanted to get other's suggestions regarding rear bushings.

My shafts are fine and I'm planning on re-using them.

I already have a set of bushings.

Mine are the "Daystar" polygraphite set that you can get from multiple vendors.

These are in AutoAtlanta packaging.

These puppies fit stupid loose in the arms...

I worry about squeaking...

I don't like straight poly bushings for the most part.

Would you use them?

What grease would you use on them?
Normal silicon grease for urethane bushings?

914Rubber has a rubber set that are reasonable. $ 44

PMB and Elephant racing have rubber sets that are far more costly. $92, $240

This car will be a mildly upgraded streetcar for enjoyment not competition.

I'm leaning toward the 914Rubber set...

What says the hive mind?

[ClayPerrine]

I went through the whole delrin bushings and the needle bearing bushings. And I went back to a set of Elephant rubber bushings.

The delrin bushings were harsher, and they stuck so the suspension didn't work freely. I eventually honed them out so they would move freely, but the ride was still harsh. At that time, there were no rubber bushings available for replacement.

I tried the needle bearing conversion on my big six. For street use it was terrible. It beat me up so bad just going over regular bumps in the road that I didn't want to drive the car.

When I saw that Elephant had new rubber bushings, I didn't hesitate. I bought them and put them in. The handling is not quite as good as with the needle bearings, but I can actually drive the car on the street now.

If you are racing, and looking for the last tenth of performance, then get the needle bearings. They will definitely improve your lap times over rubber bushings, and won't have the sticking issues of delrin bushings. But for street use, stick with the rubber bushings. Your back and kidneys will thank you in the long run.