New bushes required - poly or not?

Yet another question, I did search but didn't find the definitive answer (possibly because there isn't one!).

I've just found that I need to replace a load of bushes on my 90, most of the ones on the steering parts, and the rear "triangle" bushes. I'm pretty sure I can do this myself, probably spread over a few weeks while painting the chassis and other jobs.

I see I can get a full poly-bush kit on ebay for about 50 quid. But the chap at the local garage who diagnosed the problem advised me to steer clear of poly bushes, he said they are "too hard". Is this just a matter of personal preference? I also saw it said on this forum that a bush kit is about £125 - are the ebay ones cheap rubbish?

The ones I found on ebay are this and this.

Thanks again for your sage advice

have a look at this.....
Defender bush kits



Not bad for £42 plus VAT - and not off fleabay!!!

Poly bushes where designed to be ezer, so that they could be changed in the field, i dont think that they would last as long.

Not true - Poly bushes are made of Polypropylene - not rubber, as the originals, and therefore are less subject to degradation due to oils or solvents usually found in vehicles.
They should last a lot longer.

But with real ones you got a bit metal round the outside as well.

which is unnecessary, because the bushes press into a BIG metal housing (usually).

lets put it this way - I use polybushes in all my cars when the originals need replacing. They are easier to fit, last longer and give a better ride.

poly is a better material than rubber as MHM says. the diff in price which you have been finding is the manufacturers. proper polybush are over a ton. deflex ones are around 45 for a defender, which are prob the same ones as those on ebay (marked up).

sheddy on here said his deflex ones only lasted a year. so maybe its worth paying out for REAL poly's and only changing them once. rather than a deflex set every year.

saying that, i guess sheddy drives hard as his disco is made for it. maybe he will come along to shed (no pun) some light on the situation.

i have no opinion as i need mine doing to and havent parted with the $$$ yet as im unsure whats best

is there any problems with the polly bushes being too hard and losing the suppleness of the susspension? is it best to use a combination of standard and polly?

have a look on a couple of web sites - they dont have quite so much "give" - so the suspension is marginally "harder" - less roll - better cornering (up to a limit) and they dont rot. Maybe I am just as bit biased, but I aint found any prioblems except occasionally taking the old ones out (complete with outer metal jacket)

Hmm, lots of info, thanks

Can anyone recommend a set of "proper" poly bushes then? I want to buy a quality set that will last years, got enough things to fix without replacing these every year

Mad Hat Man, do you personally use those blue ones from mailorder4x4.com that you posted? (Although as far as I can tell, the £42 kit is for Series vehicles, the kit for an early defender 90 like mine would be £75. I don't mind spending £75 though if they'll last).

Also, I'm new to this so I'm not sure exactly which bushes are which ... do these sets generally include the bushes for the shocks, panhard rod and radius arms? Cos those are what I need

no - i dont use those - coz i aint got a lr any more - used to have a hippoo - but i use superflex on my rover 220turbo.
give 4x4 a call - ask them wot yu get - sure they will help yu - ask if they got a warranty etc.

I think it's worth spending the dough on a decent set. I know loads of people that have them, and have given them loads of abuse with no problems. If you don't do an alful lot of hardcore bog snorkeling in your landy they do a comfort version which is handy if you suffer from a case of the farmer giles!