Just wonderin what everyone uses... poly or rubber?

I have read many pros/cons about poly on the axle side with more 'binding', but still debating to install the included poly bushings that came with my double adj. Hotchkis upper rear control arms. The frame end has a spherical joint. There is also a thrust washer... not sure what its purpose is though.

Couple things about the OEM Moog bushings that bug me... they have a rough surface which will make that much harder to install, harder to install in general, the tool I have puts a lot of pressure on the axle ears, and only hangs on by like 1mm on each side which could slip easily, needs a power tool to install, etc. Can't torque until weight of car is down.

In re to the poly... just tap out the inner part with a mallet, tap in the shells into the ears with piece of wood/mallet, then tap in the inner parts. Can tighten right away.

Any more thoughts? OEM rubber worth it in the long run? Won't the Hotchkis sway bars/springs forbid much twisting of the rear end anyway... meaning you would never really get to the point of noticing any 'binding'? Is that correct?

 

The binding is from up and down movement and twist like around corners. The original uppers with rubber, are supposed to give and twist a little themselves to compensate for bind.
I installed the original uppers (and lowers) with poly. Not good. Rode very hard and bounced on bumps. Since, I installed UMI uppers with a roto joint still using the poly's. It was a big difference and now rides like I want it to. Handles great around corners also. Hope this helps.
Oh, (edit,) I also have an aftermarket oversized sway bar.

 

To confirm... your UMI rear uppers have the joint on the frame side... and 'poly' on the axle/ear side? Thx

 

Yes.

 

Cool. I will give the axle side polys a try. I can always remove later if needed. They are the only ones to not have a grease fitting though. All the other points in the rear Hotchkis control arms have grease fittings. I am also considering del-a-lum bushings up front.

 

The UMI's come with the delrim bushings and grease fitting.

 

oh ic

 

Which one?

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalo...&cPath=2_32_40

 

Are you sure you don't mean the 'frame' side roto/delrin comes with the grease fitting?

 

...or ru b saying included in the kit are 'axle' side delrin bushings with grease fittings as well? Which means grease fittings on both sides on the top.

 

http://www.wolferacecraft.com/detail.aspx?ID=187

 

I am using the 4036 non adjustable ones.

 

ok... you have the 4036's with roto joints in a delrin race.

And on the axle side... you have 'delrin' or 'poly' bushings?

Thx

 

Poly.

 

I am running the 4016 non adjustable Poly UMI uppers on my 69 haen't had any issues with binding yet actually rides great ...