Got some work done this weekend. I encountered the reason that I didn't change the subframe bushings many years ago, and it was this nasty little bolt here, that attaches the subframe mounting plate to the car. I stripped it back when I was 17 or so, and gave up. Learned my lesson for this time though, and hacked it off with an angle grinder. The other hardware has been rusty enough, I went to the dealership and ordered all new bolts for the subframe mounts, should be here tuesday.
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Pulling out the differential proved to be much easier than anticipated, and it is now on the ground. I'm unsure of the condition of it, so I'll probably dive into it sometime soon, once I decrease the clutter in my garage. It is a factory LSD, and last time I dumped the clutch (in a safe and legal environment, on a closed course) it spun both rear wheels. I am concerned about the state of the bearings because of age, though it has never made any strange noises. My problem now, is that the subframe bushings won't give up and come detached. I was under the impression that they were just bolted to the body, but it appears they are either pressed in, or totally rusted in place. My bets are on the latter.
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Instead of coming loose, it appears the bushings are actually separating themselves in the middle. I have no real good angle to pry or hammer anymore, since it has moved part way down. I'm thinking I'm going to take a drill and try and drill holes in the rubber bushing to weaken it. As a very last resort I could burn the bushings out, but lighting a fire on the suspension of my car is something I am REALLY not comfortable with.
In other news, the MegaSquirt is shipping on Monday. I'm having a thought about adding a knock controller right away, before I put it in the car. I feel like once it is installed and wired, I'm not going to want to take it out again for a while, and I know a knock sensor is a smart thing to have. But on a relatively stock engine, maybe I'm ok without one, but I should add one before boost. Thoughts?
More to come.