Re: Urethane bushings 101

[Tom Mandera <tsm1@domain.elided>]

On Sun, 20 Sep 1998, Doug Rasmussen wrote:

> So, what's the deal with urethane versus rubber?  Not urethane versus worn
> out rubber, new urethane versus new rubber.  Why didn't IH use urethane
> originally?  Do newer leaf spring vehicles come from the factory with
> urethane?

Doug,

As I understand it, the rubber *should* yield a softer, more pliant 
ride.  Rubber "is" better.  

OTOH, I'd wager the Urethane bushings make the truck "tighter" and 
perhaps help handling a bit over rubber.  It should make the ride a 
little stiffer - less give.

The redeeming attribute of Urethane bushings is the increased wear.. they 
don't require replacement as often as rubber bushings.

What comes in those newfangled cars today?  *shrug*  I try to stay as far 
away from newfangled cars as I can.. the only post-1980 car in my yard is 
my sister's '88 Mercury Tracer.. which I avoid, and discovered yesterday 
the 5spd needs a chain attached to it.. and my sister needs to buy a boat 
to get any use out of it.

Hmm.. I think my two '77 Scout IIs (the grey one, and the remains of one 
I drug home yesterday) are the newest "cars/trucks" we own.. 

-Tom