I have a bone-stock 71 that is nearing completion from a light cosmetic resto, and want to upgrade most of the suspension bushings, as they have cracked, etc over time. Is there a manufacturer that makes a complete kit for the entire car? What is are the advantages/disadvantages of poly bushings?

I'm sure this question has been addressed in the past, but i could not find it, thakns in advance-

Jody

Victoria British has both the poly bushing kit part # 62-455. I can't find a kit for rubber. Get their catalog. MSA should have them also.

Rubber is more pliable then the polyurethane. Replacing with poly will make your suspension ride a little bit harsher or more responsive. It all depends on what your looking for. Autocrossers and racers will use poly to be able to "dial in" their car and not have to worry about the suspension components moving undesirably. If your going to use your car to drive around the city or the country road and not do anything "aggressive" stick with the rubber. It will give a smoother ride. Or you can do what I did and mix. I used rubber on the suspension (for a smoother ride in a straight line) and I used poly on my sway bars and steering rack. For a stiff car when I'm cornering.

It's basically personal preference.

I've been wondering the same thing. Thanks for the part#.

Jody, Urethane bushings are certainly the way to go as they will likely never have to be changed ever again! One misconception is that they make for a harsher ride....they do not!!! Harsher suspension come from higher rate springs, stiffer dampers, low profile tire, and such....not from the bushings. The urethane bushing will tighten up unwanted movement of components but do nothing to incur a harsh ride...it's an old wives-tale. They do transfer a little more road noise however. When installing the urethane bushings, be sure to use the supplied urethane lube....otherwise you will wind up with a squeeky Z.

snip..

One misconception is that they make for a harsher ride....they do not!!! Harsher suspension come from higher rate springs, stiffer dampers, low profile tire, and such....not from the bushings. The urethane bushing will tighten up unwanted movement of components but do nothing to incur a harsh ride...it's an old wives-tale.

I knew it. Thanks for clearing that up.

I will tell you I have seen urathane bushings that have disintegrated with time. Don't exactly know how long they last but they don't last forever.

Well I know Z mechanics that would beg to differ with that opinion. These are people that install the Hyperflex Systems regularly. There is no way that you can install a less compliant rubber and not affect ride firmness.

I just bought the Energy Suspension Hyperflex bushings from Summit Racing. It was much cheaper tham VB. http://store.summitracing.com/ Do a make and model search.

You may also want to check out www.suspension.com and talk to Bruce. Best prices Ive seen, and fantastic service. Dont pay overinflated MSA or VB prices.

I went thru the same questions earlier this year. I went with MSA's setup because they were black and looked close to stock. I didn't like that each bushing was in a bag, dumped in a box and not clearly marked for what went where. I didn't notice much change in ride harshness, but the change in sloppiness was dramatic. I don't know if new rubber would have been the same, but I'm sure it would have been better. I did leave the rubber steering coupler, cause I guessed the road transmitting thru the steering would have been significantly increased. Overall been happy with the choice. Nothing wrong with new technology replacing old unless you're a concour type of owner.

Les Cannaday at Classic Datsun Motorsports also sells the Hyperflex bushings. Support your small Z businesses if you can. I think he's worth our money.

I went thru the same questions earlier this year. I went with MSA's setup because they were black and looked close to stock. I didn't like that each bushing was in a bag, dumped in a box and not clearly marked for what went where.

The Energy Suspension bushings have numbers molded right into the bushing. Very Handy.

Oh and Thanks Steve Parmely for the pointer. Yes they are much cheaper on Summit. Bought me some too.

I installed Prothane bushings.