1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Rear Suspension Bushing - Replacements

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Old Oct 31, 2016 | 06:08 PM
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Rear Suspension Bushing - Replacements

Now that the front end is tight, the deficiency in the rear is more obvious.
Hit a manhole cover about 2" lower than street level, on a turn, with only one rear wheel and it felt like the rear was fishtailing.

I'm planning on replacing all the rubber with Energy Urethane from RB:
End Link Set
Sway bar Bushing
4 Links (upper & lower)
Watts Link

Any known concerns?


The car has 165k on it. I checked my father's records (PO), and only the front sway bar bushings were ever replaced. I only put about 3k miles on it per year, so I don't think I'll be putting on more the 45-60k before it gets retired.
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Old Oct 31, 2016 | 07:31 PM
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From: oxnard
For the all the 4 link and watts link ""Stay with rubber""!!! They bind already. But if you go to Urethane it gets even worse!

Do the front and sway bar end links with urethane. It helps a lot.

As far as the 4 link goes, I use them (for racing when you have to say with the stock suspension). The softer the better. As long as they don't have play in them.

I put new ones on every season. To have the freshest, softest rubber as possible.
(sell the take offs for 1/2 price).

There are other options too. But then you start modding things. T3 has a Bolt on Panhard bar to replace the watts link. I haven't tried it. But I'm sure it helps a little. As our stock watts links have un-even length links, and so have issues keeping things in place traveling up or down.
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Old Oct 31, 2016 | 07:41 PM
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Is it possible to replace the old rubber with new, or is the only option to buy Mazda upper, lower, and Watts links?

If replaceable, is there a source?
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Old Oct 31, 2016 | 08:21 PM
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From: oxnard
Read Here https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...utions-876479/
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Old Oct 31, 2016 | 08:28 PM
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I have all of these for sale with rubber in excellent condition. Just buy mine, I'll give you a discount for a bulk purchase, arms included.
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Old Nov 7, 2016 | 06:14 PM
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Originally Posted by SirLaughsALot
I have all of these for sale with rubber in excellent condition. Just buy mine, I'll give you a discount for a bulk purchase, arms included.
PM sent.
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