Differential Bushing help

[Biolite]

So I'm in the process of a suspension overhaul right now. I got to the rear diff bushing, popped it out, and with this new powerflex one, it seems rather large and won't fit. Has anyone had experience with installing this bushing? I tried to get it to press in with the two huge washers, but it just wouldn't cooperate. I really don't want to remove the differential as I've already pulled out the rear subframe to replace those bushings and re-installed wit without removing anything else. Any ideas? Thanks guys....and yes, I did search the forum already.

[spidertri]

Toss the bushing in the freezer for a while and then try installing it when its nice and cold.

[Biolite]

Sounds good. I'll try it in the morning and let you know how it goes. Thanks!

[FMD]

What do you mean remove the differential, the diff bushing is in the rear cover. I assume you're trying to install the bushing into the cover that is presently removed from the diff by properly pressing it in.

Otherwise I don't see how you're going to have any success.

[KingLouieII]

the urethane bushings from powerflex are supposedly able to just slide right in without much effort (that's how the rep at powerflex made it out to sound) and don't need to be pressed in.

let me know how you make out with putting it in the freezer, bc i have the same ones pending the install when i get around to it.

[Biolite]

Well, so I put it in the freezer overnight, but it was still way too large to be even pressed in. I ended up mounting each bushing half on a drill press and sanding down the diameter with a piece of 60 grit sandpaper. I eventually got it to the point where I could press each half in by hand with a little force (the RTABs and subframe bushings went right in by hand). The center sleeve for the bushing had to be pressed in with a length of all-thread and two nuts and washers.

You might want to talk to powerflex again and ensure they're supplying you the correct bushing since I had so much trouble with it. I really didn't have time to wait to get another bushing, so I had to improvise a bit. I will add that there is a noticable increase in differential noise now, but I don't mind.

[KingLouieII]

wow that's good to know. thanks for the helpful input, I'll give them a buzz today and gather the scoop. I thought something might have been fishy when the box came in and it said E30 differential bushing...

I'll keep you guys updated.