The Bushing. The true quiver killer. This small component sandwiches the hanger and sits quietly around the kingpin. It can transform your ride from one extreme style to another. The various durometers and shapes allow for a creative and personalized set up.
The numbers are the durometer rating of the bushing. This determines the amount of resistance it provides. A lower number means a softer bushing, giving less resistance and allowing it to turn easily. A higher number means a harder bushing, providing higher resistance and increasing stability.
Your body weight determines a hard durometer from a soft, each person is different. This is why bushings are chosen for personal preference, not scientifically charted. A rider who weighs 100 pounds will have a different experience on the same bushing as a rider who weighs 260 pounds.
The shape will also affect style of resistance the bushing will offer. There are multiple styles of bushings that can be mixed and matched to create a custom set picked specifically for your needs. In this article we will review the 3 most common shapes. Keep in mind there are many different other shapes and variations of the following.
Cone bushings have less resistance against washer and more resistance against the bushing seat. This produces a quick turn that maxes out to a certain degree, increasing in resistance exponentially as you turn deeper into the truck.
Barrel bushings provide more resistance against the the bushing seat and the washers. This is because there is the same amount of contact on the flat ends of the bushings.
Stepped barrel bushings perform similar to the barrel shape. The additional urethane around the stepped barrel provides more resistance, increasing stability and decreasing the turn radius.
Here is where the process is put in your creative hands. Pairing a durometer to shape characteristics can create millions of possibilities for your ride. You can get as complicated or simple as you wish.
So what bushing works best for you? Start by examining the bushings you have currently. What durometer and shape are they? Do you want more stability? Or more carve? From there, choose a durometer that will favor in the direction you want to go. Then, choose a shape that you think best fits your style.
Want a second opinion on the bushings you chose? Need more advice? Give us a call and our professional staff will happy to help you pick the right set up.