DeTomaso Mailing List: June 99, Message #196

In a message dated 6/8/99 5:04:46 PM, moseleya@pacbell.net writes:
snip......
<< I remember that you mentioned (recommended?) a poly upper and stock lower 
(or was that vice-versa??  please correct me if wrong).   I was just 
wondering what your reasoning was behind this and do you prescribe this mix 
at all four corners? >>

Almost. What I usually recommend is poly bushings at all points EXCEPT the 
upper and lower shock absorber mounts. Poly in the a-arm pivots and sway-bar 
mounts will tighten up the Pantera's handling with practically no ride 
compromise, while only slightly increasing road noise in the cabin. And as 
they are more resistent to ozone-cracking than stock rubber bushings, for 
most owners this is a one-time-ever expense. But adding poly to the shock 
mounts will markedly increase ride stiffness and add much more road noise 
while only increasing handling marginally. So the bottom line is- if you 
intend to street-drive your car, use poly bushings at the a-arms & sway-bar 
mounts only. Note that grease fittings can be added to any bushing rather 
simply, if metal-on-plastic squeeking bothers you. Cheers- J deRyke