Spring bushes urethane vs rubber

Been discussed many times before but want honest truth, my leaf suspension bushings are toast,

I brought genuine rubber style ones but they seem to be loose in the spring eye, the originals were tight? are there different sizes or is this common.

Jeep is a 1975 CJ6 with a 4" spring lift kit (Skyjacker) I believe.

Any help appreciated

 

Do the ones you bought have a metal sleeve around them???

 

yes, and the old ones did as well

 

For quieter and softer ride rubber is hard to beat. For ease of installation and longevity, polyurethane is hard to beat. I used to change my rubber bushings several times a year because I'd wear them out (very hard use, racing, etc.). I went to polyurethane and about once a year to year and a half during that time of hard useage.

 

That's good to know, any brand to buy/stay clear of? Are they all the one size? I see some are one piece with a metal sleeve in the centre and some are 2 piece with ears on the ends and the metal sleeve? I just need to make sure before I buy as I don't get the opportunity to return them if hey are wrong.

 

I e always used Energy Suspension bushings with the results I posted above. They are the one piece units with the steel sleeve. The two piece with the "ears" always seemed to be the "ears" could be problematic fitting aftermarket "H" type shackles which I generally run as they are stronger. If running the stock 2 piece shackles this shouldn't be an issue. I've not run that style of bushing though so cannot comment on fit or longevity.

 

I can give you my experience with urethane bushing after replacing worn rubber bushings. The ride was much harsher and the jolts and bangs were too much for me so I when back to rubber. No question rubber doesn't last as long so it a choice between longevity verses a stout ride. Just my experience.

 

I went Urethane.. I kinda figured it rode like a buckboard anyhow..

 

I went urethane w/greasable bolts..

 

Poly here. I found to my surprise my CJ5 (once I finally got it on the road) rides no worse than my YJ, maybe even better, and the YJ rides really nice. All I did at this point was put on poly bushings and new shocks all the way around. My stock springs are probably marginal (I have crazy Jeep) but it still rides very nice.

Anyone with excessive harshness in their ride...it isn't the fact the bushings are poly...IMHO.