Bushing install

[straightracen123]

Hey i finally got my hands on a lsd before i install it and use it i thought about replaceing the subframe bushings after all i drive a 89 and there probably shot.From the people tht have done it before how much fun will it be. and what brand should i go with? Thanks

[OutToWinPAHC]

Do you want it to be hard as a rock, or do you want cushion?

[Promise Land]

I just did all the bushings on my S14, which is probably similar to the S13. I went with Energy Suspension polyurethane as mine is a DD and not a track car. Pick your poison, hard (solid) or soft (polyurethane) mounts and go get it done.

240sxtech.com has a write up and I did mine install and work on video that is on YouTube.

Good luck.

[Jabberwocky]

I recently replaced all the bushings in my s13. If you have a torch, press (or a vice), a sawzall and some patience it's not that bad of a job. Wouldn't call it fun, but you will feel a good sense of accomplishment when you get it finished.

I couldn't find the actual subframe bushings (the 4 large bushings where the subframe bolts up to the body). The Energy Suspension kit only came with the inserts, not the whole bushings. The Nissan dealer told me they are not a serviceable part and I tried ordering a set of Nismos I found on I believe Courtesy Parts, but they ended up being unavailable. It is rather easy to find the aluminum inserts though, I didn't want to spend upwards of $100 for them though.

The build still isnt finished so I haven't felt them for myself yet, but everyone I talk to says new bushings makes it feel like a totally different car.

Good luck, hope you have fun with it.

[straightracen123]

thanks guys. whats the difference between subframe collars and the feel of bushings??

[Philipio]

Collars are a band aid, bushings are a proper replacement. I have urethane diff/subframe bushings and certainly wouldn't call them soft. I'd say it's in between rubber and solid.

[kouki munster]

I'm running the solid aluminum diff and sub-frame bushings, the biggest differences that I've noticed is that I can now hear my diff, only when I'm in neutral coasting as the exhaust is to loud otherwise, and the a** end of the car is much more solid and predictable with no more wheel hop. I don't drift, it is just nice have a better idea as to when the a** is trying to step out or if you can give it a little more loud peddle to correct a touch of under steer.

With the aluminum bushings the big bumps hurt more, but the little bumps/road imperfections feel about the same, so for everyone worried about their car being a dd with the solid bushings just be extra mindful of the big bumps.(i.e. train tracks and larger pot holes, some of them will damn near knock your teeth out)

I chose the spl bushings because they give the option to move the sub-frame closer to the car to help correct roll center on lowered cars, but an aluminum bushing is an aluminum bushing, it is rather difficult to mess up.