Question About Leaf Spring Bushing Designs

[1996xlt]

Hey guys/gals question for those more in the know than myself; most of the replacements are a steel sleeve, with a rubber insert and a smaller insert for the bolt to pass through like this: http://www.jonesspring.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=12337 what is the benefit of this design? I would think the metal outer sleeve of the bushing on the metal of the spring would only create more squeaks and require total leaf spring replacement once they fail altogether. After searching the forum and realizing I'm not the only one to have run into this problem of where to find replacement bushings for the rear of my leaf springs on my 02 Xlt 4x4.

Few more questions:

Which poly bushing kit will work with my 02? (I've seen conflicting info that say some for a 97 works...etc)

Is Ford the only one who carries a true all rubber bushing with only a center steel sleeve for the bolt to pass through?


Thanks in advance!

 

[cvar]

http://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/catalog/Ford_Rubber_Encased_Leaf_Spring_Bushings-186-1.html

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

The metal cased ones are molded together(no movement). They press tight into the springs(no movement, easier install).

The only movement there is, is the torsional twisting of the rubber. There is nothing wrong with that design at all. Much better in my opinion.

Poly bushings will squeak, those won't.
My truck has all poly bushings; leafs, r-arms, c-bushings, cab mounts, trans mount... I hate them. They ride rough, don't flex worth a damn, and squeak like crazy.

 

[1996xlt]

Thanks cvar and Urban, I got the RB131s on the link cvar provided from a local shop for about $10 each.