Leaf Eye Bushing - Shelled or Not

[EricB]

Hi fellow Patrol'ers


I'm on the Australian Nolathane website and I noticed that they have both shelled 47289 and non-shelled 47016 replacement bushings for the front leaf rear eye and rear leaf front eye.
http://www.nolathane.com.au/do_segue.ph ... =1967-1982

I compared with Whiteline and they only carry the non-shelled W71101 version.
http://www.whiteline.com.au/do_segue4.p ... =1967-1982

What gives?
I know the Nissan original was shelled as per the helpful pics in the "Leaf Spring Option" thread above...
Do I have to stay with shelled or can I go non-shelled? Any pros and cons you experts want to share with me?

Thanks in advance,

-e

[RiverPatrol]

Good question. I know that the FJ40 is the non-shelled type. I don't recall hearing about anyone using non-shelled on a Patrol but I'm sure it's been done. I know they squeak a lot.

[miller]

Im running non-shelled.... no shells no dramas

[Esteban]

Im running non-shelled.... no shells no dramas

But...

[moore_rb]

Do I have to stay with shelled or can I go non-shelled? Any pros and cons you experts want to share with me?

-e

The factors that influence this decision would be:

1) Is originality a concern? - shelled rubber looks, feels, and drives most original- shelled Urethane looks somewhat original, but will result in a slightly stiffer suspension feel

2) Longevity: - longest lasting would be shelled Urethane, followed by shelled rubber, followed by unshelled urethane, followed by unshelled rubber

3) Off road performance and suspension flex: unshelled rubber will offer the most flex, followed by unshelled urethane, followed by shelled rubber, followed by shelled urethane.

4) On-road handling and cornering performance on the racetrack: shelled urethane, hands down


If you go with option 4, then I want to see video of the Patrol on the track, along with posted lap times....