Recently the rubber bushings on the dog bone of my 2.8 gave way, and i was wondering what would be the best replacement. I have seen the ultimate dog bone from the fierostore and the one from WCF, but i was wondering if there is really much benefit to changing to poly instead of just regular rubber, aside from it lasting longer. I am hoping to do an engine swap some time in the near future, so since the first one lasted 20 years i don't really think i have to worry either way that i would go about longevity. I can understand changing all the suspension components to poly for the handling benefits, but what is the purpose of changing the one in the bushings in the dog bone? One reason that i want to steer away from the poly is because the bushings are red, and unfortunately my valve covers and intake are painted Chevy engine orange, which just keeps frustrating me more and more, i could just strangle my mechanic when he took all the old paint off in the parts cleaner and then painted them orange and then consulted me afterward. Needless to say i do not have that mechanic anymore. Anyway any input would be appreciated.

IMO one of the most important benefits of a poly dog bone is that is will stop the engine from swaying. This is reduce the movement that your exhaust has to absorb so your manifolds will not be as likely to crack.

If you don't like the color, you can always paint it.

Well i know the importance of the dog bone itself but would new rubber really give that much compared to the poly?

quote Originally posted by zmcdonal: ...would new rubber really give that much compared to the poly?

Yes. Plus poly has the added benefit of not wearing out like that rubber one, so you won't ever have to replace it. It will also help lessen the burden on the engine & trans mounts since the engine won't move around as much.


You *might* get some additional vibrations out of the engine compartment since the rubber will absorb them more readily than poly, but I think it's a small price to pay.

quote Originally posted by mrfiero: You *might* get some additional vibrations out of the engine compartment since the rubber will absorb them more readily than poly, but I think it's a small price to pay.

Vibration increase when going to poly isn't bad with the V6 (slightly noticeable if you do them back to back), but it QUITE noticeable in the 4 cyl.

quote Originally posted by zmcdonal: Recently the rubber bushings on the dog bone of my 2.8 gave way, and i was wondering what would be the best replacement. I have seen the ultimate dog bone from the fierostore....

Be aware that regardless of any of its supposed benefits, sometimes the "Ultimate Dogbone" from The Fiero Store ultimately just doesn't fit.

Much to my surprise, I found that out with my V6 only after purchasing the "Ultimate Dogbone;" it was simply much too short.

Be aware also that the factory dogbones --- even just for V6s --- sometimes came in different lengths from GM itself. Accordingly, sometimes an aftermarket one like that from The Fiero Store will fit a V6 Fiero, and sometimes it won't.


A fix for that fit problem which I can heartily recommend from personal experience is simply getting the Adjustable Dogbone from Rodney Dickman instead ( http://www.rodneydickman.com ) --- but only because your car's engine is a V6. (His offering isn't designed for the 4-cylinder, something clearly stated on his website.)

quote Originally posted by project34: Be aware that regardless of any of its supposed benefits, sometimes the "Ultimate Dogbone" from The Fiero Store ultimately just doesn't fit. Much to my surprise, I found that out with my V6 only after purchasing the "Ultimate Dogbone;" it was simply much too short. Be aware also that the factory dogbones --- even just for V6s --- sometimes came in different lengths from GM itself. Accordingly, sometimes an aftermarket one like that from The Fiero Store will fit a V6 Fiero, and sometimes it won't. A fix for that fit problem which I can heartily recommend from personal experience is simply getting the Adjustable Dogbone from Rodney Dickman instead ( http://www.rodneydickman.com ) --- but only because your car's engine is a V6. (His offering isn't designed for the 4-cylinder, something clearly stated on his website.)

When I installed all poly mounts on my engine and transmission, it made it to where my poly dogbone was 2" off. A 3' pry bar fixed that.

The brackets that secure the dogbone on the engine side are actually adjustable

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Recanizin' Flat-Buns Since 2001

Eric Nelson
Internet Sales Manager
Power Ford Valencia
nelsone@autonation.com

I got the one from FS. I like it and yes it took a little effort to get it on, but I can tell a difference.....not in a bad way. I will probably go with Rodney's mount when I do my 3.8sc swap though.

quote Originally posted by Doug85GT: When I installed all poly mounts on my engine and transmission, it made it to where my poly dogbone was 2" off. A 3' pry bar fixed that.

That can't be good for the mounts though.