[Jam14swt]

I just purchased a set of Energy Suspension PolyUrethane body bushings from Summit racing.
Anyone on this forum have experience with this same brand and care to share your feedback on how you like them?
Any suggestions for install as well. I will soak the current hardware to ensure nothing breaks during removal. Any other tips i need to know about?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ens-3-4144g

Thanks.

 

[js292]

I have them on my 71, no complaints at all. My stock ones were almost non-existent so I can't compare them to those, but I had solid mounts on a car I had back in the 80's and thought the ride was too harsh and these stiffened mt car up nicely without being to harsh.

No tricks to installing them, soak the carriage nuts real good with PB blaster or whatever flavor you like real good. I didn't and rounded one off causing a little extra work for myself.

 

[Aus78Formula]

Make sure it's a recent pack, part number sounds like it. For years they had incorrectly labeled bushes for firebirds. Probably worked the same but would have made a mess out of well aligned paint snd panels.
Getting them undone is one thing. It helps to replace any large captive nuts and clips while you have access. The middle set can be done at least, think the rears can be dramas, fronts are fine.

 

[taman76]

Installing them isn't bad, but like everyone said soak the bolts really good for a few days. Don't use an impact wrench to remove them or the captive nut will break loose.
Good bushings will make a big difference on ride and handling.

 

[Jam14swt]

Thanks for the info guys. Looking forward to the parts arriving on Saturday and anxious for the results.

 

[Suron]

Can you just replace one bushing at a time so the body won't have to be realigned?

 

[js292]

Can you just replace one bushing at a time so the body won't have to be realigned?

Yes that is how you do it, one at a time.

 

[Suron]

Yes that is how you do it, one at a time.

Will i need to put a jack under the area that i will be removing the bushing from? or can i just remove it and install the new one easy peasy?

 

[js292]

I used a 4x4 on a jack to lift the body slightly to get the new bushing in.

 

[taman76]

You likely will need a piece of wood and a jack to gently lift the body just enough to slide the new bushing in. And yes, like everyone said, 1 at a time.

 

[Suron]

Is there any issue using these energy suspension bushings if you plan on installing subframe connectors? I read somewhere that you'd need to install solid bushings.

 

[js292]

I've heard that too, but I have no issue with the poly bushings with s/f connectors.

 

[Jam14swt]

I saw that on a video recently as well from Hotchkis. I think the reason is that their subframe connectors just happen to come witha new set of solid bushings.
I guess its individual preference whether you want to use solid or polyurethane for a more forgiving ride.

 

[Jam14swt]

Happy to report that body bushing install went well and car handles so much better. I also installed new hotchis sport suspension leaf springs. My ride height was about 1" lower on the passengers side and i had alot of rubbing.
Now car sits perfectly even all the way around and i have no rubbing issues.

 

[Brownie1981]

Nice!

 

[Jam14swt]

Nice!

hey Steve,

I just saw the link to your build...amazing man. I noticed you have flush mount windows and you also deleted the trim around your door and windows.

can i ask how what was involved in deleted the chrome trim on door and windows? Is it a simple removal and clean up or was there any additional fab work involved?

On the flush mount, how did you end up raising the glass flush with the body. Ive heard of people just using some kind of double sided tape stuff and also welding in fillers..what was your process?

 

[JoePeek]

I remember what a difference replacing my body bushings made. Had to take the seats out and cut a small access hole to hold the nuts from "spinning". The bolts were necked down pretty far from the stock bushings holding water around the center part of the bolt. I'm surprised I didn't snap them off when I took them out......twisted them, but didn't break them. I actually had to adjust my fenders a bit even though I changed the bushings one at a time. That car was so loose that if I put a floor jack under my left front tire, I could not open my drivers door. Hell, I cracked my windshield pulling in my girlfriends driveway because the cowl area moved around when I had to go over the curb hump at an angle to save the front air damn. After new bushings, it was like driving a different car.

 

[Brownie1981]

hey Steve,

I just saw the link to your build...amazing man. I noticed you have flush mount windows and you also deleted the trim around your door and windows.

can i ask how what was involved in deleted the chrome trim on door and windows? Is it a simple removal and clean up or was there any additional fab work involved?

On the flush mount, how did you end up raising the glass flush with the body. Ive heard of people just using some kind of double sided tape stuff and also welding in fillers..what was your process?

Joe,

Thanks for the compliment!

I don't have flush windows on my Bird...the black trim makes it look like it though I guess?

As far as deleting the drip rails, it's as easy as removing a hand full of screws really.

Staying with the thread theme, I have solid bushings and love them!

Cheers,