Bulfab solid bushing failures?

[mygsx2120]

I went ahead and ordered the Bulfab mustache bar and solid subframe bushings. I am not overly concerned with NVH, as my VR4 is a weekend warrior at best.

But while doing research, it seems some people believe 6061 aluminum is too soft. I read the bushings will have a short life, the bolt holes will become out of round etc. I am scared because Curtis from .org shares this opinion.

So, has anyone had any problems? Anyone had them long enough to put a decent amount of mileage on them?

 

[bryanwheat]

The subframe is not a moving part so there will be no wear. The only reason it uses rubber on the factory bushings is to keep drivetrain vibration from reaching the body. If you were to use solid suspension bushings than yes you will end up with wear in the bolt holes, but the subframe will not experience this.

 

[mygsx2120]

The explanation given was the steel is harder than aluminum. Since there is slight variation in the rear subframes, this causes "rubbing" on the OD of the bushing.

Curtis is an Air Force engineer and probably the most well respected member on gvr4.org, so that is why I value his opinion. I emailed Vassil as well

Edit: I just heard back from Vassil, he was okay with changing my order. They were a mistake on my part in the first place, that I was going to try and roll with.

 

[bryanwheat]

So do you want an answer or just someone to agree with you?

 

[GST with PSI]

I would PM GSX_TC1 DSM Forums - View Profile: GSX_TC1 before you order.

I'm not sure about the Bulfab mustache bar, but Mike had some fitment issues with BulFab crossemember. The north/south bars didn't line up. I'm not saying the part won't fit, but I'd double check since it's a GVR4. Not shitting on Bulfab or Vassil, but I'd double check fitment since you're not putting this on a DSM.

Here's the thread that outlines the issue:
GSX_TC's Galant VR4 Build Thread #550/2000 (Samara) Page 11 | Galant VR-4 > General VR4 Discussions | GalantVR-4.org Mitsubishi Galant VR4 Forum

 

[mygsx2120]

So do you want an answer or just someone to agree with you?

I have no experience with solid bushings, so I don't have an opinion. I was just stating the information I came across and my source, for the sake of intelligent discussion.

Brett, thanks for the input. I'm liv4psi over on .org, so I keep up with GSX-TC's updates. Bulfab is aware they are for a VR4. I did forget to tell Vassil that Mike Valencia sent me though haha

 

[GST with PSI]

I have no experience with solid bushings, so I don't have an opinion. I was just stating the information I came across and my source, for the sake of intelligent discussion.

Brett, thanks for the input. I'm liv4psi over on .org, so I keep up with GSX-TC's updates. Bulfab is aware they are for a VR4. I did forget to tell Vassil that Mike Valencia sent me though haha

Ahhh, gotcha. Hence the reference to Curtis. Lolz on the Mike reference though .

 

[diambo4life]

Kind of a crappy subject. If you were asking a question it should have been neutral...not suggestive. FWIW....my Bulfab crossmember (3-pc) fit perfectly. If you have a GVR4...you have to remind him that.

 

[mygsx2120]

I wasn't trying to subjective, I was just looking for some first hand experience. I found conflicting information, and wanted real world results.

I decided to use my BoostX subframe bushings, and the Bulfab mustache bar.