Hi All,
Haven't been on this site for long awhile. Anyway I put on new poly bushing on the front end of my 1966 chevelle with new stock shocks. The ride is very very stiff and can feel every little single bump. Can anyone suggest what I can do to get a better ride?
thanks,
Stan

Rubber bushings...

Did you only replace the front suspension bushings?

I ask this, because the rear control arms will tend to bind with poly bushings, especially the upper ones (above the rearend)...

If its only the front that you replaced, did you torque the control arm mounting bolts to correct torque specs? If over torqued, the brackets could distort and squeeze the new bushing, possibly causing more bind than usual...

Did you lube the bushings with grease (per instructions???)... I think they usually get some grease where the poly bushing will rub the metal from the frame...

Poly bushings do stiffen your ride quite a bit. It's a sacrifice, performance over ride quality.

Yes, I only replaced the the front suspension bushing with PST polys. No rubber bushings. I only hand tighten the mounting bolts. I didn't think torguing the bolts were necessary. I don't think I greased the bushing but I'll have to check. Will that make some difference? The front end was done about three years ago. Oh, I also installed new stock front coil springs with the new shocks.

What shocks do you have? I have PST bushings in my '71 with Hotchkis springs and Edelbrock shocks and I wouldn't say it was "harsh". Firm maybe but it the same way my '96 Audi A4 felt. Just "tight".
I have found most "stock replacement" shocks like Munroe or Gabriel tend to ride alot harder than I think they should.

Jeff

Yes, Jeff, I do have the Monroe shocks. Contemplating whether if I should change them out.

Yeah, I have ALWAYS found that replacement shocks are WAY too harsh. Maybe some others can jump in with thier experiences.
The Edelbrocks are a shade pricey but I like them ALOT. Many people here like the KYB's and they are very reasonably priced, around $20 each if I recall.

Jeff

well for one, you first say just shocks and bushigns, now you say springs too? A lot of variables in there. And if your stuff was worn out from before what might be stiff to you isn't stiff. Another thing i noticed is that you said you might of not greased the bushigns....Big NO-NO! those bushgings have to be greased big time, that is one of the sucky things about them.