I have an 81 Z and I would like to upgrade the body mount bushings to either poly. or aluminum. This may or may not be a problem but the subframe has been connected using a weld in style of subframe connector.

So do you think I will have enough movement to get the old ones out and the new ones in with the frame being tied?

will I have any problems with the sheet metal alighnment after I loosen things up and start jacking things around?

Should I use Aluminum or Poly? I have already replaced every other bushing on the car with poly.

 

Has anyone ever done this?

 

You should have enough room to do it even with the subframe connectors.... Just don't take them all out, and put them all back in... Do them one at a time, and loosen the others if needed... If you do them one at a time, you shouldn't have any problem with them lining back up... It really depends what your application is, weather you should go poly, or aluminum... If you're into all out drag racing, then you should go with aluminum.... My .02...

 

The car is just a Fri. and Sat. night car with one or two trips a year to the track. So I think that the poly would be my best bet.

Thanks for the reply.

 

i think most people use aluminum with roll cages, who wish to have no movement between the body and the frame. if you drive it on the street, go poly

 

I had the poly mounts, before going to aluminum mounts. I was expecting a noticeable difference, but Really didn't see any.

 

Were they hard to install? Was your car all together as in engine and front sheet metal.

 

I bought polygraphite ones.I got the front two rad ones in not a big deal but when taking out passenger side front my mechanic buddy hit the bolt with impact and broke the cage nut.I think I have to take off fender now to get to it to reweld cage nut .

Some guys cut access holes in the back floor to get to the cage nuts on the back mounts if they break off.I have hit the other mounts with lots of wd40 type stuff so maybe they will come out easily.
I have heard the solid mounts work good on the back four positions but not sure they recommend them on the front two by the rad.
I figure the poly should last forever.I went with bolt on subframe connnectors but didnt' install them yet as my factory bushings are really deteriortated to the point of not being really there at all.

Changing out the front bushings helped handling and got rid of some really strange groaning noises the car used to make.

I will get on those other body bushings shortly and recently bought compressor so if that fender has to come off no huge deal.