k-huevo
07-05-2006, 06:42 PM
I made some changes to my suspension to address unwanted mileage related looseness and tackle some of the excessive under-steer characteristics designed into the rear end linkage.
I planned on only replacing the front control arm (wishbone) bushings with Powerflex polyurethane bushes but in the process discovered a bad ball joint on one side and a torn ball joint dust boot on the other so I replaced the inner and outer ball joints as well. The passenger side control arm bushing was barely attached to its sleeve so I was glad to be replacing it. The interior of the bushing sleeve was badly rusted and stuck to the carrier bracket necessitating a bracket replacement. I took the opportunity to replace the front stabilizer (anti-sway) bar bushings while the subframe was lowered. The stock stabilizer bar bushings are lined with a self lubricating material to keep them from squeaking and ensure smooth operation; no need for poly bushings here. Test drive number one confirmed an improvement over the old control arm pivot points; no more “clunk” during a hard turn with trailing brake.
An earlier inspection of the rear trailing arm bushing reviled some cracks so I replaced them with new brackets & bushings. Powerflex polyurethane inserts were added to help stabilized movement here. I’ll admit to being skeptical when I installed these. The trailing arm was so stiff after the install (the trailing arm with the un-bolstered stock bushing would move up and down freely) I was sure to regret it but that wasn’t the case when the vehicle was in operation, whew :). I’ve had H-Sport lower camber links for over 55,000 miles and enjoyed the adjustability afforded by these arms but the bushings required regular greasing, I was tired of the mess. Also, polyurethane has some give to it as well as the rubber bushings in the stock upper control arms. Both the upper and lower arms were replaced with steel pillow-ball joint end control arms by Megan Racing. The ride has become very solid thanks to the combination of the poly trailing arm bushing inserts and the new hard wired control arms.
Take a look in my gallery for pictures. http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/browseimages.php?c=3&userid=20
I planned on only replacing the front control arm (wishbone) bushings with Powerflex polyurethane bushes but in the process discovered a bad ball joint on one side and a torn ball joint dust boot on the other so I replaced the inner and outer ball joints as well. The passenger side control arm bushing was barely attached to its sleeve so I was glad to be replacing it. The interior of the bushing sleeve was badly rusted and stuck to the carrier bracket necessitating a bracket replacement. I took the opportunity to replace the front stabilizer (anti-sway) bar bushings while the subframe was lowered. The stock stabilizer bar bushings are lined with a self lubricating material to keep them from squeaking and ensure smooth operation; no need for poly bushings here. Test drive number one confirmed an improvement over the old control arm pivot points; no more “clunk” during a hard turn with trailing brake.
An earlier inspection of the rear trailing arm bushing reviled some cracks so I replaced them with new brackets & bushings. Powerflex polyurethane inserts were added to help stabilized movement here. I’ll admit to being skeptical when I installed these. The trailing arm was so stiff after the install (the trailing arm with the un-bolstered stock bushing would move up and down freely) I was sure to regret it but that wasn’t the case when the vehicle was in operation, whew :). I’ve had H-Sport lower camber links for over 55,000 miles and enjoyed the adjustability afforded by these arms but the bushings required regular greasing, I was tired of the mess. Also, polyurethane has some give to it as well as the rubber bushings in the stock upper control arms. Both the upper and lower arms were replaced with steel pillow-ball joint end control arms by Megan Racing. The ride has become very solid thanks to the combination of the poly trailing arm bushing inserts and the new hard wired control arms.
Take a look in my gallery for pictures. http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/browseimages.php?c=3&userid=20