Who has used polyurethane leaf spring bushings"

[My427stang]

Did they squeak? Did you have mny miles/years on them? Were they graphite impregnated? Any other inputs?

Thanks

[FORDification]

I've installed PST's polygraphite bushings in mine, but the truck hasn't been driven since, so I can't give you any real input. However, I did a lot of research into this subject before I bought mine, and everyone I talked to and every mention on an internet messageboard of them stated that polyurethane bushings tend to squeak after a short period of time. However, everyone who has used the polygraphite bushings say that there's been no squeaking at all...providing that the lube that comes with the bushings was also used, of course. Those who have switched from polyurethane to polygraphite say they're a major improvement in that department.

[My427stang]

Thanks Keith, I am going to try the graphite impregnated ones. These are leaf spring and shackle, so although I may swear a little if they get squeaky, truth is they can be changed back to stock on a Sat morning.

The stock ones were blown out to the point the bolts were worn by about 1/8 inch from everything moving around!

[heep70]

I have noticed that using the polyurethane or polygraphite bushings that they will carry more road noise and vibrations. Just a note for ya. They are way worth there weight in gold.

[My427stang]

Thanks,
I actually have poly bushings everywhere else in the suspension, shocks, c-bushings, radius arm bushings. Just none of those have much movement so I was wondering how the leaf spring ones worked.

The graphite impregnated ones are enroute, so I am going to give them a shot, we'll soon see. I expect no issues, but no great gains either LOL

With that being said, a 32 inch tall tire soaks up a lot of road noise and has plenty of flex, so I dont expect any real changes either way, but my old ones were so bad they wore into the bolt, so it was time

[Jake11]

Their good. If ya drill little holes and put some zerks in, you can grease them too. Cut a small slot with a knife
on the inside/center so the grease can go in ok. Jake

[My427stang]

Are you drilling the spring for the zerk? Not sure I follow

[Jake11]

Thru the eye, yeah. In the middle where it's easy to get to. Might go thru a coupl bits, but so what. Get a zerk tap.
Another thing is, with hot wrench you can anneal a spot on the eye so it can be drilled. I take these things for
granted. Like others know what I'm talking about. Sometimes they do. Like Rickey said. Lucy you some splainen
to do. What's your line? Jake

[My427stang]

I have zerk taps, just never drilled a spring,

I'll have to think about that one. Honestly, it doesnt seem like it would weaken that area a bit. I'd love to hide it on the inside the eye, toward the u-bolts (grease it from the fenderwell if that makes sense), but that is where the roll ends and the grease would push out the slot

Thanks for the advice, I'll have to gnaw on it, not sure if I want the zerk out where you can see it, but it does sound real convenient.

[mrtleavitt]

I just installed polyurethane bushings on my leaf springs on my '69 F100 and no squeaks whatsoever. It's been about 6 months now, maybe 1000 miles and not a peep out of them. I also have polyurethane everywhere else that is offered for these trucks which are I-beams and swaybar and I love them!!! I'll never buy a regular bushing again when a polyurethane is available. I'm not sure about the graphite impregnated thing, but they are "Energy Suspension" brand.