Easy way Install rear cradle bushings? anyone try this tool kit?

[10' Camaro SC]

A shop charges way to much for this job... so I was thinking about doing it at home.

I did find this -

http://www.ridetech.com/store/2010-2...tion-tool.html

[JusticePete]

The tool will work, but it isn't necessary.

Set the cat on jack stands
Place a floor jack under the diff and raise it to hold it in place
Remove both wheels
Remove all four sub-frame bolts, one at a time, and replace them with a 1/2 of thread. This leaves the sub-frame free to move.
Remove the lower shock bolts
Disconnect the sway bar endlinks
Remove one bolt and insert a socket between the ferule of the bushing and the 'frame'
Use a second jack to put pressure on the bushing by raising the jack on part of the sub-frame or an arm. You now have a press.
Lightly heat the sub-frame to release the glue that holds the bushing in place. Heat and add a pump to the jack, heat again, until it falls out.
Install the new bushing
Loosely install the bolt
Repeat

[10' Camaro SC]

Originally Posted by JusticePete

The tool will work, but it isn't necessary.

Set the cat on jack stands
Place a floor jack under the diff and raise it to hold it in place
Remove both wheels
Remove all four sub-frame bolts, one at a time, and replace them with a 1/2 of thread. This leaves the sub-frame free to move.
Remove one bolt and insert a socket between the ferule of the bushing and the 'frame'
Use a second jack to put pressure on the bushing by raising the jack on part of the sub-frame or an arm. You now have a press.
Lightly heat the sub-frame to release the glue that holds the bushing in place. Heat and add a pump to the jack, heat again, until it falls out.
Install the new bushing
Loosely install the bolt
Repeat

So either use the tool or heat it. Would you say this Install can be done in 4 hours at home? The exhaust can remain?

[10' Camaro SC]

Originally Posted by JusticePete

The tool will work, but it isn't necessary.

Set the cat on jack stands
Place a floor jack under the diff and raise it to hold it in place
Remove both wheels
Remove all four sub-frame bolts, one at a time, and replace them with a 1/2 of thread. This leaves the sub-frame free to move.
Remove one bolt and insert a socket between the ferule of the bushing and the 'frame'
Use a second jack to put pressure on the bushing by raising the jack on part of the sub-frame or an arm. You now have a press.
Lightly heat the sub-frame to release the glue that holds the bushing in place. Heat and add a pump to the jack, heat again, until it falls out.
Install the new bushing
Loosely install the bolt
Repeat

Using the tool kit method:

Do you use two jack stands at the factory jack points and use 1 jack under the rear diff? Do you raise the rear diff?

How do you lower each side to get room between the rear cradle and the car to access the bushing?

Thx

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by 10' Camaro SC

So either use the tool or heat it. Would you say this Install can be done in 4 hours at home? The exhaust can remain?

Plan on 8 hours and be pleasantly surprised it took only four the first time through

Originally Posted by 10' Camaro SC

Using the tool kit method:

Do you use two jack stands at the factory jack points and use 1 jack under the rear diff? Do you raise the rear diff?

How do you lower each side to get room between the rear cradle and the car to access the bushing?

Thx

Two or four jack stands set undner the 'frame rails' on the monocoque.

You raise and lower the sub-frame with the jack under the differential. Lower the jack stand and tip / tilt the cradle to the side that you are working on.

[camarosspower]

Remove the metal caps with a pry bar or a long screwdriver. They just pop off. Much easier when they are still installed.metal caps are the ones on the bottom of the bushings. Get somebody to help out. It'll be much easier

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by camarosspower

Remove the metal caps with a pry bar or a long screwdriver. They just pop off. Much easier when they are still installed.metal caps are the ones on the bottom of the bushings. Get somebody to help out. It'll be much easier

Easier is relative to the tools at hand.

[xc_SS/RS]

Originally Posted by camarosspower

Remove the metal caps with a pry bar or a long screwdriver. They just pop off. Much easier when they are still installed.metal caps are the ones on the bottom of the bushings. Get somebody to help out. It'll be much easier

Watch out if using a pry bar. Almost got hit in the face with it when a friend and I installed inserts on my rear subframe. Also a torch is your best friend when removing those plates as well. Heat up the center a good bit and they should pop off.

[mhog]

found Heat method video:

[olblue75]

Pete I'm sure you have addressed this before but for a street and occasional track car would you recommend Poly, Solids (Delrin or Alum), or possibly the Z/28 1LE pieces???

[Steelix]

Does the exhaust need to be removed ?

[BMR Sales]

Originally Posted by olblue75

Pete I'm sure you have addressed this before but for a street and occasional track car would you recommend Poly, Solids (Delrin or Alum), or possibly the Z/28 1LE pieces???

You can go as hard as you want on the Cradle Bushings - the ride does not really suffer.

[BigBlock69RS]

Originally Posted by Steelix

Does the exhaust need to be removed ?

I didn't have to. But found it helpful to dismount the exhaust from last two exhaust hangers on each side to give me enough room.

[olblue75]

Originally Posted by BMR Sales

You can go as hard as you want on the Cradle Bushings - the ride does not really suffer.

What about NVH on solid bushings???