91Pioneer Posted April 5, 2015 Share Posted April 5, 2015 I've been thinking about replacing all the worn/cracked bushings on my truck, for now I want to focus on the rear. I plan on buying new shocks and bushings for the springs. I assume shocks will come with bushings so no problem there. With regards to the leaf & shackle bushings, is there any benefit to doing standard replacement parts (rubber) versus polyurethane? I care more about cost than handling. I don't drive my truck much anyway and don't use it to haul or drive fast, it's just for beating around town, so I don't want to spend too much to get it to ride smoother. Literally any kind of new bushing will be better than what's in there. Looking online this seems to be the cheapest solution - Energy Suspension polyurethane - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CNAWB2/ I see also that Moog makes factory style one-piece replacements for the springs, SB371 & SB372 which are about $16-20 each. But they don't make shackle bushings. In fact, the only shackle bushings I can even find are those two piece polyurethane ones with the metal sleeve. If I go the Moog route with the extra shackle bushings I'll probably be double the cost of the Energy kit. Thoughts? Comments? What do you guys recommend? I'm strongly leaning toward the Energy kit because it includes all the bushings I need for the rear for ~$50. One last question, do bushing kits that say they fit the XJ also fit the MJ? I know the springs aren't identical (length), but I'm assuming the bushings are. Edit: I found a Daystar kit for a few dollars less, seems to be identical as the Energy ones but black instead of red: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IARQ28/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wvzj Posted April 7, 2015 Share Posted April 7, 2015 Yes MJ and XJ bushings are the same. I prefer rubber bushings as I think they provide a smoother ride and flex better. But since you have no preference I would go with whichever one is cheaper or more readily available to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted April 7, 2015 Share Posted April 7, 2015 Urethane will ride HARD. They also squeak. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megadan Posted April 7, 2015 Share Posted April 7, 2015 Go with a good quality rubber bushing over Urethane. They won't squeak, will transfer less noise, and provide a more comfortable ride. Generally urethane bushings are better for handling performance, but on a pickup with no rear sway bar and leaf springs, it seems to be a rather silly thing to do. I have billet rear control arms with urethane bushings on the rear of my crown victoria. I had to drill and tap holes for zerk fittings so I could grease them, because they would squeak and drive me nuts after a while. If I had to do it again, I would have preferred a rubber bushing over urethane on a daily driver.Just my 2 cents though. Spend your money however you want to spend it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
91Pioneer Posted April 7, 2015 Author Share Posted April 7, 2015 I think I'm going to replace my shocks first and see how much the ride improves. I cannot find anything but poly for the shackle bushings though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megadan Posted April 7, 2015 Share Posted April 7, 2015 Well, if you decide to do the shackle bushings and cannot locate a suitable rubber replacement, at least make sure the urethane bushing kit is a greasable kit. There are a couple out there, and it will be well worth it to quiet down the sqeaking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Driver Posted April 7, 2015 Share Posted April 7, 2015 I have the JKS shackles with Poly and it's all good. I also have the JKS adjustable track bar with jonnyjoint and I'm good with that. I'm ordering Ironman's uppers and lowers with Poly in the next day or two, Andy swears up and down that I'll be good and it'll save me $100 We'll see. If you were not in the Great White North I'd send you a nearly new set of NAPA Chassis bushings that I paid $100 for..........shipping would be damn near that....sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
91Pioneer Posted April 8, 2015 Author Share Posted April 8, 2015 What all bushings do you have Jeep Driver? That may be an option... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Driver Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 I have the four spring bushings. NAPA also carries the shackle bushing if you have one near you. Seriously, the shipping will be expensive. And........I'll have to get the bushings out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
91Pioneer Posted April 8, 2015 Author Share Posted April 8, 2015 OK. I will have to check with Napa about the shackle bushings. I looked at RockAuto, Amazon, Summit and eBay and did not see anything but poly for those. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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