Differential Crossmember Bushing

[Jim W.]

I think I got ahead of myself disassembling the rear suspension/crossmember. After removing the differential it seemed a straight forward task to take out the bolts, straighten the 4 tabs and pry off the crossmember which was not much trouble. Problem is now I can't get the bushings off (should have read the TDB first). Is there a good way to do this or should I put the crossmember back on, bend over the tabs, and pry the whole thing off. I'm concerned with breaking the tabs with too many bend, re-bending.
The overall condition of the bushings is OK and maybe reusable- what y'all think?crossmember bushing.jpgcrossmember bushing 2.jpgcrossmember bushing 4.jpgcrossmember bushing 5.jpg

[Richard M.]

Re: Differential Crossmember Bushing

Jim, No, keep it off.

It's a pain, do you have a Sawzall? I've found that to be the way. Just cut, cut, cut.

Rich

[David H.]

Re: Differential Crossmember Bushing

Jim

If rubber is quite stiff, than a Fein Tool with sharp blade would work. (Fein tool those vibrating saws used to cut-off plaster casts, etc)

Sharp blade (smooth edge -NO TEETH) slice through those heavy 3/4" rubber mats used on dairy farms like they were butter.

If rubber is very flexible, won't cut at all - much like these vibrating saws won't cut flesh.

Dave

[Jim W.]

Re: Differential Crossmember Bushing

Was also thinking, that if serviceable; maybe I just leave them there and tape off while I clean up the frame. Then put the crossmember back on. Is that feasible?

thx, Jim

[Jim W.]

Re: Differential Crossmember Bushing

Well as luck would have it, I was able to gently pry it out. I think because the seat was still coated with black paint and the rubber fairly clean it gave way. DCM Bushing.jpgCM Bushing2.jpgCM Bushing3.jpgo these look like they are re-usable?

Jim

[Richard M.]

Re: Differential Crossmember Bushing

Great!

Bit, if me, I'd replace them as they're cracked and very old.

[David H.]

Re: Differential Crossmember Bushing

Well as luck would have it, I was able to gently pry it out. I think because the seat was still coated with black paint and the rubber fairly clean it gave way. ...Jim

Jim

So... buying that lottery ticket?

Dave

[Duke W.]

Re: Differential Crossmember Bushing

Put a thin film of silicone grease on the cushions before installation. that way the cross member should come off without too much effort the next time it needs to be removed.

Duke

[Jim W.]

Re: Differential Crossmember Bushing

Thanks guys. I'm not against buying new except the configuration is different having 8 tabs. I've read where some have cut 4 off to "appear" original style.

Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: Differential Crossmember Bushing

Thanks guys. I'm not against buying new except the configuration is different having 8 tabs. I've read where some have cut 4 off to "appear" original style.

Jim

Jim------


Keep one thing in mind: GM did not go to the "8 tab" version for some later PRODUCTION as well as all 1963-79 SERVICE because the 4 tab version worked just as well.

[Joseph S.]

Re: Differential Crossmember Bushing

Jim, The entire frame carries a point total of 15. You would not see a deduction for replacement bushing on the rear end crossmember for some additional tabs. That is a minor deviation from the original design.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Differential Crossmember Bushing

Jim,

That frame looks very clean from the pictures. Most folks don't get off that easy removing these bushings.

[Jim W.]

Re: Differential Crossmember Bushing

Yeah, I've been very fortunate. This was a So. Cal car sold in LA and all three PO's were around Mojave . Very little to no rust; and I haven't broke a bolt or needed to cut anything yet. Only thing left to remove from frame is A-arms. So far I'm able to reuse most everything.

Jim,

That frame looks very clean from the pictures. Most folks don't get off that easy removing these bushings.