TR2/3/3A Poly bushings for TR3 front suspension

[tdskip]

Any opinions here about the merits of using poly bushings when rebuilding a TR3 front suspension?

I'm sold on poly for the other cars, but haven't heard much talk about how people like them on a TR3.

 

[TR4]

I can speak for my TR4, the ride is not as soft but I am sure the poly will hold up much better. It all depends on what you prefer. I prefer poly.

 

[Tinster]

I can speak for my 69TR6

Pedro's dried up or missing rubber bushings, front
and rear, were oatmeal and the car slid all over
the road. I could hit a bump and the car suddenly changed
lanes by itself. Real scary.

With the new poly bushings in the front, the car handles
like a race car. I'm very satisfied.

d

 

[PeterK]

Changed my 3A to poly last winter. I did the entire front end and it really tightened up, also added Koni's and a sway bar so it's hard to tell you effect of just the poly bushings. I'd say ANY bushing replacement would better the handling. Mine wasn't any harsher, unless I pump the tires up over 30lbs. Recommend poly just because they last longer. I heard Delrin and Nylon are too harsh but haven't used them to say.

I probably have a set of new rubber if you want them.

btw - after actually owning a formula racecar, I've never driven a street car that actually handled like a racecar. But the 3A is nice and tight and I won FTD at an autocross for my class after the rebuild.

 

[Andrew Mace]

Two factors here:

1. There are several "grades" of poly bushings, including those that pretty much mimic the original rubber bushings for compliance (or flexibility or however you wish to describe it).
2. Seems that almost any poly or other bushing available nowadays will be much more durable for whatever that stuff is that passes for rubber (although older NOS bushings -- those that might actually have the "metalastik" name molded onto the edge -- seem to still hold up pretty well if they'd been stored properly all these years).

 

[TR3driver]

I put Nylatron on my TR3A many years ago (before poly was popular) and loved it. Didn't notice any increase in ride harshness, even though Nylatron is firmer than most poly; but then I really didn't expect to. The lower bushings were already nylon (as original), and IMO tires play a much bigger role in ride quality than bushings do. (My soft, sticky tires probably helped too.)

And no more having to change those rubber things every year or two !

 

[tdskip]

Any specific vendor recommendations for sourcing? It doesn't look like Moss carries then. British Parts NW has some, but not a complete set.

I'm looking for fast road use, not racing.

 

[RonMacPherson]

Andy, by "grade" do you mean shore hardness?

From my research, several years ago, on the poly bushings. They can be obtained in different hardness factors. i.e. compressibility is different. The "softer" ride more comfortably than the "harder" but they all pretty much last indefinitely. Or a lot longer than the rubber ones.

Place down under used to be very well stocked and conversant in poly bushings, might do a google for him. I gotta get going, otherwise I'd dig his url up for you.