The good, the bad, and the ugly: spotting bad bushings?

[GN SBS]

Hi folks,

I've recently developed a rear suspension problem-- DS wheel hopping under launch at the strip.

I checked out the suspension components and noticed that I can move the DS rear upper control arm side to side (just a little 1/8" or less) at the top connection and that the nut & bolt would rotate with little effort. Everything is solid on the passenger side.

BUT the nut is thoroughly rusted to the bolt and I'm wondering if the change in the launch behavior is caused by the bushing finally going bad enough to make a problem.

Assuming that I can break the nut loose (many soakings of penetrating oil haven't helped), do folks think bringing it to torque will help w/o replacing the bushing? I for one can't think how the nut could have both recently loosened and then gotten rusted to the bolt.

Any guidance on telling a bad bushing from an old, but good one? Other ideas?

thanks,
Scott

 

[GN ERGY]

I dont know if just tightening it up will help your wheel hop problem. The rubber gets real crappy after all these years. Your best bet is to replace them with urethane bushings and box them while you have them out. That is what most everybody does anyway, I did it and that solved my wheel hop problem. Bushings are about $ 75.00.
Tarey D.

 

[GN SBS]

Other opinions?

Sources for the bushings?

Rubber v. poly trade offs for upper control arms?

Other things to do at the same time?

thanks folks!
-S.

 

[GN ERGY]

I know you can get them from JEGS .com or 1- 800-345-4545, for $73.99 and free shipping. Or suspension.com, they carry energy suspension and air lift products.
Tarey D.

 

[T-Type Mike]

I went with the Poly bushings and all hop was gone, Highly recommended! Good Luck

 

[tom h]

you may also want to consider the HRPartsNstuff poly bushings,
#0502 .

They are more expensive than run-of-the-mill generic poly from Energy Suspensions, but appear to be much better thought out & designed.

 

[machinegun]

You can do one of two things. Replace the bushings and then box the arms. Or buy a set of uppers and lowers all ready to bolt in. I did the latter and it was the best money I ever spent. I also only use hrpartsnstuff products. They really are the best.