[GI] Poly bushings: Making a Comeback in Feb 09'!!!

[wytbishop]

Today I took a trip tot he Pick n' Pull and was finally able to answer the only question still plaguing me. The rear bushing on the Front Lower Control Arm, on cars manufactured in 06/94 and later, is 2mm larger in diameter and about 5mm longer. The part number for the control arm however, does not change telling me that the later style bushing should bolt to older cars.

This leaves me with a question which I wanted to seek your input on. Do I make a second mold so that owners of older cars and newer cars can order the part they need to match the bracket already on their cars, or do I pick one (say the smaller, early style) and make all of the owners of the newer, larger bushing source brackets at their local yards to fit the larger bushing? Or vice versa?

I don't think I want to make both because I would have to make 8 molds instead of 7 and it's about a $15 fix for those that would have to fine replacement brackets. I am seriously leaning toward making the smaller bushing and not the larger. First, the only reason to make the bushing larger would have been to make the ride more comfortable. That's really not a big concern for anyone thinking of buying poly bushings. We want a firmer tighter ride. Second, as it was offered on the earlier models, there is more likely to be lots of them at junk yards and parts places. There are currently 4 sets at my local Pick n' Pull. If it comes to it, I will go pull them for you.

I think it's only fair to get your input on this. This is the final nail in the coffin so to speak. Once this decision is made the odyssey will begin.

A decision will be made tomorrow one way or the other.

[onlytrueromeo]

I have a 92, so my vote goes towards the earlier bushing! Not that it matters though if all the parts are the same. One question though, if the bushing is smaller, than the people will have a bolt that's longer...is there enough threads to close the gap? And are the sleeves the same size, just the OD is different?

[wytbishop]

This is the bushing in the metal shell. It slides over a post which is part of the control arm and the bracket bolts to the underside of the front subframe. The part number for the control arm does not change which tells me that fitment is not a problem. It's only a few mm longer...about 1/4".

[onlytrueromeo]

Oh, silly me, I forgot there was a post there and not the standard nut/bolt combo!

Yup, I know the few mm's won't affect things much unless it made it loose inside the shell, which is not the case!

[wytbishop]

Participation people. This is your product as well.

[rece]

Also think that the majority of mx-3s on the road are 92 or 93 as the later years mostly 4cyl were sold. i really dont think the small difference will make or break the ones that need the slightly larger ones. my vote is for the ones designed for the earlier versions

[fowljesse]

I vote older style, as I have 2 of them.
In fact I double vote.

[wytbishop]

The GB has begun. Place your orders HERE .

[marcdh]

Nice one, I'll be ordering, just not immediately. I'm effectively about $2000 out of pocket with the adjustable cam pulleys Disposible income has somewhat evapourated, however, I won't be missing out on this

[wytbishop]

I've been meaning it ask you Marc...are we certain that all of your E spec bushings are the same as our A spec? I would hate for you to have fitment issues.

Give me your email address and I'll send you the measurements so that you can check. It's easy enough if you have a caliper.

[marcdh]

Nope we are not certain, though I'd be surprised... and yep, I have a digital caliper, which I enjoy using! Email address PMd