Poly or Rubber body mount bushings 66?

[tailpipe]

I'm going through the same process discussed in the current "body shimming" thread https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=294040 but having just replaced rusty doors for solid ones. I didn't want to highjack the tread so I'll post separately with a poll. Driver door doesn't line up for crap but before I go to adding shims I guess I'd better do body bushings to see what that does. I think I know the answer but should I get poly or rubber? This is for my 66 that I am trying to put back as "concours" as possible (I know that's not really a thing in our community but I can't help myself). What do you all think? 66 guys I need to here from you...

 

[DirtDonk]

I use poly, and love poly, and prefer the type with the integrated 1" body lift.
But I voted rubber for you for one reason. You just said "as concourse as possible" and that pretty much cements it at rubber.

It's not like 99.9% of the motoring public would know the difference, but if you want it to look the part as much as possible, go with rubber.
And besides, the slightly improved isolation of the rubber over the poly is a good thing. Most won't notice it on a Bronco (I didn't), but it's "a thing" anyway.

Paul

 

[rustbucket]

Go with rubber. Poly transfers more vibration. You can actually feel the additional stiffness.


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[jedblake]

I would go with rubber. Probably a softer ride and keeps the originality. The kits I've installed came with all hardware, great one day project. I ended up cutting some bolts that were too far gone.

 

[tailpipe]

Thanks for the feedback thus far. I was always leaning toward the rubber mounts for the "originality" but it never hurts to get other opinions. I have poly bushings on my 73 and have been happy with those for the past 13 years. Thanks again guys!

 

[Broncobowsher]

What you describe, rubber is the right choice.

 

[73azbronco]

I picked rubber even though my lift has poly. But, I do admit I think rubber feels better, but today's rubber, just ain't what it used to be...

 

[jckkys]

Is rubber in general of lower quality or are rubber parts for EBs coming from China where quality control is questionable? The newer vehicles I've seen still use rubber that seems softer than 40 yrs. ago. I see no reason to think the automotive industry has lost confidence in rubber.

 

[DirtDonk]

So far, so good. So far...
Much of the rubber stuff is total crap when it's important and small. Like "fuel" rated hose that isn't, and vacuum caps that don't.
But so far the big thick-ass stuff like body cushions seem to be pretty solid.

Might not mean that they're using any better quality rubber though, as much as it might just mean that with it being so large a chunk of rubber, it's deterioration is slowed.
But so far no crushing, cracking or splitting complaints. Knock on woody.

Not to keep beating the cynical drum, but the lack of complaints may also have to do with the fact that rubber hasn't been that popular over the years compared to poly, and Broncos don't get used as hard as they used to, and even the ones that are out there being used are not that old.

But I would use them if I was in the market. Not that much expense and probably live a long and happy life under a Bronco.

Paul

 

[Apogee]

...but today's rubber, just ain't what it used to be...

...which is why I voted poly. I'd go black and probably nobody would even notice or care. I haven't shopped the rubber mounts for EB's, but I did for my '77 F150 and couldn't find a rubber set worth a darn.

 

[tailpipe]

Thanks for all the input. Majority rules, rubber it is (was probably going that direction anyhow)!