new subframe bushing thoughts

[FastCAD]

Hello All;
It's time for my 4th set of subframe bushings for my '91 (200k+mi.)
I have read and appreciate the really helpful post by "rpartee" on using the Gen3 rear bushings at all four corners. "Well done".

My 2nd set of bushings were aluminum (and the best) especially with subframe connectors. The ride and feel were tight, a little stiffer and a little lower which I really liked except for crashing my lower valance on every parking stop in town lol but my complaint is the same as everyone else. When driving at low speeds, parking etc. there was a lot of "moaning and groaning" going on with the alum. and it wears you down especially with other passengers who thought they were going to die lol so I removed them.

I am wondering if treating the aluminum bushings with some kind of coating like teflon, powder coat, neoprene insulator or similar would help mitigate the only problem with these great bushings?
Any thoughts on this would be welcome.
Best to all,
Joe

 

[rubydist]

I did not like the solid subframe bushings for all the negative reasons you mentioned above.

I thought the Gen3 rear bushings were the best overall compromise - more firm feel without all the nvh issues of the solid ones. That combined with a Gen3 subframe made the car a lot better.

Unless you coat the solid bushings with rubber, you will not solve the nvh issues. You need to isolate the subframe from the body, which is why they put rubber bushings in there in the first place.

 

[SHOMON]

Best place i found for the Gen 3 bushings was RockAuto. $30 each.

 

[itwonder]

I have the Gen 3 subframe bushings, and I highly recommend them. I would not choose aluminum bushings for a street car.