Front differential bushing

[lowtrac]

I feel like I need to lump all my questions into one thread called "dead horse" or something similar.

I started feeling a pronounced clunk this past week under acceleration / deceleration, especially at highway speeds. I got underneath and started shaking things and discovered the front diff bushing was shot and the bolt was loose. I tightened the bolt up but there's still a lot of play in the bushing. I've read about the "fix" using leaf spring bushings, the Scorpworks replacement bracket and the Outfitter Design DIY kit. I'm leaning toward the "fix" as the lowest cost option. I guess I understand the design of the bushing, but was wonder what would be the downside of just deleting it altogether and using something like large fender washers to set the alignment of the diff? Obviously being rigidly mounted it'd transmit more noise and vibration to the frame, but would there be any other issues?

 

[RamRod]

I am sure you would not like your ride at all after eliminating a bushing in a key area like that

There is a reason vehicles have bushings in areas like that, otherwise we would have a ride quality of a chuck wagon

 

[alrock]

If you don't convert the two side mounts to solid mounts as well, the diff will still try to flex and move on the left and right mounts while stressing the now-fixed rear mount. I would take all three to solid or all three with bushings, but not some combination in between. And yeah, it will be uncomfortable with three solid mounts

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[mjferencak]

Bite the bullet and do the Scorpworks or Outfitter kit. I personally bought the Outfitter kit and even though it's pricey it was definitely worth it. You might want to check out siberianbushing.com and see if they have the diff bushings. I'm at work and IT has blocked me so I can't say for certain if Siberian has them or not. Worth a shot.

 

[Dub-NUb]

Bite the bullet and do the Scorpworks or Outfitter kit. I personally bought the Outfitter kit and even though it's pricey it was definitely worth it. You might want to check out siberianbushing.com and see if they have the diff bushings. I'm at work and IT has blocked me so I can't say for certain if Siberian has them or not. Worth a shot.

how do you like the outfitter kit? i will be purchasing it because Scorpworks has none in stock and no time to wait.

 

[GreatDaneHummer]

I know it doesn't help you now but the Scorpworks sure did the trick on my H3.

 

[Bruces]

I used the OD kit. Diff does not move around. Only downside with any kit like the ones mentioned is that because bushings are harder than rubber vibrations and sounds resonate more.

 

[4speedfunk]

If you do the Outfitter kit...make sure to check ends of the crossmember for stress cracks. Look closely near the four attachment bolt sleeves. If you find anything, grind & weld em.


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