Diff top mounting bushes

PostPost by: Andy Hamblin » Sun Oct 24, 2021 6:17 pm

Hi, is it possible to fit new bushes to the diff top mounts whilst the diff is still in situ and with the body on the chassis?
Thanks,
Andy
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PostPost by: Foxie » Sun Oct 24, 2021 6:52 pm

I wouldn't think so, they drop in from the top and are bolted down from the top into welded-on nuts in the rear cross member

It's just about possible to get an open spanner onto
P7030025.JPG and
the diff mounting bolt nuts when taking the diff out.

You could possibly remove the fuel tank and open up the openings in the fibreglass.

:)
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PostPost by: 661 » Sun Oct 24, 2021 8:22 pm

Andy Hamblin wrote:Hi, is it possible to fit new bushes to the diff top mounts whilst the diff is still in situ and with the body on the chassis?
Thanks,
Andy


Have a look in your boot, under the carpet.
You need access to the central diff supporting bolt and the 2 bolts that hold in the bush.
If you can't see them , you can always cut away the floor in an ellipse big enough to do the job, as I have just done.
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PostPost by: Hawksfield » Sun Oct 24, 2021 10:06 pm

Hi
Yes it's possible but a bit fiddly
Biggest job it removing trim to gain access
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PostPost by: alan.barker » Mon Oct 25, 2021 7:00 am

Yes, very easy
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PostPost by: alanr » Mon Oct 25, 2021 7:32 am

Andy Hamblin wrote:Hi, is it possible to fit new bushes to the diff top mounts whilst the diff is still in situ and with the body on the chassis?
Thanks,
Andy


On a +2 access to the diff mounts is via the back seat area and not the boot as someone suggested. Remove rear seat and trim and you will be able to see the mounts. You may have to slacken the tank straps off slightly but all perfectly doable.

Note:- Diffential ears to the mount bolts go upwards and not as some twit had done in my case and put them downwards!
If you find likewise this has been done you will have to take the tank out!

Alan.
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PostPost by: mbell » Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:07 pm

To replace the diff mounts on a +2 I think you need to lift the tank a good few inches to be able to lift the diff mounts out. Which likely means draining and disconnecting the fuel outlet on the tank as well. Maybe there just enough room by lifting it as high as it can with out disconnecting the fuel line but I think it would be pretty tight.
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PostPost by: Hawksfield » Mon Oct 25, 2021 7:55 pm

Hi

I have replaced them twice each time I did not have to move the tank, there is a resess on the tank at the side nearest the passenger seats.

Look see it is doable
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PostPost by: Andy Hamblin » Mon Oct 25, 2021 8:11 pm

Hawksfield wrote:Hi

I have replaced them twice each time I did not have to move the tank, there is a resess on the tank at the side nearest the passenger seats.

Look see it is doable


I have a replacement alloy tank that completely covers the mounting apertures, it'll have to come out.
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PostPost by: Hawksfield » Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:21 pm

Hi
There something to be said for originality.
You will have to lift it high and that requires the pipework disconnection
Just more work but you need good diff support bushes.
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PostPost by: The Veg » Tue Nov 02, 2021 1:39 am

I had to enlarge the holes just to get tools on the fasteners; the two toward the front were each overlapped by the fibreglass.
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PostPost by: Bigbaldybloke » Tue Nov 02, 2021 7:10 pm

Looked at mine and I reckon it’s doable with the tank in situ but easier with it out and I have an ally tank fitted. While you are doing it, it would be worth fitting the diff brace bar although on a Plus 2 this can be done another time but would save a lot of repeat work if you do it while changing the top mounts.
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PostPost by: Andy Hamblin » Tue Nov 02, 2021 8:37 pm

Bigbaldybloke wrote:Looked at mine and I reckon it’s doable with the tank in situ but easier with it out and I have an ally tank fitted. While you are doing it, it would be worth fitting the diff brace bar although on a Plus 2 this can be done another time but would save a lot of repeat work if you do it while changing the top mounts.


Thanks for that, I have got the tank out now, so plenty of room.

Mine doesn’t have a diff brace, were they factory additions to later cars or just after market mods? How do they fit and any idea where can I get one? cheers
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PostPost by: mbell » Tue Nov 02, 2021 9:49 pm

Factory fitment on later cars. They mount between the diff ears and rubber mounting bushes, in place of one of the washers. Should be available from pretty much any of the normal parts suppliers.
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PostPost by: smo17003 » Tue Nov 02, 2021 10:30 pm

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