Michael Leal

iTrader: (1)

I have the car in the air with the drive shaft and wheels about to start dropping the rear cradle tomorrow. I am able to rip chucks of rubber out of the rear diff bushing. The drive shaft carrier bearing looks to be in good shape. It has some play in it up and down. Is that normal?

Game plan:
Remove abs plugs
brake lines
emergency brake
lower shock bolts?
4 cradle bolts
Pull cradle out

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

Play in the stock carrier bearing is normal, but still not ideal in the way it's supported. If it's not sagging for now, you're probably ok.

Michael Leal

iTrader: (1)

Got the cradle out yesterday. Today I plan on removing the cradle and diff bushings.

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

FYI, if you're considering changing out your upper control arms or control arm bushings, now would also be a good time. The rear cradle has to be lowered slightly to get them out.

Michael Leal

iTrader: (1)

I got the center section out of the cradle bushings but the sleeve is being a real bitch. I cut 4 slits on the sleeve and tried to hammer it out but no go. I might of not cut deep enough. I'm scared of hitting the cradle. Picked up an air hammer last night. I'm going to try that next.

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

Don't be afraid of nicking the inside of the cradle mounts. The replacement bushings are just sandwiched in there and lubed.