Front Differential Bushing Replacement??

[tyates007]

I am ready to put my differential back in after doing the 4.10 regear and DTT upgrade. I have the Creative Steel bushings that I want to replace as well. I really did not think this would be the toughest part of the job but I cannot for the life of me get the old bushings to come out. I can’t get them into my hydraulic press. I put penetrating oil around the edges, have tried my air hammer, ball joint press and still no movement. I am ready just to torch them out and try to cut them from the inside. Any help on what I might need missing would be appreciated. If these were the first bushings I had ever tried to replace it would be one thing but it’s not. Normally I see them with one side larger than the other so they press in one way and press out the other. These look like they can go either direction.

 

[duderz7]

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I don't remember exactly how I went about it, but I don't remember it being too much trouble. I either used my press or a ball joint press.

 

[tyates007]

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I don't remember exactly how I went about it, but I don't remember it being too much trouble. I either used my press or a ball joint press.

Thank you. I am going back at it this morning with a new approach and new found patience

 

[vlad588]

The two you gotta press out, no way around it. One just the rubber has to be removed, heat the outside with a torch and use a socket to push it out, once it’s hot enough it should pop out pretty easy.

 

[tyates007]

Thank you both. I was able to get them this morning with my 20 ton press. Even with that they were super stubborn. I ended up putting pressure on them and then some heat on the outside and then the freed right up. Just needed a new day and new perspective. It’s all assembled and going back in today!

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[mercdudecbr600]

I'm pulling my front diff (again) to regear, and had given some thought to doing this front carrier bushing replacement. But before the expense/hassle... was it worth it???

 

[mercdudecbr600]

Thank you both. I was able to get them this morning with my 20 ton press. Even with that they were super stubborn. I ended up putting pressure on them and then some heat on the outside and then the freed right up. Just needed a new day and new perspective. It’s all assembled and going back in today!

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Hey did you notice any increased NVH with creative steel installed? With front driveshaft installed I'm getting some pretty heavy NVH above 60mph. I'm gone through 2 front driveshafts trying to figure this out and I'm starting to wonder if 1) I installed a mount incorrectly and it shifted the pinion angle, or 2) the bushings themselves change the pinion angle. I did at one point install the small rear triangular mount incorrectly and then moved it around to install "right". Any chance you could post pic of your mounts?

 

[tyates007]

I have not noticed any issues with the front drive shaft, which I also replaced when I put the front carrier back in. Here are some

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[mercdudecbr600]

Thanks. I double-checked my install based on these pics and there's just no way to install these brackets incorrectly so I don't think these bushings are causing my NVH. With the front driveshaft out, front is dead silent and smooth so I think I've ruled out the bushings as an issue.

 

[JustSumDad]

It looks like I may need to fix up these bushings myself, how hard is the job to do with the front end in place? the large dish plate that sets around the pumpkin looks easy enough... can the others be pulled out without pulling the entire front diff out?

 

[mercdudecbr600]

near impossible. Likely be easier to pull the diff entirely

 

[tyates007]

+1 on pulling the differential.

 

[duderz7]

Pull the diff, and while it's out take a look at engine mounts, rack bushings, and oil pan (if you're in a rust prone area. These things are easier to deal with when the diff is out. Creative steel has your rack and diff bushings.

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[lfhoward]

Does anyone know if the KJ front diff bushings fit the KK? I see Creative Steel has these for the KJ but they are not listed for the KK.

 

[mercdudecbr600]

Unlikely - KK has different diff. But who knows... I don't have a KK front diff to compare.

 

[mercdudecbr600]

Pull the diff, and while it's out take a look at engine mounts, rack bushings, and oil pan (if you're in a rust prone area. These things are easier to deal with when the diff is out. Creative steel has your rack and diff bushings.

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Well, in that vein... while you're there, do the steering rack hoses and starter. Basically, if it can be replaced easily with the diff out, replace it.

 

[duderz7]

Well, in that vein... while you're there, do the steering rack hoses and starter. Basically, if it can be replaced easily with the diff out, replace it.

Within reason of course, rubber bits are sure to be showing their age.