I'm installing the Energy Suspension rear control arm bushings on my lower links. Most everyone recommends that these bushings should go on the lower links only because they're too stiff for the uppers. Well, after examining these bushings I'm not so sure about that. Here's why.... The "bushing" is a four part assembly. (see pic) There's a metal sleeve, a hard center "poly" bushing and two outer "soft" bushings. The outer soft bushings are very pliable and thus should allow an even greater amount of movement then even the old rubber ones. So there ya have it. I just might replace my uppers as well.

When I get 'em installed I'll be sure to report back with handling observations.

--Bob

 

I've now got my lower control arms installed with the new bushings. I'm pleased to report that my seemingly never ending quest for neutral handling is getting closer to reality. As an added bonus, the new bushings have quieted down my rear suspension as well. One of my lower control arms was vibrating against a bracket. That noise is thankfully gone now.

Now back to the "upper bushing" issue. It is commonly agreed that the upper control arms will be too still and cause binding if replaced with these poly bushings. Knowing that there is a "hard" center bushing and a "soft" outer bushing construction, what do you think of this idea..... What if the center bushing was "bored out" so that the metal sleeve was not in direct contact with the bushing? Only under the hardest of suspension movement would the hard bushing even come into play. This would leave the soft outer bushings doing most the work. What do you guys think?

--Bob

 

I think you're the first person to try something like this. I say go for it and let us know.

 

I had planned to replace all the rear bushings.

I would like to know how this goes.

 

Or perhaps I have this all backwards. Maybe it's the outer soft bushings that should be bored out?!

 

general concensus is leave upper bushings alone, or replace with stock all rubber ones. but if you wanna go poly, let us know. i think it would be best to autocross the car as is today, put poly uppers in, then autocross. that way you'll know what the suspension is really doing since it's being pushed hard.

 

My commute home from work is my own little autocross. Your point is well taken.

With the existing bushings, the old rubber is fused to the metal sleeve. This creates a lot of "torsional wind-up", you know... a spring. My lower control arms no longer have this "spring effect". Removing the "spring effect" on the uppers while keeping free movement would probably be a good thing.

--Bob