Polyeurethane vs. Rubber mounts/bushing - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

gman · 01-24-2003, 03:10 PM

Looking for opinions as to which way to go. Advantages vs disadvantages of each. Looking to start replacing cab mounts, radiator mounts, transfer case mounts and just not sure which way to go. Don't want to stiffen the ride up anymore than already and new lift is in the plans soon too. If I go poly they will all be black......no flashy colors on the chassis for me. Sorry.....I like stock look. Anyone have experience with brand new rubber vs. poly? Which way should I go?

Stout72 · 01-24-2003, 03:31 PM

I'd be interested in hearing other's opinions as well. Ditto what gman is looking for, but I'm interested in those for the leaf springs & sway bars as well.

**1971Stepside** · 01-24-2003, 03:43 PM

this has been discussed several times on the board and from what I can tell the rubber is the winner when it comes to cab, radiator support mounts. Poly is good in sway bar, trailering arms etc. Everywhere else rubber. The rubber will flex more and not transfer the jar that the poly will. I'm sure all the opinions will be posted again.

Charlie Coleman · 01-24-2003, 03:51 PM

I'm with 1971Stepside. You will feel the Poly.

gman · 01-24-2003, 03:51 PM

1971stepside,

Sorry for the repetitious question.

smokekiki · 01-24-2003, 04:52 PM

On my lifted blazer I used all poly,susp. and body.It gives a firm ride.I feel the blazer handles better with the poly.As far as the ride and noise,the blazer is LOUD and rough ride either way.My sub has poly in the suspension and new rubber body mounts.The new mounts make it ride nice.

**1971Stepside** · 01-24-2003, 05:04 PM

heck gman don't be sorry that what this board is for. I know I have asked questions that have been covered before....

**COBALT** · 01-24-2003, 05:40 PM

Based on my experience it depends on application. Since this has already been mentioned I'll keep this post short.

Wherever you need yield or flex use rubber. Wherever you need something stiffer use poly.

crazy longhorn · 01-24-2003, 05:49 PM

Poly for suspension, & rubber for the body.......crazyL

71k5 · 01-24-2003, 07:52 PM

My vote goes with crazy L...

RShaips · 01-24-2003, 10:48 PM

I just removed my cab from my 67 2WD today and I am going to put it on my 72 4wd,I was going to use rubber mounts ,my question is should I buy the mount kit for a 4Wd or 2wd,I think I need the 4wd mount kit sunce that is what it is going on,also I need to cut my floor out and install a high hump for the transfer case shifter,how big a hole do I really need to cut out.I have a high hump cover to install but really don't think I need to cut the complete size of the cover out. Thanks

Sierra · 01-25-2003, 12:40 AM

I replaced all body-to-frame mounts and front sway bar and front suspension components with polyurethane bushings. My overall impression is that the truck now handles MUCH better, and the ride is as comfortable as before. If you are concerned about ride stiffness, rest assured that poly bushings alone will not add to your discomfort!

BUXMAN66 · 01-25-2003, 02:44 AM

the one problem w/ poly bushings is that the added stiffness puts more pressure/stress on the surrounding metal and will weaken the floorpans or core support structure.just think,it took 30+ years to break the rubber down,think it'll last you another 30?...... probably! jmo.

BUXMAN66 · 01-25-2003, 02:45 AM

the one problem w/ poly bushings is that the added stiffness puts more pressure/stress on the surrounding metal and will weaken the floorpans or core support structure.just think,it took 30+ years to break the rubber down,think it'll last you another 30?...... probably! jmo.

ckhd · 01-26-2003, 08:34 PM

I wouldn't think it would be bad to use poly body mounts in a street machine, but I notice your sig says "K10". When you're out 'wheelin, then you subject the pickup to a lot more flex than one that just cruises the streets and goes over a speed bump or two now and then.

Poly doesn't flex. When you have your frame flexed to it limits as you are driving over something while using four-wheel-drive, then poly may bend something. Rubber will give a little and help absorb some of the stress that you are subjecting the body to.

I would use poly in all suspension applications. In fact, I'm going to completely rebuild the suspension in the burb here in a few weeks, and I'm using poly anywhere I can find a poly part for.

01-24-2003, 03:10 PM	#1
gman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ogden, Utah Posts: 290	Polyeurethane vs. Rubber mounts/bushing Looking for opinions as to which way to go. Advantages vs disadvantages of each. Looking to start replacing cab mounts, radiator mounts, transfer case mounts and just not sure which way to go. Don't want to stiffen the ride up anymore than already and new lift is in the plans soon too. If I go poly they will all be black......no flashy colors on the chassis for me. Sorry.....I like stock look. Anyone have experience with brand new rubber vs. poly? Which way should I go? __________________ 72 Chevy SWB Custom Deluxe K10, 350/SM465, PS, PB, Fact. Air 2000 Harley...Wide Glide

01-24-2003, 03:31 PM	#2
Stout72 Not my good side. Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Fairfield, California Posts: 222	I'd be interested in hearing other's opinions as well. Ditto what gman is looking for, but I'm interested in those for the leaf springs & sway bars as well. __________________ 72 Chevy K20 Custom Camper, 350/350, 4" lift, dual shock suspension front & rear. Daily driver and a work in progress. 00 Suburban LT 90 Camaro RS 79 Yamaha XS1100 Special (Ol' Reliable)

