Rear End Cross Member Bushings

[Joel T.]

Question.... I'm rebuilding/restoring the rear section of the 1978 which I am working on... Differential, half shafts, struts, trailing arms, etc.. I got the differential down without too much effort and am looking to refinish the cross member before I put it back up there. I'm looking at the large bushings which mount over the somberos (sp?). They appear to be OK but.... Before I go out and spend a chunk of cash to replace them.. what should I be looking for to determine if they are still serviceable? Physically replacing them is no big deal, I have the press to do it..

[Bill H.]

Re: Rear End Cross Member Bushings

I just did mine ('67). My cushions looked decent but there were a couple cracks in the area where the rubber flexes, so for $100, it was an easy decision.
BTW, the $100 is a sale price, still shows on Americas Finest website.
If you haven't done it before....I started trying to bend the tabs up with a chisel & screwdrivers, quit after one tab and used a grinder to cut the tabs off (took about 5 min. this way). I used some PB Blaster, couple hour soak, since this is a metal to metal contact. They came out fairly easy with the normal "bang" when they first loosened up. Refinished the holes and used a bit of WD on the install (it helped).

[Joel T.]

Re: Rear End Cross Member Bushings

Bill;

Thanks, You're right.. I'll change them.. It's a ton of work to get them out so as long as I have the rear apart, I might as well change them.

Joel