Hi, I`m planning on rebuilding my front suspension and found the site of PST( http://www.p-s-t.com/default.aspx). Does anyone have experiences with their products or can suggest some good rebuilding kits for the front suspension? Jens
PST is off shore stuff that looks small and frail compared to say MOOG made parts. Also Poly stuff really leaves you with a rigid ride. I would get rubber. Compare prices at www.espo.com and the local Autozone etc.
My buddy put pst polygraphite in the rear of his 67 gto and wishes he never did. it improved handling but its stiff and squeaks.
I installed the PST suspension pieces in my '72 GS, during restoration in 2002. the products, then, were quality pieces. i have no complaints.
I also have a friend who put PST bushings in his ElCamino and hates them. Before he ordered them I warned him it would lead to a harsh ride. Stay with the rubber. There has to be some give in the suspension and the rubber allows it.
I used polyurethane for the front lower control arms and stabilizer bushings and links. Everything else is rubber. Handles great with no squeaks.
Just another vote for Don't do it unless you want the car to ride like an old logging truck. I friend of mine had me put a set in a `70 Chevelle years ago and two month later had me take them out and put new stock ones in. And I know of another guy who put a set in a `65 Chevelle and he hates them.
Alan, you`re right, no autozone around here. That`s why I`d rather go for a complete rebuild kit. Squeaks and hard ride not allowed, I want it to ride smooth and accelerate hard.Can you get such a rebuild kit from CARS or year one? Moog has been mentioned.What would you suggest? Jens
The flat out fact is poly bushings should not be used in the rear suspension. The suspension was designed with compliance at the ends of the control arms. Take that away and you will not only end up with a rough ride but what could be dangerous suspension bind. Street cars go with rubber, race cars go with spherical. There are many companies now doing street capable spherical joints (Currie for one) and that is the best of both worlds.
Ok, I get the idea that polyurethane bushings are not what I need. But where to get the plain bushings I need for a 71` GS? Might be trivial for you guys because you surely have good access to them, but for me it`s an interesting question. Can I get them via Summit or Jegs?
I have used PST polygraphite front control arm bushings and sway bar bushings in my 69 GS for years with no problems. They do not squeak. It is the polyurethane bushings that squeak and require constant lubrication. They were an excellent addition to the handling of the car and stiffen up the front suspension. I also have not noticed a rougher ride but then again, I also installed new springs all the way around. For what it's worth; I would recommend PST's bushings to anyone.
So polygraphite is the name of the game. These are like improved stock ones, right? If rebuilding the front suspension, what kinds of bushings do I have to rebuild? It was also recommended to me to do the front wheel bearings.
I'm sorry but I have to call BULL**** on this harsh ride stuff. For years I've read people tell about harsh rides after they installed or their bests friends uncle put in poly bushings but I just can't see it. These old cars with big sidewall tires are SQUISHY folks!!! If the bushings make that much difference I can't imagine what a creampuff my GS455 would feel like with rubber bushings!!! I've had PST black poly bushings and KYB shocks in my car 12 years and NEVER did I think the car had a harsh ride. They did squeek a bit when new but a bit of spray lube quieted them down and I have had NOTHING negative to say about them since. Along with the 1 1/4inch front (with poly bushings) and 1inch rear sway bars I think the car feels about like like driving a GN. So, if a GN is a harsh beast to your tush then so be it.... That said I don't believe there is any real reason to use the poly bushings if you are going to keep the car indoors and out of the elements anyway. regards
It's called "road feel", not harshness. The only reason it feels harsh is you are used to worn out squishy 40 yr old suspension. The car becomes a different animal once all the suspension bushings are replaced, like new, which who on this whole board than actually remember???!!!. I like my Energy suspension poly bushings, bu tI also replaced them along with kyb shocks, new springs, new sway bar bushings, ball joints and link bushings (poly), etc. Poly bushings with old springs/shocks/other worn out components/wrong tires etc may cause a weird ride, do it right or don't do it at all, ya know?
what's the secret to avoiding the squeaking ? i would like to upgrade performance wise but my car has enough noises as it is and am hesitant to potentially add another one.
About 8 years ago I did my entire suspension over with polygraphite and have never regretted it. No harsh ride but, unbelievable handling. No more "boating" and no more heavy lean in to a curve. The car feels smoother and safer with no squeaks... Except the one that comes from the rear corner of the hood.
Ok, so just for a rookie like me, when you go your your bushings, are you checking every single one and decide "Yes, has to be replaced" or "No, looks wunderbar (->great)"? The guys who used the polygraphite ones, are PST poly graphite sets recommendable, are there other ones, which ones? Are they complete, or do I have to look out for some traps? CARS offer a Front end kit for a 1966-70 Skylark/ GS. Would this also fit a 71` GS? Jens
