Is the energy suspension bushing kit worth it?

[ozzyleven]

Both my front and rear sway bars need new bushings where they attach to the frame. The current ones are pretty much only half there and dry rotted. I've been looking around and it looks like about 26 bucks or so for all 4 bushings in polyurethane (seems like they hold up better than the rubber). I'm kind of starting to figure that maybe I should just do all the suspension bushings while I'm down there. The rest look 'okay' but I'm sure they will need to be replaced eventually...

Best price for ES kit I can find is $140, but is it worth it? Seems like a lot for some bushings. Anyone else put these on their rig? Seems like they have great reviews and could possibly improve the ride a bit. Any other options I should be checking out? Also, will an alignment be needed after installing them all. Just had an alignment less than a month ago and I really don't want to have to spend $70 to do it again. Thanks!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Check this thread for some info, seems like it would be worth while.

 

[ozzyleven]

Should have added that I was mostly wondering if its worth it for a 94. Most of the threads I have seen about them are on much newer vehicles and haven't been able to find much about them on older vehicles.

 

[Merle]

I'd start with the sway bars only. I changed mine out at least 60,000 miles ago (probably more like 75k-90k) and there is some wear on the inner portion that connects to the sway bar itself (the grease grooves have smooth wear spots).

IIRC, it did tighten things up a little and firm up the ride, but overall, there's little difference (except that the greaseless ones need grease to be added with them removed versus the grease nipple thingy, whose name escapes me).

The other suspension bushings don't seem to get exposed to as much motion, moisture, salt or sun as the sway bar ones. So I'd be less concerned with them rotting. Now if your ride starts to sag towards one end or the other, or if you hear a sudden "clunk"... YMMV

The rear ones were more gross than the front ones - more exposure to salt/brine because of their location. Picked up my set from Summit racing - not the $140 set though.

 

[GOUGER]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lSj8WMKfEs