I'm finalizing my 74 bronco front suspension using Cage arms, but I need to relocate my track bar and build a new one. On stock track bars, they run bushings both ends. I've seen debates over this saying that the bushings limit flex compared to a rod end since the axles motion isn't perfectly up and down and the rod end allows for this motion better than a bushing.

Anyone have advice? I have some Summit Machine poly bushings with a metal sleeve that I was thinking of using, unless it's a bad idea to use a bushing.

Thanks for the help.

How much flex are you looking for?
IMO. If flex is your number one concern...heim joints.
If flex isnt top priority...bushings.

the axle does move in an arc around the radius arm frame mount....but i cant see it being nearly enough to cause a bushing to limit the range of motion.


bushings on links, yes....bushings on panhard, i find it hard to believe.


you could just go heims and play it safe though...hell, id go heims just to tighten it up that tiny bit

How much flex are you looking for?
IMO. If flex is your number one concern...heim joints.
If flex isnt top priority...bushings.


Flex is definitely a priority as this is mainly a wheeler. I was just trying to see if I can use what I have, but heims really aren't that expensive for 2, just everything adds up.


the axle does move in an arc around the radius arm frame mount....but i cant see it being nearly enough to cause a bushing to limit the range of motion.


bushings on links, yes....bushings on panhard, i find it hard to believe.


you could just go heims and play it safe though...hell, id go heims just to tighten it up that tiny bit

Thanks for the input, I too was curious how much it would limit flex. Before I tore this down, it flexed pretty nicely with a bushing based panhard bar.

Adjustability is another factor, with heims it would be easy, but with welded bushings, maybe make a sleeve to adjust the bar?


Decisions, decisions.

panhard bushings sux IMO
my truck eats them (Energy Susp polys)

I run 3/4 x3/4 fk hiems

Don't mean to beat this to death over a simple panhard bar, but has anyone ran a poly bushing on one side and heim on the other end to allow for the movement of the axle? Will the bushing help cushion motion?

Thanks,

I got plenty of travel and no restriction using stock size poly bushings. Hiems are expensive and you'll eventually have to replace them. They also do not offer much at all to dampen the hits. You will hear the hits from the hiems in the radius arms.

Thanks for the input. What's a good way to build adjustability with bushings? A sleeve or is that now a week point?

Don't mean to beat this to death over a simple panhard bar, but has anyone ran a poly bushing on one side and heim on the other end to allow for the movement of the axle? Will the bushing help cushion motion?

Thanks,

thats what I would like to go to. been running dual heims for years. Im tired of the CLUNK.

panhard bushings sux IMO
my truck eats them (Energy Susp polys)

agreed (for once) with you on this. i eat them like every couple trips. especially if i winch or get winched from an angle.


Don't mean to beat this to death over a simple panhard bar, but has anyone ran a poly bushing on one side and heim on the other end to allow for the movement of the axle? Will the bushing help cushion motion?

Thanks,



this is what i plan on doing. i want to cut the bar, slam a peice of DOM down it, and weld a threaded bung on the end. remake the panhard bar bracket on the frame and be done with it.