Rear Diff Crossmember Tips/Tricks
 

Anybody got any tips/tricks for getting the rear diff crossmember to suck up to the frame?
I replaced the cushions in the crossmember and now when I go back up with the diff and crossmember I can’t get it to suck up all the way. Not really excited about cranking on the 5/8” bolts to try and pull the crossmember up. At this point I don’t wanna strip something out.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...451534f2e.jpeg
As you can see I have about an 1/8” to go but the bolts are tight.
I don’t know if it’s because they are new or just crappy reproductions.
Putting force on them from below just lifts the body.
Thanks!

see if this thread helps
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-setting.html

Thanks Mel
I ran across some old threads and most everyones consensus was that they may or may not completely tighten up to the frame. Even guys that had never touched them in the past had gaps.
The old worn out ones I replaced were flush, these new ones don't flush up. I'm just hoping I get enough bite outta the bolts. It should be fine, I'll keep working at getting them close(r).

I'm about to replace mine too. Would a gap make the car sit higher in the rear?

Did mine a few weeks ago. Had a similar gap.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...b83d8389b9.jpg

I think so but shouldn't be much

Thanks redcruz....
Man you sure have it all spiffied up under there! Looks good.

Did you use grease inside the cup of the bushing ? Helps a great deal and for will pay future removal. And yes you'll have a minor gap 1/8" -3/16" ?
Remember to recheck it for torque/ tightness after you drive it.

Thanks caskiguy.....
Just got done wire wheeling the cushions getting all the dried grease residue outta there. These cushions basically have zero miles on them. I replaced them awhile back when I swapped out the diff cover for the heavy duty one. I wasn’t comfortable with the gap since I had zero the last time I had the crossmember out (old cushions). Was just checking it again to make sure all was cool.
There is basically .008 to .010 difference between the cushion ID and the hat OD, that’s not much.
Gonna wire wheel everything
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...a79916567.jpeg
some more and then try another fit.
I’m A little bit more at ease hearing others says that they have seen gaps. I just have visions of the crossmember dropping during a drive.

Take comfort it won't drop far :-)
Best.

I guess my 50 year old cushions were wore out!
still have about a 1/4” gap both sides.
‘Guess i’ll mount everything back up, drive it for awhile and re-torque
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...91003e8a0.jpeg
you can see the cushion is up against the top of the hat

I'm pretty certain you'll be fine. Just check them after driving a bit. :flag:

Get everything as clean as possible and then use silicone spray or silicone grease to allow the parts to slide together better. I just did mine and this worked- there is a very small gap after the bolts were tightened.

Put it all back together yesterday
slight gap but equal on both sides
now just gotta get out and drive and see if it settles any
to all, thanks for the help!

Glad you got it done! :cheers:

As suggested above, drive it for a while and then retorque. If nothing changes, you’re good to go.

Did mine 2 years ago. This pick is from today. (Poly bushings I used fell apart and now I can't get shock mounts out.)
https://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i...217_151421.jpg