Rubber or Poly?

I need some advice from someone who has been there. I am putting new springs all around my 70 sportwagon along with a 12 bolt rear. At 35 years old I want to replace all the bushings while its apart and box the stock lower control arms on the rear. Should I use poly bushings or just get new stock rubber ones from napa?
The car will be used for cursing and the odd trip to the drag strip. It has a low compression 455 with a 700 trans. and 3:42 gears I am worried about harsh ride and noise with the poly bushings and wonder if they will make enough difference to be worth it. o No:
Thanks John

 

I think that rubber will probably suit your needs well. I have polygraphite in my car, and no complaints, but they CAN be squeeky and harsh. Since you're going to hit the strip every once in a while, the rubber will keep binding to a minimum.

 

Thanks Erick.
This is kind of what I was thinking myself since the car will be primarily a curser. Not to mention stock suspension should be able to keep up with this mild combo.

 

I've always thought that unless you're going to try to build a race car, either road/autox or drag, rubber is more than enough. The polygraphite was in my car when I bought it, and I have plans on using more agressive springs, so I'll be able to take advantage of the non-rubber stuff, but I dont know even then the kind of benefit i'll really get because I'm not trying to make it a road racer or anything.

 

i think you'll be happy with the rubber ones. espically since your used to the loose deteriorated old rubber ones. there were pics on this site of what mine looked like (there was little to no rubber left. i nearly had steel on steel contact). I did however box my rear arms at the same time I changed the bushings.. I then later added a sway bar (front and rear) every step improved the suspension.

 

Yeah! What he said!

Seriously, I hate Poly. Go with rubber.

 

Thanks for all the advice guys. I am planning to stiffen up the lower rear arms while its apart. Reading all the ads from the outfits that sell poly bushings make them sound like the best thing since sliced bread but I figured there had to be a trade off in road noise and maybe harsher ride.
When I did the GS I put all new rubber in with new springs. Have a friend with a 70 Chevelle who babbles in disbelief about how good the GS rides every time he goes some where with me.
Wouldnt you really rather. :laugh:
Thanks again John

 

I got these from Auto Zone for $4.95 each (some day I will put them in)