Recently my '72's been hopping and skipping whenever I hit a bump or crack in the road, making driving a pretty nerve-wracking experience.

A few months ago a mechanic told me that sooner or later, I'd have to replace all the bushings, that it would start to affect my alignment. I'm not sure what effect bushings have on handling, but I was digging around under the hood this weekend, and they're definitely in sad shape; a lot of the rubber's rotten and falling apart.

Is this the cause of my problem? I'm worried that paying someone to take it all apart, replace the bushings, put it all back together and realign the car will be really expensive, but I don't have the equipment or know-how to do it myself. If it'll fix the problem, I'll have to bite the bullet and pay up, it just doesn't feel safe as it is now.

In a related question, if I have to do it, should I use rubber or polyurethane bushings?

Thanks in advance for any advice, and if you can think of other reasons that the car might be getting jumpy, I'd appreciate the suggestions. Thanks--Rookie

------------------
'72 350 Malibu
Team Chevelle #528

Rookie, do a search on "bushings" in this forum, brakes and suspension forum, and the chevelle tech forum. You will find lots of info on the pros and cons of all types of suspension overhauls. Then after you read all the posts and get totally confused about what to do, call PST (800-247-2288) and order the polygraphite bushings.
http://www.P-S-T.com

------------------
Thanks,
ccrider
Member #:267
ACES Member #:3379
66 Chevelle SS



[This message has been edited by ccrider (edited 06-06-2000).]

Worn shocks will cause what you're describing. But, if all the bushings are gone, shocks will do little good.

Rookie
The worn bushings may not be your only problem, but I'm sure that they can't be helping the situation any.
If you are any good with tools at all, you can do this yourself in a weekend. You can borrow the special tools needed from the chain auto parts stores. You pay a deposit & get it back when you return the tool.
For some general info go here: http://chevelles.net/links/Resources/Technical/ . Look around for info on rebuilding your front end / replacing bushings. There are 3 or 4 good links that describe this job.


------------------
Rick
72 El Camino (http://members.home.net/jimmy4/rick1972elky.html)
TPI350/700r4
TC#00038
ACES#00140