"Alot changed between 69-70: besides the lower bushes, the bottom balljoint got bigger & the tierod ends & draglink ends went up one size too. In the rear end the control arms & torque rods got longer which pushed the axle backwards 3/4". I prefer to use the shorter arms here for better weight distribution."

That is great information specifically the control arms and torque rods, thanks!

As for the proclemation of poly bushes being better than worn out 30 year old rubber ones, I completely understand what you are saying any bushes are better than none :). I thought that the main reason that poly bushes were better than rubber was that they limited deflection in suspension components which made it somewhat stiffer, but more importantly kept the suspension closer to "ideal geometry" more of the time.. that is assuming that the suspension was properly designed in the first place.


As for your comment about the rear butterfly bushes

"They give you more grip & are more supple. Ideal for road tyres. If you want to see what the butterfly bushes do in a 140, take the lower rearend arms out & turn the big bushes 90 degrees so the diff won't respond to to torque input. What you get is a car that is great for burning rubber & making lots of tyre smoke, but not much else. All the rear end squat is gone."

I am a recent convert to old volvo's and have yet to tear apart a rear end, and I don't think I understand exactly what bush you are talking about. However I understand the concept of rear end squat and it's link to better acceleration (in rwd vehicles of course).


However I have printed off your replies to file for when I get a solid enough 142 to start tinkering with I hopefully will find your information when I get around to replacing bushings. (I already have 1 3/4" drop progressive front springs and IPDs standard sport rears waiting for a car so it's gonna happen sooner or later)


While we are on the subject, is there any other quirky bits of 142 suspension knowledge that you can impart?

Thanks, Hudson