patzky1 Posted December 31, 2004 Share Posted December 31, 2004 I am lookng into replacing the stock bushings with the good urethane stuff and was wondering what your thoughts/opinions were on the feel before and after. Does it really ride that much "tighter" than stock? Can you even tell? Increased vibration problems? Handling improvement, etc...? The bushing companies all say that it will make the car "sportier" but that's about all that I have found on the topic. Also, does anyone know the stock spring rates on a 280? Pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jolane Posted December 31, 2004 Share Posted December 31, 2004 I used Polyurethane bushings on my 280ZX years ago and it definitely made the car drive "tighter". The reason though may have been mostly due to replacing the 20+ year old rubber. The urethane bushings did not squeek, and I did not notice any additional vibration or anything. I did the whole suspension, front and rear. Make sure you get an alignment though. I also found that my ball joints were loose (could see the play in them), and changed them and the tie-rods (inner and outer). You may want to consider this also. Finally, removing the old rubber bushing can be a pain, just be patient if doing it yourself. I used the "drill the rubber several times with a small drill bit, burn with propane torch, pound with a large hammer and drift, hacksaw" method. Good Luck, I hope this helps, Joshua Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patzky1 Posted December 31, 2004 Author Share Posted December 31, 2004 Thanks for the input, Joshua Yes, I will be doing it all myself... that's the fun part of a Z, right? Looking forward to the drilling, torching, and hacking parts 8^). I have already replaced the ball joints, strut inserts, I/O tie rods, etc... so the bushings will be my final suspension replacement. Sucks to have it all apart for one thing and put it back together just to realize later on that you really do want to replace something else, huh? Does anybody else have similar/contrasting experiences? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evildky Posted December 31, 2004 Share Posted December 31, 2004 I replaced all mine on my 240z and I gotta tell you mine wern't in horrible shape but definitely showed their age, mine does not see much street but I couldn't tell a difference autocrossing where you think it would have been more obvious but, it's much cheaper than buying all new stockers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peej410 Posted January 5, 2005 Share Posted January 5, 2005 i did the poly bushings all around 2 years ago, since then ive only driven the car a few thousand miles. the car handles like a new car. (ive done extensive chassis modifications) they didnt squeek at all. overrall i was very happy with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dudeboy Posted January 5, 2005 Share Posted January 5, 2005 Patzky1, I changed all the bushings to poly, and also changed shocks/springs (tokico blue-previously stock springs and KYBs')to my 1977 280 Z last summer. The "sport car ride" is definite as well as the steering response (change steering coupler). Depending on the plus size of your tires, you will feel the road bumps, cracks and divits. I have the 205/70 14 that came with my car, but my buddy with 78 280 z has 225/40-17 Nittos-17 -8 Centerlines with the same bushing/shock set-up and his car ride like it is rails, however the ride is a bit bumpier -but, I like the changeover to poly bushings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dudeboy Posted January 5, 2005 Share Posted January 5, 2005 By the way, me and neighbor did the suspension work utilizing the factory manual and the instructions from this website under suspension. Very thorough- print the pages and bring to the garage for reference !!!! http://www.atlanticz.ca/index.php?option=content&task=section&id=4&Itemid=28 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WickedWild Posted January 10, 2005 Share Posted January 10, 2005 It is the cheapest most time consuming pain in the ass improvement you can make on a Z. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dladow Posted January 10, 2005 Share Posted January 10, 2005 I just noticed this thread, and would without question recommend changing out all the bushings to polyurethane. My '73 was a tired old man with creaky clunky joints, and now it handles and corners great, with no squeaks or rattles, absolutely solid. I get great feedback from the road and the steering without a harsh ride or too much vibration. I also replaced the struts and the springs. Highly recommended. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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