Rear Crossmember Install
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,608
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS - you mean there are other states?
Well..... I got to work today on the beast.
I removed the rear crossmember and started from scratch. I cleaned out the inside of the bushings - they were mostly clean from debris. I sanded just a bit the frame 'bells'.
Then I lubed them up with 3M™ Silicone Paste, 08946, (A non-melting, water resistant, 100% solids, silicone compound designed to protect surfaces from oxidation. Also used as a general purpose lubricant for brakes (metal to rubber applications); great for O rings and weatherstripping. )
Upon reinstalling, I used a 3 ton jack, with a chain around it and the frame. I used a 4x4 between the jacking usrface and the underside of the bushings. I used plenty of rags to protect the frame/crossmember. It helped - but I did not want to crank on it too hard.
Previously I the best I got was .750", but today I got to .600". That said, the rubber protrudes upwards from the metal area I measured from. So - just guessing - I would say the top of the rubber bushing is about 3/8" ?? away from meeting the frame.
So - based on ya'll's advice/comments- I will leave it be as is. Thanks for the help
I removed the rear crossmember and started from scratch. I cleaned out the inside of the bushings - they were mostly clean from debris. I sanded just a bit the frame 'bells'.
Then I lubed them up with 3M™ Silicone Paste, 08946, (A non-melting, water resistant, 100% solids, silicone compound designed to protect surfaces from oxidation. Also used as a general purpose lubricant for brakes (metal to rubber applications); great for O rings and weatherstripping. )
Upon reinstalling, I used a 3 ton jack, with a chain around it and the frame. I used a 4x4 between the jacking usrface and the underside of the bushings. I used plenty of rags to protect the frame/crossmember. It helped - but I did not want to crank on it too hard.
Previously I the best I got was .750", but today I got to .600". That said, the rubber protrudes upwards from the metal area I measured from. So - just guessing - I would say the top of the rubber bushing is about 3/8" ?? away from meeting the frame.
So - based on ya'll's advice/comments- I will leave it be as is. Thanks for the help
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
You sure you don't have a socket stuck in the bushing??? thats weird.
I pressed my old bushings out on my 68 with a 2 ton press, pressed the new ones in. I actually POR-15'd my frame which included those x-member nipples. I didn't use any lubricants or force and mine mounted right up. I installed the VBP reinfocing kit and didn't have any problems.
Maybe some of your rubber bushing is sliding down clogging up the bottom of the bushing so the nipple doesn't have anywhere to go...just an idea. Can't think of anything else. I would think my POR-15 would be just as thick as powder coating.
Its pricey but maybe buy some new bushings and press them right in. Nows the time to do it before you starting mounting your diff and whatnot.
I also agree, it appears to me that the diff x-member is symetrical.
Good luck.
I pressed my old bushings out on my 68 with a 2 ton press, pressed the new ones in. I actually POR-15'd my frame which included those x-member nipples. I didn't use any lubricants or force and mine mounted right up. I installed the VBP reinfocing kit and didn't have any problems.
Maybe some of your rubber bushing is sliding down clogging up the bottom of the bushing so the nipple doesn't have anywhere to go...just an idea. Can't think of anything else. I would think my POR-15 would be just as thick as powder coating.
Its pricey but maybe buy some new bushings and press them right in. Nows the time to do it before you starting mounting your diff and whatnot.
I also agree, it appears to me that the diff x-member is symetrical.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,608
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS - you mean there are other states?
I considered this but - I did not have the 2nd person to assist. .....but honestly, I there's a few things I am not good at - things that deal with electricity and fire.
funny - but not :o
NJ - Yeah - I am sure - I triple checked... ? I will have to take a moment to think about your coments and Onaquests... maybe one more time I need to try. Will advise. Thanks again
funny - but not :oNJ - Yeah - I am sure - I triple checked... ? I will have to take a moment to think about your coments and Onaquests... maybe one more time I need to try. Will advise. Thanks again
Last edited by kaiserbud; Dec 4, 2006 at 09:32 AM.
