Differential carrier bushings

[XMAN99]

I am replacing all the rear suspension bushings with Polyurathane, and am wondering on the original rubber bushings for the rear Diff. carrier, was there a metal/aluminium sleeve that was on the outside of that bushing?

My problem is that the new Poly doesn't fit in the mount where I removed the rubber portion of the bushing, but it looks like a sleeve is pressed in there also. Is that also part of the original part?

Thanks for any help in advance! Gary

 

[The Corvette Kid]

I haven't done this job myself, but I have the diff. carrier poly bushings and plan to do it once I get some time.

Where the bushings are installed in the diff. carrier, there are steel sleeves that are OEM. I'd double-check with the bushing manufacturer (I got mine from VB&P) but these sleeves normally need to be removed in order to install the poly bushings in order for them to fit.

The best way to do this (I've found) is to use a small triangular file and start to carve-out a groove into the sleeve until you cut through it. BE CAREFUL NOT TO CUT INTO THE ALUMINUM CARRIER!!! The sleeve is very thin, so it won't take long to cut through, and once you do, you can bend the sleeve and easily slip it out.

Make sure to use LOTS of lubricant (I use marine-grade grease) when installing the new bushings.

I hope that helps

 

[XMAN99]

Corvette Kid;
That is what I believe it is, part of the original bushing that needs to be removed. Thanks for the tip with the rectangular file, I was thinking that is I heated the diff. Carrier up a little, then maybe I could tap it out.

Thanks XMAN

 

[johnvette]

True enough... They need to come out. Just did mine about 2 weeks ago. I use a hacksaw blade, sawed thru one side and about 1/2 of the way thru the other, it is very hard to cut both sides even. So I just folded up the metal using a large screwdriver, the metal is very soft.

 

[XMAN99]

johnvette;

Thanks for the advice, I'll be working on that this weekend! Did you have any trouble putting them in?

XMAN

 

[johnvette]

No once you get out those metal bushings... it is a piece of cake.

That finished all my bushings front to back with the poly. I also installed the hemi-jointed lower control arms (the ones that control camber).

That with the heavy duty X-brace and the front camber brace... I have a WHOLE NEW car in terms of handling.

Good luck