aluminum cradle bushings vs poly

[goatnipples2002]

I was wondering if anybody has tried the aluminum bushings from West coast fiero? Are they worth it? Would polyurethane be just as good?

[Ragtop_Renegade]

Poly rides nicer, but aluminum will take one hell of a beating.

[goatnipples2002]

So what do I have to do in order to install the metal bushings? Torch the rubber ones out? I was leaning towards the aluminum ones because the poly ones need to be pressed in and I don't have access to a press.

[Ragtop_Renegade]

Burning them out works pretty good, the rubber is pretty hard to cut without power tools, and using power risks marring up the cradle. I'd use a torch.

I would assume the aluminum ones need pressing too, though you could probably heat the cradle with a torch to expand the hole and drive the bushing in with a brass hammer. For poly bushings that would melt from the heat, you could try pulling them in using a heavy grade bolt and fender washers as a makeshift press. Wrench on one side, impact gun on the other, as the bolt tightens it should pull the bushing into the cradle. If the washers start to bend just use more washers.

[FierceGT]

I've done the poly bushings in my A-arms. I just used a torch on the rubber ones....it's kind of fun actually. One trick I learned, if you concentrate most...not all....of the heat on one side they will pop out on their own before they start burning. And the new poly bushings came with grease and pushed in quite easily with a little help from a rubber mallet....no need for a press. I think it would be safe to assume the cradle bushings wouldn't be much different.

[goatnipples2002]

So with the aluminum ones I would assume that all I have to do is pop out the old rubber ones and simply slide in the aluminum ones, right?

[FierceGT]

I don't know anything about the aluminum ones. If I had to guess, I'd say they would be a little more difficult to push in since they are metal. The poly bushings are at least somewhat soft, so they will compress a little, while the aluminum will not.

[Ragtop_Renegade]

Originally Posted by Ragtop_Renegade

I would assume the aluminum ones need pressing too, though you could probably heat the cradle with a torch to expand the hole and drive the bushing in with a brass hammer.

Try that ^

[goatnipples2002]

I will get the poly ones eeing how the price is $100 cheaper.