Polybushes on a classic XJ

[bigdavy]

Hi, does anyone have any experience of using polybushes on a classic XJ? I am about to do a front suspension overhaul on my 1976 XJ6 series 2 and have heard conflicting reports. I have read they can squeek quite badly, but have also read they are great for sharpening things up. The car is a show car that is only used in the summer (approx 3000miles a year) and it's important to me to maintain the comfort level.
I am wondering if i should play safe and stick with o/e rubber bushes?

[tr7v8]

I run a TR7 V8 & I've polybushed that & noticed a very fractional increase in NVH.
But it's massively sharpened it up. However I'm not sure I'd do it to a gently driven saloon especially one that does relatively small mileage. So in short I'd stick with rubber!

Edited by tr7v8 on Sunday 11th February 09:13

[jaguar steve]

I rebuilt my S3 with Jaguar bushes and had a full alignment reset done afterwards, with amazing results. You really cannot believe how this transforms the car 'till you do it

Later I fitted uprated bushes to the steering rack, which improves the steering no end and fitted new Avon tyres all round. I've used Polybushes in other cars and did find that the improvement in handling and response was at the cost of some refinement

Avon tyres made less noise than either the origional Dunlops or Pirelli P5s, but at the expense of softer handling

Personally I think the S3 XJ suspension is so good it's best not to mess about with, especially as like me you have an XJ for comfort and not performance

JS

[bigdavy]

Thanks for the replies, i think the o/e rubber bushes sound like the best option for the suspension with poly bushes for the rack.I'd be livid if i did all that work and ended up with a rough ride or an annoying squeek

[lynxd67]

You're making the right decision in going for original bushes. I have several classic Jaguars and the difference between one on poly and the other on normal bushes is astounding. To explain, both are Lynx D types and one is the track car and the other a rally/road car; the poly bushed car handles like a dream on the track but is skittery and nervous on the road tramlining badly whereas the other on normal bushes handles well but isn't nervous. A track car that one isn't though.

A series II XJ6 is a lovely car which set new standards in ride and handling in its day and I reckon you'd spoil it (and in the process be unhappy with it) if you went for harder bushes and sharper handling.

[kieran2006]

Anyone have any thoughts on using polybushes on an XJ40? I have a '90 XJR which has a great ride but feels a bit vague on the steering front.

[bigdavy]

lynxd67 - Thanks, sums it up nicely.
I'm definetley going for o/e rubber bushes for all suspension points, with poly bushes for the steering rack bushes to aleviate play in steering thats common on XJ's. This has been reccommended by a few people that have done it.