http://www.lxforums.com/board/showthread.php?t=107308 Meister started a thread over at LXforums that I've found interesting. I know with the way I drive I'll probably need to replace the bushings. I'm also really excited about the improved handling these will provide. If the stars align I'll hopefully have a full bush kit (front/rear) in the next few months. Thoughts on the bushings (OEM and Pedders) and alternatives?
Aftermarket bushing are usually always a lot better than the stock ones and last longer as well if you keep them lubed. Ya, the way you drive, the car needs all the help it can get! You had me scared there for a while.... though you were asking something about Jason's "Bush" for a minute! There was something on a Horse Power show about some cars are specifically designed with certain bushing in their design. Just make sure ours isn't in need of certain firmness, etc.
From the pictures in Meisters thread and all the ones they've inspected/replaced it sure seems like replacing at leasts some of the more commonly torn bushs is a good idea.
They'll probably stiffen up your ride some bro and I hope they're not noisey, had probs with some bushings I've replaced on my mustang over the years. Still, should def inprove the handling! You gonna do the install yourself?? Bushings can be a mother @#$@#@#@!! to do but whether you do it or have some one do it take pics if you can.
good info rick....... i have not thought of doing this due to some bad experiences with past rides and noise and having the car too stiff for daily driving....
Did you guys read the link I posted? I woudn't think by replacing the OEM bushings with better ones and having it tuned would result in a harsher ride. Quite the contrary, all the posts I've seen has been the exact opposite. Most people wouldn't even think to EVER take a look at their cars bushings. Pedders has been doing inspections of guys like "Meister" and are finding serious tears. I think 15 out of 20 they've inspected have this issue.
holy crap!!!! that high of a % of defects????? i did not read the thread...... for the sake of me not having to expel any energy to read, how many miles were on the failures?????? man, this seems like a high ratio.....
Yea, I agree with Chris, that's a lot of failures. Not good. Are these high mileage cars?? Ones that already have KWs or something like that?? Sounds like a TSB might be in order.
I'll do some more research to see if I can find some specific mileage. Here's part of a PM Mike from Pedders sent me in response to one I sent him: "Its hard, sometimes to make decisions on what to do. However, "driving on the edge" a couple of times a week should be the clue. I have done 3 SRT8 upgrades, all of them were driven on the edge, and then some. All had torns radius rod bushes, and the rear cradle was shifting around something fierce. Plus one of them was having severe tire wear and major steering issues when going into a corner hard, and hitting a bump. Part of Pedders challenge is to come up with recommendations for particular conditions and I have been working on that. I have a menu setuip for doing just the rear, making the LX fully alignment, etc. But cost of labor to drop the rear cradle and do just a partial set of bushes, when there are so many other improvememnts to do doing the entire rear in Pedders, is a challenge. With aggressive driving, you want to: 1. Make the suspension as predictable as posssible 2. make it fully adjustable for better tire wear and better "twisty" performance 3. make it reliable 4. Keep the comfort level in you comfort zone."
i actually went back a read the thread....... some of the tire scrub issues are things that have been complained about forever on the boards. probably why my f1's wore out in the front in 8k miles!!! also, my car has a tendency to suffer from bump steer when i hit larger bumps or train tracks. like the car wants to jump sideways!!!! at 2k, the bushing kits seem a bit pricey, but if they are as good as proclaimed by guys like miester, then it may be something i might seriously consider...... next issue is finding a dealer here on the east coast!!!
Depending on driving style and the inspection, you may not, and probably won't, need the entire bush kit. I drive her REALLY hard, so I intend on the full kit just for safe measure. They are selling individual pieces now. So, you don't have to buy the entire set or have them installed by a Pedders dealer. I know that was a concern for a few folks I've spoken with.
cool..... now to determine WHICH ones to get to deal with the minor issues i have...... bump steer tire scrub rick, if you find the answer to which bushing i need for these two issues, i would be much appreciative buddy!!!!
very cool rick!!!! can you give me his contact info??? i would not mind talking to him personally to pick his brain as well. looking forward to hearing what he has to say about the issues i listed.....
I just pm'ed him at LX. "dms motorsports" - Mike is the west coast rep. Pete "Justice Pete" is the U.S. rep I think. Check out how purdy these things on the rear cradle are...and how crappy the OEM ones look: http://www.lxforums.com/board/showthread.php?t=105528
Yep...and that's just the REAR cradle. That doesn't account for the front and all the tuning, alignment, camber, etc! Do you wonder why I'm so damn excited about getting them?
