Energy Suspension Bushings: Red and Black

What's the difference?

The two different colors are essentially the same at a formula level. Some black components are graphite impregnated as a self-lubricating agent, but overall they are the same part. Graphite is not added to the red formula simply because it changes the color of the bushing.

Bushing hardness by color?

The Durometer (or hardness) of red and black bushings are the same for that position. The different colors do not indicate a higher or lower durometer.

Why buy red bushings?

Red or black bushings is almost entirely an aesthetic choice, there is no real functional difference between the two. Some who drive their vehicles especially hard (track, rally, etc.) sometimes use red bushings because it is easier to see any damage that the bushing might have suffered from extreme conditions.

Are there other bushing colors?

Energy Suspension used to have Yellow and Blue options but they stopped producing components in these colors a long time ago and they are no longer available on the market.

Special Order Details

"Prothane"

This part is not stocked at any of our warehouses. However we can have the part shipped directly to you from the manufacturer Prothane.

We will pay all special order fees. Purchasing a special order part will not cost you any more than if we had stocked it.

Domestic Orders:

For all orders shipping to the United States - the part will ship directly to you from the manufacturer. If you've purchased other parts along with a special order part, we will send them all in one single shipment.

International Orders:

For all orders shipping outside the United States, this part will be shipped directly to our forwarding office. We will fill out the necessary paperwork and forward the part on to you via your selected shipping option. If you've purchased other non special order parts - your entire order will wait to ship until this part has arrived.

Returns

Special Order parts do not qualify for returns. If you purchase a special order part we will not be able to assist you with a return. If your special order part is damaged, or missing a piece we will assist you in promptly receiving the correct order.

Prothane Red vs Black

Black, or Red? Red, or Black?

Prothane makes bushings in both colors. But is there a difference in them? Is one harder than the other? There are a lot of misconceptions about the color difference in Prothane's bushings, so let us at DST clear that up for you.

How are these two colors different?

Aside from the actual color, there isn't really a difference at all between the red and the black. They are the same durometer, or hardness, so they will perform the same and both should last the life of your vehicle.

What about the graphite rumor?

The black bushings do have a small amount of graphite mixed in with the polyurethane which has the potential to help with squeaking. But really, the best way to prevent Prothane bushings from squeaking is to use the supplied pre-lube* and grease them properly at install. So whether you choose the red, or the black, just be sure to grease them properly to avoid any squeaking.

* Some types of bushings only compress, such as body mounts and endlinks, and do not come with grease because they do not need grease. So if your kit comes with grease, be sure to use it!

Prothane Red vs Black

Black, or Red? Red, or Black?

Prothane makes bushings in both colors. But is there a difference in them? Is one harder than the other? There are a lot of misconceptions about the color difference in Prothane's bushings, so let us at DST clear that up for you.

How are these two colors different?

Aside from the actual color, there isn't really a difference at all between the red and the black. They are the same durometer, or hardness, so they will perform the same and both should last the life of your vehicle.

What about the graphite rumor?

The black bushings do have a small amount of graphite mixed in with the polyurethane which has the potential to help with squeaking. But really, the best way to prevent Prothane bushings from squeaking is to use the supplied pre-lube and grease them properly at install. So whether you choose the red, or the black, just be sure to grease them properly to avoid any squeaking.

What does Special Order mean?

Special Order Details

"Prothane - In Stock in Red Only"

This part is currently only in stock in Red. However we can have the part shipped directly to you from the manufacturer Prothane in the color Black if you would like. Special orders from Prothane typically arrive within 8-10 weeks.

Special Order Fees:

We will pay all special order fees. Purchasing a special order part will not cost you any more than if we had stocked it.

Domestic Orders:

For all orders shipping to the United States - the part will ship directly to you from the manufacturer. If you've purchased other parts along with a special order part, we will pay the additional shipping costs to ship the rest of your order immediately. Essentially we will give you combined shipping despite the fact that we will be making 2 shipments.

International Orders:

For all orders shipping outside the United States, this part will be shipped directly to our forwarding office. We will fill out the necessary paperwork and forward the part on to you via your selected shipping option. If you've purchased other non special order parts - your entire order will wait to ship until this part has arrived.

Returns

Special Order parts do not qualify for returns. If you purchase a special order part we will not be able to assist you with a return. If your special order part is damaged, or missing a piece we will assist you in promptly receiving the correct order.

Unlike nearly every other Energy Suspension brand part. This part is only produced in Black. Inquiries concerning this revealed that at the time they do not plan to make this part in Red now or in the future.

Special Order Details

"Moog"

This part is currently not stocked at any of our warehouses. However we can have the part shipped directly to you from the manufacturer Moog.

Special Order Fees:

We will pay all special order fees. Purchasing a special order part will not cost you any more than if we had stocked it.

Domestic Orders:

For all orders shipping to the United States - the part will ship directly to you from the manufacturer. If you've purchased other parts along with a special order part, we will send them all in one single shipment.

International Orders:

For all orders shipping outside the United States, this part will be shipped directly to our forwarding office. We will fill out the necessary paperwork and forward the part on to you via your selected shipping option. If you've purchased other non special order parts - your entire order will wait to ship until this part has arrived.

Returns

Special Order parts do not qualify for returns. If you purchase a special order part we will not be able to assist you with a return. If your special order part is damaged, or missing a piece we will assist you in promptly receiving the correct order.

Terms and Details Acceptance

If you select "Not Accepted" we will not send you these parts. Your order will be cancelled and refunded.

The lock ring is important because it keeps the U-joint in place and keeps it from moving. If you have the wrong lock ring then the U-joint could rock back and forth and cause damage to the the yoke. If you have the outside lock ring it will have a circular shape with tangs and be at the top. If you have the inside lock ring then it'll look like a C and be at the bottom.

Putting the Icing on the Cake

Energy Suspension offers a 7 year warranty for every part they make. But we know the quality of these parts deserves the peace of mind that a Lifetime Warranty provides. Exclusively for DST customers, we offer a FREE upgrade to a Lifetime Warranty handled directly thru us. No strings, no hassles, no receipts needed.

See all the details on this exclusive Energy Suspension Lifetime Warranty.

Special Order Details

"SPC"

This part is currently not stocked at any of our warehouses. However we can have the part shipped directly to you from the manufacturer SPC. Special orders from SPC typically ship within 5-8 weeks.

Special Order Fees:

We will pay all special order fees. Purchasing a special order part will not cost you any more than if we had stocked it.

Domestic Orders:

For all orders shipping to the United States - the part will ship directly to you from the manufacturer. If you've purchased other parts along with a special order part, we will send them all in one single shipment.

International Orders:

For all orders shipping outside the United States, this part will be shipped directly to our forwarding office. We will fill out the necessary paperwork and forward the part on to you via your selected shipping option. If you've purchased other non special order parts - your entire order will wait to ship until this part has arrived.

Returns

Special Order parts do not qualify for returns. If you purchase a special order part we will not be able to assist you with a return. If your special order part is damaged, or missing a piece we will assist you in promptly receiving the correct order.

Terms and Details Acceptance

If you select "Not Accepted" we will not send you these parts. Your order will be cancelled and refunded.