suspension bushings

[michael69]

I would like to get as many opinions as I can on the radius arm and the leaf spring bushins. I'm putting the DJM beams and rear hangers/shackles on my truck. I want to know if anyone has used the energy suspenion bushings or the prothane bushings. Can you tell a difference in these bushing compared to the rubber bushings and which do you suggest.I know the urethane are suppose to last longer and give a stiffer handling in corners because of less flex. Any and all info wanted. THANKS

[F100builder]

I have a friend that installed an entire kit in his Mustang and he claims that it changed quite a bit. What you said is true or so I've heard...they will last longer and stiffen up the handling. One more thing I've heard...they are SUPER SQUEAKY so you may want to install them with a little lube of some sort (not sure what though). I'd like to do this along with a sway bar too someday.

[70FordFan]

Put the black energy suspension ones in mine with new leaf springs from Detroit sping, and it is pretty stiff now. Love it!

[michael69]

I bought the red energy suspension ones,but have not put them in yet.

[survivorman]

I like the PST poly graphite becouse they self-lubricat.

I put them in a few cars, and they make the suspension more predictable over rubber. Of course you only truely notice when you push your car hard through some turns.

[F100builder]

Put the black energy suspension ones in mine with new leaf springs from Detroit sping, and it is pretty stiff now. Love it!

Which rate did you end up with? Are they 4 or 5 leaf packs? I'm considering new springs too. I'll most likely go with the least leaves and the softest rate as I don't plan on hauling anything more than an engine block or a few 2x4's but I also don't want to go so soft that I wheel hop with my 4.10 gears!

[Lowered IQ]

I`ve got a little story regarding the radius arm bushings. After 2 trips to the auto parts store and trying 2 different sets of moog radius arm bushings that werent even close to fitting,my buddy says, why dont you try the ford dealer? So I thought, what the heck, there`s no way they have these anymore but the parts guy is one of the owners and hes been there since mobey dick was a guppy. He must remember these and know what guys are using now. He sure did,he looked them up and says "I can have you what you need tomorrow morning." GENUINE FORD. Still available and about the same price as the aftermarket stuff that didnt fit.

[fordman]

ford still has alot of stuff. but most dealers need a part number before they can find it. the computer systems were purged a few years ago and not all dealers kept thier old part numbers. my local dealer only goes back to 1980. the ford truck dealer in the city can get some info and or parts.

[Lowered IQ]

I`ve got to get back there again. He looked this stuff up on the old microfiche. Its pretty cool that they kept that microfiche stuff, but he`s been using it so long it would probably be like losing one of the family.