Diff mounting bushing?

[Jeepwalker]

Hey all,
Is the center bushing at the rear of the front diff supposed to be loose? When I push it up I can see the inner metal part of the bushing moving rather freely.

I'm guessing mine's worn, but just asking. What is a good recommended repalcement?

Thanks

 

[JPaul]

No, it's not supposed to be loose. Outfitter Design bushing kit is great, it replaces the center bushing and the outer bushings with Delrin I think. I've used their kit on both of my H3's. If you have a shop press taking out the center bushing is pretty easy, and for the outer bushings an air hammer is a wonderful tool, they zipped right out for me.

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[JPaul]

Also, while you have the crossmember out be sure to inspect it. The ends tend to crack and break unless you have the version that has a strap of steel welded across them. I have that logged in my Alpha's build thread.

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[Jeepwalker]

Thanks that's the info I was looking for.

I'll give the x-member a good look during bushing replacement. I've got the tools to do the job.

Cheers!

 

[scoreh3]

Outfitter design make a great replacement kit. Easy to install and they work great.

 

[2010H3TAlpha]

I also recommend the Outfitter Designs kit. I just had it installed, and my truck’s front end hasn’t felt this solid since I first drove it at 17k. I have also noticed it cleaned up any driveline slack when towing.

While you’re in there, I would do axle seals and flush/refill the diff fluid. We noticed with mine that there was some silver in the fluid, probably because my bushing was so shot that it fell out when the crossmember was dropped, which led us to think any bad angles due to the unsecured diff caused some light metal-on-metal action. We caught it just in time, but the diff fluid definitely needed replacement.

I would perform a visual inspection on the CV axles to make sure the boots aren’t leaking anywhere (losing grease causes them to fail pretty quickly). It’s also a good opportunity for a general inspection:

Brakes
Suspension (good time to do ball joints, etc. I skipped them because I am at only 60k, and mine still look good).
Radiator/cooling hoses
Trans cooler and lines (OEM lines are known to leak)
Steering rack leaks and alignment (and install a rack brace if the truck does not currently have one. I have a Scorpworks, and there are a couple other options to also consider)
Engine (front seal, oil pan, look for any signs of fluid or leaking)

Good luck!