Front Suspension Bushing Kit - Complete, or Not Complete?

[Brickwerks]

http://brickwerks.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/more-prototypes-to-test/

One of the lads at work has run a prototype for a while, was a bit noisey, this is the 3rd version, I'm happy with this.
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[BillM]

[gregaz]

So, I have made up my mind - I am going with rubber parts for my rebuild, and am considering poly for steering rack bushings (but may be persuaded toward rubber).

This is what Van Cafe is currently shipping with their kit:

Upper Control Arm Bushings ----------- Febi/Germany
Lower Control Arm Bushings ----------- Febi/Germany
Radius Arm Bushings -------------------- Flennor/Germany
Sway Bar to Body Bushing -------------- Flennor/Germany
End Link to Control Arm Bushing ------ Volkswagen
End Link to Sway Bar Bushings -------- Flennor/Germany
Upper Shock Bushing -------------------- Volkswagen

Other than going with Lemforder for the Lower Ball Joints and Lower Control Arm Bushing (don't know if VC stocks them, but BD does), should I go with their kit? Or are any of these parts known to be bad / to fail quickly? I would also consider going with poly for the particularly fail-prone parts, in hopes that I never have to do them again. Like I mentioned earlier - I am open to a blended solution.

Any particular reason why I should go with poly for the steering rack vs. rubber?

[BillM]

The poly steering rack bushings are the way to go. Just adding
those to an otherwise stock bushed van makes a difference you
can feel. Plus their easy to install after removing the stock
ones.
Going with Lemforder is a smart choice. Avoid Meyle stuff
at all costs. Everything I installed from Meyle lately has
been poor quality.
You will be fine going with the rubber bushings you have
chosen don't let the lure of poly make you think otherwise.
Your maintaining your van to stock specs helps keep its
value and dependability. Driving it will be a pleasure again.
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Bill M
87 Westy

[j_dirge]

I would do this.

Rebuild your susepnsion as you have planned.. but do NOT replace the strearing rack bushings, yet. Drive it a bit.. Get it aligned. Drive a little more.
Get a feel for the seteering with a mostly new front end.

THEN put those little purlpe marvels in, replacing the OEM style bushings on the steering rack. It is not a difficult job and will not impact anlignment.

Go for a drive.. FWY speeds. A winding road. Subtle but difinitive improvement.

It is REALLY rewarding to be able to sense the improvments of small incrmenetal changes.
And the little purple marvels are a fantastic examples of how a small change can lead to real improvement.
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-89 GL Westy, SVX.. finally.

-57 pan f/g buggy with a 67 pancake Type 3 "S"
"Jimi Hendrix owned one. Richard Nixon did not"
-Grand Tour, Season 1, episodes 4 and 5

[bosruten]

The radius arm bushing installation was a breeze. I watched a video someone posted here, of a moving van from underneath the front, I was surprised at the amount of travel these bushings go through.
I'm hoping some "harder" black urethane for the rear swing arms complete what is so far...a firm but not obnoxious feel.

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'87 Syncro Weekender

[Brickwerks]

I got some yellow 1002's on my desk as a prototype, some guys with lifted Syncro are saying the purple ones are too firm and are causing the link rod to slip around the anti roll bar.
Time will tell!
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[fungi]