The Real Squeak
I haven't seen any articles on urethane bushings and body mounts; has your magazine published any articles on these products (or will it in the near future)? I'm currently doing a rehab and bulletproofing rebuild on my '90 GMC 2500 and would like to learn more about bushings and body mounts before I pony up any cash. I've heard everything from "they're great" to "they're way too stiff and squeak all the time." What's the real story?
Steve Curley
Eagle River, AK
I'll catch flak for this, but every vehicle with polyurethane bushings that I've had experience with has squeaked. I even have two vehicles that only have poly on the sway-bar mounts, and they still squeak. Polyurethane is great for more control, and the fluted ones with grease fittings at least allow you to lube them regularly to cut down on the squeaking.
The good qualities of these bushings, however, are that they do not wear out, they don't break down when soaked with oil or gas, and they do increase stability.
Tire Tests
I have just lifted my '83 CJ-5 and want to purchase a new set of tires. After talking with a reliable source, I was told that BFG's Mud-Terrains last almost as long as its All-Terrain tire. For a few more bucks, I have no problem buying the mud tires, but will they truly last nearly as long as the All-Terrains if properly rotated and maintained?
Dan Decicco
Fresno, CA
It all depends on how you use the tires. We haven't quite finished a long-term test on these two tires, so we can't be 100 percent sure, but it seems that the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrains will last almost as long as the All-Terrains if you don't do any four-wheeling. If you do four-wheel, the Mud-Terrains seem to get chunked worse than the All-Terrains because they grab better. We almost always use Mud-Terrain tires because they are such a great help in almost every off-road situation.
Missing Locker
I just opened my brand-new issue of 4-Wheel & Off-Road and couldn't resist reading "'88-'98 Chevys," Dec. '98. I love my S-10, which has the same suspension, just smaller, and it's about time it was recognized as having a few strengths to go with its weaknesses.
Our friends at Powertrax make a Lock-Right to fit the frontend of IFS Chevy trucks, contrary to the article. Not a huge detail, but if I were looking for a front locker and read that article, I'd be needlessly disappointed. Figured I'd let you know.
Joe Duhon
via e-mail
According to Reider Racing ( Dept. 4WOR, 12351 Universal Dr., Taylor, MI 48180, 800/522-2707), Powertrax does make a Lock-Right for the 7.25 IFS axles under S-10 and S-15 trucks and downsized Blazers and Jimmys. However, the fullsize 1/2-ton and 3/4-ton GM IFS trucks use 8.2-inch front axles, and there still isn't a locker available for these.
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