[jku72]

I posted this in the 67-79, but since the forums are broken up, I thought I'd also post it here, to wit:

If you own one of these, you know there is no polygraphite bushings available for the dark-siders (65-70 FS) front a-arms.
What I know: the lower A-arm has the exact same bushings as the 69 Grand Prix(and I think the '67 GTO), which is available in Poly. The upper A-arms are different, but only a little, and I think I can ream and shim my way into polygraphite, so I thought I'd try and and post results.
Here's the size breakdown:

Fullsize upper bushings '69 Grand Prix Note
Shell OD: 1.3" 1.3" Perfect fit
Bolt hole ID:.69" .68 Ream .010" to fit(or turn down shaft)
Legth: .78" 1.76" .020" washer shim(if it's needed)

I think I can beat the forces of "anti-full-sized pontiacs" and actually get what I want.

Comments anyone? I've ordered the kit, and will post results soon.

[mike nixon]

been there done this and discussed it in this forum. i think under the bioggest tire for a 65 g/p thread stuck at the top.

they're in my 65 g/p now, have been for a year. 68 gto bushings & modified the uppers to fit, lowers were a direct fit.

mike

[PITTSBURGH 64]

You could try all that but the rubber bushings are better then poly..................

[mike nixon]

it all depends on what you're doing with them jeff. i'm perfectly happy with the ones in my car and the oil leaks won't deteriorate them. it rides and drives well with no binding, squeaks or other issues.

[AROWHED]

I've yet to see any problems in my rear poly bushings after over 5 years of my abusive right foot. I only have rubber in the front end, though. I'd be willing to try polygraphite up front as well...and a 2" thick sway bar!

[PITTSBURGH 64]

I thought mine were good too until I started getting rear torque steer when I would get on my engine.
I pulled a upper off and put it in the vise and the arm was very loose and could easily be pulled side to side. I opened up the ploy bushing and it was egg shaped!
I still use polys on my Ram Air Resto rear control arms but with Currie Johnny Joints on the other side of the arm. The Johnny Joint lets the rear end travel through its natural arc. The difference in handling and ride is so fantastic compared to the all poly set up................

[mike nixon]

Originally Posted by PITTSBURGH 64

I thought mine were good too until I started getting rear torque steer when I would get on my engine.
I pulled a upper off and put it in the vise and the arm was very loose and could easily be pulled side to side. I opened up the ploy bushing and it was egg shaped!
I still use polys on my Ram Air Resto rear control arms but with Currie Johnny Joints on the other side of the arm. The Johnny Joint lets the rear end travel through its natural arc. The difference in handling and ride is so fantastic compared to the all poly set up................

in my experience, and i've been installing polygraphite bushings for years, if you grease them wll with a quality silicone grease you won't have any problems. i've personally run them in cars and abused 4x4 trucks with no issues whatsoever.

i've installed them in serveral customer cars also with no issues and tons of miles.

mike

[PITTSBURGH 64]

That must be it, I didn't use the silicone grease and they wore out on me, interesting.......

Were do you buy this grease? I better grease the one's I have now...............

[mike nixon]

dielectric grease is very similar if not exact as what is sent in the kits. i buy mine from napa or carquest.

mike

[PITTSBURGH 64]

No grease came with my control arms, so i just sprayed some regular spray grease on them. I'll get some dielectic at NAPA, thanks Mike.....................

[mike nixon]

so what brand did you buy jeff? every set i've bought in the past 15 years has had a grease packet in it.


what you want is a heavy bodied silicone grease.

mike

[jku72]

As I promised, here's an updaye on the polygraphite bushings I put in.
I didn't ream the polygraphite upper bushing inner sleeves, instead I cleaned up the inner shaft and used a little emery paper and they fit on. I didn't do anything about the length, and they work perfectly.

So, you can put poly in a Full size 65-70 Pontiac. This got pointed out by Mike Nixon, but I said I'd update, so I did.
Because this is so easy, why can't we contact the supplier with info so more will be available. They dont need to do hardly anything, just relable or a very minor modification.
I've got them now, so I don't need them anymore, but it might help fellow Pontiac full size people.

[mike nixon]

Because this is so easy, why can't we contact the supplier with info so more will be available. They dont need to do hardly anything, just relable or a very minor modification.
QUOTE]


i called energy suspension when i was doing mine. they said there's not enough market for them, they had to get a car in their shop to development on, they'd only build the complete pkg not just the chassis part.

call them up if you're interested in these bushings for your car let them know there is a market for the fullsize pontiacs and there's money to be made in other areas besides chevrolet.

mike

[PITTSBURGH 64]

Mike I have Energy suspension bushings on one side with Johnny Joints on the other.