Vixen suspension bushes
Discussion
This topic comes up from time to time on here. I will start off.
Polymer bushes are easy to fit and potentially last longer than the originals, however, they are much harder, which means the suspension will feel tauter but at the same time will lose much of its compliance. Also, they are expensive when compared with the rubber bushes. The other thing I noticed about the poly bushes is that , of course, they are not at all adjustable, while the rubber bushes allow a mm or so of side to side adjustment, which helps when you have a hand built car.
I have polybushes all over, except for the diff mounts (series one VIxen), but I am considering swapping them back to rubber, when I do the final build up.
On my car, the ones I will definitely keep are the ones at the top of the rear uprights, simply because they go in so easily and the rubbers were such buggers to get out.
Polymer bushes are easy to fit and potentially last longer than the originals, however, they are much harder, which means the suspension will feel tauter but at the same time will lose much of its compliance. Also, they are expensive when compared with the rubber bushes. The other thing I noticed about the poly bushes is that , of course, they are not at all adjustable, while the rubber bushes allow a mm or so of side to side adjustment, which helps when you have a hand built car.
I have polybushes all over, except for the diff mounts (series one VIxen), but I am considering swapping them back to rubber, when I do the final build up.
On my car, the ones I will definitely keep are the ones at the top of the rear uprights, simply because they go in so easily and the rubbers were such buggers to get out.
Bill,
When I rebuilt my suspension units I replaced the rubber bushes with Superflex poly bushes, however it was just one element in the overall process. I also fitted new shocks, coils, bearings etc etc. The overall result was a big improvement but how much of it was down to just the bushes is hard to determine. Superflex do offer kits containing all the necessary parts specifically for the Vixen and although they were expensive, everything went in perfectly and fitting was also easy. IIRC each bush has an individual hardness rating that is supposed to be ideal for each specific bush on the Vixen - it all seems to work well.
Once you're done I would recommend getting your car corner balanced by someone as that will make a massive difference and get the best from the new components you've fitted.
Moto
When I rebuilt my suspension units I replaced the rubber bushes with Superflex poly bushes, however it was just one element in the overall process. I also fitted new shocks, coils, bearings etc etc. The overall result was a big improvement but how much of it was down to just the bushes is hard to determine. Superflex do offer kits containing all the necessary parts specifically for the Vixen and although they were expensive, everything went in perfectly and fitting was also easy. IIRC each bush has an individual hardness rating that is supposed to be ideal for each specific bush on the Vixen - it all seems to work well.
Once you're done I would recommend getting your car corner balanced by someone as that will make a massive difference and get the best from the new components you've fitted.
Moto
Astacus said:
Fine as long as you don't have false teeth! 
and very beautifully done Neil
I run poly superflex all round but with stainless machined inserts. The Bronze bushes were very much needed due to the configuration of the piggyback set up which places extreme loading on the std bush because of the vertical loading.and very beautifully done Neil
The stiffness of the bushes aren't really felt with 650lb springs front and 400lb rears
I'm also going to re-bush the suspension in my Vixen S2 and I've decided I'll go with Superflex poly bushes. With the £ to $ conversion plus p&p, it comes to almost $500USD which is a bit mad in my mind, but it seems that it's the best option with respect to durability and sounds as if it won't destroy the ride.
During the process I replaced the original steering rack mounts for solid mounts. That was a not a good plan as it just exaggerated the feedback from road imperfections to an alarming level. I refitted the original mounts but with Superflex poly bushes and that works well with good feedback but no aggressive kickback.
Moto
Moto
Does a 1971 2500 (vixen 2500 in the US) have its own kit of bushings? or is it the same as a Series 2?
In reality I probably will just replace a handful of the main ones. Is there any they share with the TR6? It may be more cost effective to buy some of those for individual replacement?
Anyone know what ones they have in common ?
In reality I probably will just replace a handful of the main ones. Is there any they share with the TR6? It may be more cost effective to buy some of those for individual replacement?
Anyone know what ones they have in common ?
Ok in that case what is the major bushing for the S3? is there a common one that I can get (intended for another car) in bulk and do most of them?
for example are all the inner wishbone bushings the same and if they are what is used?
thank you for the help I am just trying to save a bit of money.
for example are all the inner wishbone bushings the same and if they are what is used?
thank you for the help I am just trying to save a bit of money.
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