Are rear diff bushings pointless if I install subframe lockdown bolts?

Smurftastic · 07-01-2012, 07:56 PM

I had been contemplating installing some rear subframe diff bushings, but believe rear subframe lockdown bolts will be more effective at killing the rear diff thump on hard acceleration.

Because the lockdown bolts bypass the subframe bushings, am I correct in believing Whiteline/Kartboy rear diff subframe bushings would be a complete waste of money?

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jamal · 07-01-2012, 08:24 PM

Depends which bushings. Replacing the ones that hold the subframe itself to the chassis aren't really worth it with bolts, but outrigger and diff bushings are still going to make a difference.

Splinter888 · 07-01-2012, 08:43 PM

Probably better off just buying Unabombers sexy rear end kit from TIC and saving some money on the package. Every little bit helps.

Uncle Scotty · 07-01-2012, 09:58 PM

do NOT get the 'race' or 'enthusiast' bushings unless you are hard core!!!!

you have been warned

Smurftastic · 07-01-2012, 10:23 PM

I am currently thinking about just getting the lockdown bolts and see how the thumping responds. If that doesn't do the trick, added outriggers should perfect it.

Uncle Scotty · 07-01-2012, 10:36 PM

you should read up on installing the lockdown bolts

odds of the captured nut breaking off when you try...TRY to install them are quite high in a car that old unless you take EVERY precaution

and even then....id give ya 50/50 on getting them both in properly....maybe 60/40

Smurftastic · 07-01-2012, 11:04 PM

I have researched, and definitely intend to follow every precaution to a T.

I may be one of the only people on NASIOC as comparatively paranoid about things going wrong as you

Splinter888 · 07-01-2012, 11:24 PM

Get the comfort bushings, If you do go with unabombers, I believe you have to call and request the comfort ones because "enthusiast" are standard. Pretty sure its possible

Uncle Scotty · 07-02-2012, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smurftastic

I have researched, and definitely intend to follow every precaution to a T.

I may be one of the only people on NASIOC as comparatively paranoid about things going wrong as you

the lockdown bolts dont really do anything for the 'thump'....the bushings DO

Turn in Concepts · 07-02-2012, 09:13 AM

The diff bushings and subframe lock bolts do two totally different things. The bolts keep the subframe from shifting under cornering. The bushings help keep the differential from moving around under accel and decel. If you are getting thumping under load you need the bushings over the bolts. Or you can get our entire kit that the two bushing sets and bolts.

Tony

sjs0433 · 07-02-2012, 12:48 PM

^Just get the entire kit from those guys.

Smurftastic · 07-02-2012, 04:52 PM

A big thanks to TIC and Uncle Scotty for taking the time to clarify this issue for me. While reading up on the subframe lockdown bolts, I came under the impression that the bolts negate subframe movement in ALL directions - I clearly need the bushings to fight the evil thump!

Uncle Scotty · 07-02-2012, 08:01 PM

i would find a thread chaser in the size and length that the bolts are...
and get a quart of cheap dexron ATF and a quart of acetone and an empty quart motor oil bottle....pour half the dexron atf in the oil bottle and then half the acetone....then pour the rest of the acetone in the atf bottle....use that as penetrant/lube for the thread chaser....and S L O W L Y work the chaser in the captured nut for the bolts...

JohnnyG · 07-09-2012, 12:12 PM

http://www.motoiq.com/magazine_artic...uspension.aspx

07-01-2012, 07:56 PM	#1
Smurftastic Scooby Specialist Member#: 243697 Join Date: Apr 2010 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Virginia Vehicle: 02 Stg2+ WRX Top Scoob 031	Are rear diff bushings pointless if I install subframe lockdown bolts? I had been contemplating installing some rear subframe diff bushings, but believe rear subframe lockdown bolts will be more effective at killing the rear diff thump on hard acceleration. Because the lockdown bolts bypass the subframe bushings, am I correct in believing Whiteline/Kartboy rear diff subframe bushings would be a complete waste of money? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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07-01-2012, 08:24 PM	#2
jamal Scooby Guru Member#: 71875 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Montana Vehicle: 98 2.5GT my wheels fit	Depends which bushings. Replacing the ones that hold the subframe itself to the chassis aren't really worth it with bolts, but outrigger and diff bushings are still going to make a difference.

