On Sun, May 22, 2011 at 9:59 AM, neil n <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:

> That's interesting.
>
> Were these the only changes made to the front end between "tests"
> through the Columbia River Gorge?
>
> Like was it *that* much of a noticeable improvement? Did you replace
> these parts with steering gear still in place? (bolts removed of
> course)
>
> IIRC your Vanagon is a DD so you would notice a change more than
> someone with a fair weather driver like mine. (though it gets driven
> more and more these days  :)  That said, I did notice an improvement
> replacing upper control arm bushings on p-side, and they weren't
> *that* worn out.
>
> Neil.
>
>   I stuck them in without loosening anything else, just the four rack
bolts.

  "noticeable improvement"  I noticed the difference right away...going down
my driveway (which is about 1/4 mile long and uneven gravel)  As you would
think, poly vs rubber the poly tightens-up the whole steering connection
between wheels...the steering wheel and the road wheels.  So it works both
ways.  My steering wheel moves around a little more as the tires encounter
steering deflections from road surface roughness...but my road wheels react
faster to steering inputs, too.  On a race car, I used Delrin
bushings...essentially non-elastic..for excellent feel.  The Poly ones on
the van are a compromise between the mushy feel of a road car and the 100%
feedback you want at the limits of traction on the racetrack.

  Worth doing, in my opinion.  I didn't change anything else at the time I
replaced the bushings..so my perception is based on only one change...

  Don Hanson