01-24-2003, 03:43 PM	#3
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	this has been discussed several times on the board and from what I can tell the rubber is the winner when it comes to cab, radiator support mounts. Poly is good in sway bar, trailering arms etc. Everywhere else rubber. The rubber will flex more and not transfer the jar that the poly will. I'm sure all the opinions will be posted again. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

01-24-2003, 03:51 PM	#5
gman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ogden, Utah Posts: 290	1971stepside, Sorry for the repetitious question. __________________ 72 Chevy SWB Custom Deluxe K10, 350/SM465, PS, PB, Fact. Air 2000 Harley...Wide Glide

01-24-2003, 04:52 PM	#6
smokekiki Mike Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: west chester pa Posts: 2,473	On my lifted blazer I used all poly,susp. and body.It gives a firm ride.I feel the blazer handles better with the poly.As far as the ride and noise,the blazer is LOUD and rough ride either way.My sub has poly in the suspension and new rubber body mounts.The new mounts make it ride nice. __________________ 70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires

01-24-2003, 03:51 PM	#4
Charlie Coleman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Franktown, CO. USA Posts: 533	I'm with 1971Stepside. You will feel the Poly.

01-24-2003, 05:04 PM	#7
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	heck gman don't be sorry that what this board is for. I know I have asked questions that have been covered before.... __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

01-24-2003, 05:40 PM	#8
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Based on my experience it depends on application. Since this has already been mentioned I'll keep this post short. Wherever you need yield or flex use rubber. Wherever you need something stiffer use poly. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

01-24-2003, 05:49 PM	#9
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	Poly for suspension, & rubber for the body.......crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

01-24-2003, 07:52 PM	#10
71k5 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Manchester, PA Posts: 138	My vote goes with crazy L...

01-24-2003, 10:48 PM	#11
RShaips Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Augusta Missouri Posts: 804	I just removed my cab from my 67 2WD today and I am going to put it on my 72 4wd,I was going to use rubber mounts ,my question is should I buy the mount kit for a 4Wd or 2wd,I think I need the 4wd mount kit sunce that is what it is going on,also I need to cut my floor out and install a high hump for the transfer case shifter,how big a hole do I really need to cut out.I have a high hump cover to install but really don't think I need to cut the complete size of the cover out. Thanks

01-25-2003, 12:40 AM	#12
Sierra Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Victoria, Texas Posts: 71	I replaced all body-to-frame mounts and front sway bar and front suspension components with polyurethane bushings. My overall impression is that the truck now handles MUCH better, and the ride is as comfortable as before. If you are concerned about ride stiffness, rest assured that poly bushings alone will not add to your discomfort!

01-25-2003, 02:44 AM	#13
BUXMAN66 go bucks! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: MIAMISBURG OHIO USA Posts: 803	the one problem w/ poly bushings is that the added stiffness puts more pressure/stress on the surrounding metal and will weaken the floorpans or core support structure.just think,it took 30+ years to break the rubber down,think it'll last you another 30?...... probably! jmo. __________________ '68 swb 1/2t 350/350th '86 lngbd 3/4 TON parts getter '49 gmc 1/2 t 5 window 350/350th '96 gmc sonoma sle ext-cab. hey it's a 4cyl. 5 spd and good on gas y'know?

01-25-2003, 02:45 AM	#14
BUXMAN66 go bucks! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: MIAMISBURG OHIO USA Posts: 803	the one problem w/ poly bushings is that the added stiffness puts more pressure/stress on the surrounding metal and will weaken the floorpans or core support structure.just think,it took 30+ years to break the rubber down,think it'll last you another 30?...... probably! jmo. __________________ '68 swb 1/2t 350/350th '86 lngbd 3/4 TON parts getter '49 gmc 1/2 t 5 window 350/350th '96 gmc sonoma sle ext-cab. hey it's a 4cyl. 5 spd and good on gas y'know?

01-26-2003, 08:34 PM	#15
ckhd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: St. Johns, Arizona Posts: 2,660	I wouldn't think it would be bad to use poly body mounts in a street machine, but I notice your sig says "K10". When you're out 'wheelin, then you subject the pickup to a lot more flex than one that just cruises the streets and goes over a speed bump or two now and then. Poly doesn't flex. When you have your frame flexed to it limits as you are driving over something while using four-wheel-drive, then poly may bend something. Rubber will give a little and help absorb some of the stress that you are subjecting the body to. I would use poly in all suspension applications. In fact, I'm going to completely rebuild the suspension in the burb here in a few weeks, and I'm using poly anywhere I can find a poly part for. __________________ my 2¢ - t.i.o.l.i. Bowen 1968 K20 fleet 1969 K10 swb fleet 1972 K10 Suburban 1972 C10 lwb step 1992 K1500 'burb 1995 K2500 'burb 1997 C1500 'burb 1999 K1500 2000 K1500 'burb Why do I own so many Suburbans?



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