07-01-2012, 08:43 PM	#3
Splinter888 Scooby Newbie Member#: 215962 Join Date: Jul 2009 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Central Jersey Vehicle: 2006 Wrx SGM	Probably better off just buying Unabombers sexy rear end kit from TIC and saving some money on the package. Every little bit helps.

07-01-2012, 09:58 PM	#4
Uncle Scotty NASIOC Supporter Member#: 16200 Join Date: Mar 2002 Vehicle: OK Houston we have an Uncle	do NOT get the 'race' or 'enthusiast' bushings unless you are hard core!!!! you have been warned

07-01-2012, 10:23 PM	#5
Smurftastic Scooby Specialist Member#: 243697 Join Date: Apr 2010 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Virginia Vehicle: 02 Stg2+ WRX Top Scoob 031	I am currently thinking about just getting the lockdown bolts and see how the thumping responds. If that doesn't do the trick, added outriggers should perfect it.

07-01-2012, 10:36 PM	#6
Uncle Scotty NASIOC Supporter Member#: 16200 Join Date: Mar 2002 Vehicle: OK Houston we have an Uncle	you should read up on installing the lockdown bolts odds of the captured nut breaking off when you try...TRY to install them are quite high in a car that old unless you take EVERY precaution and even then....id give ya 50/50 on getting them both in properly....maybe 60/40

07-01-2012, 11:04 PM	#7
Smurftastic Scooby Specialist Member#: 243697 Join Date: Apr 2010 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Virginia Vehicle: 02 Stg2+ WRX Top Scoob 031	I have researched, and definitely intend to follow every precaution to a T. I may be one of the only people on NASIOC as comparatively paranoid about things going wrong as you

07-01-2012, 11:24 PM	#8
Splinter888 Scooby Newbie Member#: 215962 Join Date: Jul 2009 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Central Jersey Vehicle: 2006 Wrx SGM	Get the comfort bushings, If you do go with unabombers, I believe you have to call and request the comfort ones because "enthusiast" are standard. Pretty sure its possible

07-02-2012, 09:13 AM	#10
Turn in Concepts NASIOC Vendor Member#: 93646 Join Date: Aug 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Vehicle: Many Track Records Let us help you go fast!	The diff bushings and subframe lock bolts do two totally different things. The bolts keep the subframe from shifting under cornering. The bushings help keep the differential from moving around under accel and decel. If you are getting thumping under load you need the bushings over the bolts. Or you can get our entire kit that the two bushing sets and bolts. Tony

07-02-2012, 12:48 PM	#11
sjs0433 Scooby Specialist Member#: 86061 Join Date: Apr 2005 Chapter/Region: MAIC	^Just get the entire kit from those guys.

07-02-2012, 04:52 PM	#12
Smurftastic Scooby Specialist Member#: 243697 Join Date: Apr 2010 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Virginia Vehicle: 02 Stg2+ WRX Top Scoob 031	A big thanks to TIC and Uncle Scotty for taking the time to clarify this issue for me. While reading up on the subframe lockdown bolts, I came under the impression that the bolts negate subframe movement in ALL directions - I clearly need the bushings to fight the evil thump!

07-02-2012, 08:01 PM	#13
Uncle Scotty NASIOC Supporter Member#: 16200 Join Date: Mar 2002 Vehicle: OK Houston we have an Uncle	i would find a thread chaser in the size and length that the bolts are... and get a quart of cheap dexron ATF and a quart of acetone and an empty quart motor oil bottle....pour half the dexron atf in the oil bottle and then half the acetone....then pour the rest of the acetone in the atf bottle....use that as penetrant/lube for the thread chaser....and S L O W L Y work the chaser in the captured nut for the bolts...

07-09-2012, 12:12 PM	#14
JohnnyG Scooby Specialist Member#: 164671 Join Date: Nov 2007 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Ottawa, ON, CA Vehicle: 2009 WRX 265 DGM	http://www.motoiq.com/magazine_artic...uspension.aspx