Installing Diff Crossmember Cushion

[Jack O.]

Okay, thanks to this board I got my crossmember cushions off now what's the best way to install the new ones? I tried a huge C clamp and a huge sledge hammer and I've got it almost all the way in but it's does not want to go further - at least not easily - so I thought it best to ask before I screw something up!
Thanks,
Jack

[Joe L.]

Re: Installing Diff Crossmember Cushion

Okay, thanks to this board I got my crossmember cushions off now what's the best way to install the new ones? I tried a huge C clamp and a huge sledge hammer and I've got it almost all the way in but it's does not want to go further - at least not easily - so I thought it best to ask before I screw something up!
Thanks,
Jack

Jack-----


1) Make sure the cushion orifices in the crossmember are 100% rust free;

2) Lubricate the orifices with a very light film of chassis grease;

3) PRESS the cushions into the crossmember using an appropriate press plate and a HYDRAULIC PRESS.

[John H.]

Re: Installing Diff Crossmember Cushion

3) PRESS the cushions into the crossmember using an appropriate press plate and a HYDRAULIC PRESS.

Jack -

Like this...


PressNewBush1 (2).jpg

[Jack O.]

Re: Installing Diff Crossmember Cushion

Thanks Joe and John. The second one I did similar to the picture here - used something to go over the entire cushion and pressed it in. However the first one I let the press go down into the cup where the bolt goes and I noticed it stretched the rubber out quite a bit (that's why I did the second differently). Could I have damaged it and should I be concerned that it could fail prematurely? The rubber didn't rip or tear though.
Jack

[Joe L.]

Re: Installing Diff Crossmember Cushion

Thanks Joe and John. The second one I did similar to the picture here - used something to go over the entire cushion and pressed it in. However the first one I let the press go down into the cup where the bolt goes and I noticed it stretched the rubber out quite a bit (that's why I did the second differently). Could I have damaged it and should I be concerned that it could fail prematurely? The rubber didn't rip or tear though.
Jack

Jack------

I doubt that you damaged it but it's not beyond the realm of possibility.

[Wayne M.]

Re: Installing Diff Crossmember Cushion

Jack -- here's how the General said to do it. This was back when the early cushions with fewer tabs were experiencing "pull-out" and needed replacement with the newer design.



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