S14 diff in a S13 question: Replacing worn bushings ...

[skydragoness]

Ok

I have a S14 VLSD on my S13 (diff was carried over to S13 housing) so the part of the differential that connects to the driveshaft has a set of bushings top and bottom with a bolt that runs through them and bolts directly to the subframe.

So here's my question: The bushings are in bad shape so naturally I want to replace them to reduce drivetrain slop and flex (I have a single piece driveshaft now), so I bought some Nismo bushings for just the front part from SPL.

So.. do I need a torch to get these old suckers out? Or just a press?

One person is telling me a torch and another is telling me a press.

To illustrate below:



I am replacing only 20,19, and 21.

Thanks!

[skydragoness]

So no one can tell me? No one's replaced their worn out bushings on their S14?

If the moderator of this forum could perhaps move it to the suspension or 240sx technical forum I'll get more hits. Don't want to make multiple threads...

[DJButton]

Christine, the easiest way is going to be burning them out, like you would with subframe bushings. A press probably wouldn't want to move the age old rubber. Soak them down and torch them, it will probably take a few hours to burn it all out.

[skydragoness]

Christine, the easiest way is going to be burning them out, like you would with subframe bushings. A press probably wouldn't want to move the age old rubber. Soak them down and torch them, it will probably take a few hours to burn it all out.

Hmm. Well they were kind of taken out and re-inserted before the install way back when the diff was put in. Have you or any of your buddies done S14 bushings before? I would imagine they are a little easier than doing subframe bushings (esp. the numbers I pointed out which are held together w/ washer and two big *** bolts).

If I have to get a torch then so be it, but I want to be absolutely sure.

[DJButton]

Oh well in that case, try pounding them out with a hammer first. I guess chances are if they've come out once it shouldn't be too bad, they are more like sway bar bushings if I remember correctly (the actual rubber that is) so there is a chance they'll just come out. I'd stick a piece of pipe right over the bushing and give it some good raps with the poundometer. That's assuming the metal washers are already out.

So these new bushings are they more like a solid silicone or what not, like Energy Suspension type? That'd be nice to have.

[skydragoness]

Well that's what i was trying to get across with the image, they are stacked like sway bar endlinks kind of. A bushing is inside the diff (#19) and then metal washers are stacked. It's Nismo stuff, so I assume they are stiffer than stock but they are not silicone. Doesn't matter to me, the ones that are on the car now are really messed up.

One of these days I'll get around to it.