[h018871]

I dropped the cradle, but kept it under the car. This way I didn't have to disconnect the diff cooling lines. Only unclip from the tunnel and let droop.
It can be done on a Quick Jack, a little finagaling is required to get the front braces torqued up though. I did loosen the front brace bolts before lifting the car.
Someone asked about the alignment bolts: they are not touched during the bushing swap, they are furnished only because an alignment should be done after.
I used a two arm gear puller to get the rubber bushings out. No heat was required. super simple Video here:

[L78toLT1]

Install isn't bad. I did a track day right after I installed mine and thought it was the best handling mod to date. Went on a tour of local vineyards with the wife the next weekend and almost changed my mind. The solid bushings transmit and amplify the drivetrain lash and make Sunday drives a good bit less enjoyable. I'm on the fence about swapping mine for some poly bushings or maybe even going back stock with the lockout kit. I am a6 which exacerbates the problem, I'm sure.

[CW3SF]

I’m thinking about the lock out kit. I don’t want to drop the whole cradle and don’t want to have to torch out the old bushings. Also don’t want to have amplified drivetrain noises afterwards.

[20Bluezl1]

Originally Posted by L78toLT1

Install isn't bad. I did a track day right after I installed mine and thought it was the best handling mod to date. Went on a tour of local vineyards with the wife the next weekend and almost changed my mind. The solid bushings transmit and amplify the drivetrain lash and make Sunday drives a good bit less enjoyable. I'm on the fence about swapping mine for some poly bushings or maybe even going back stock with the lockout kit. I am a6 which exacerbates the problem, I'm sure.

I believe after you install the aluminum bushing you can't go back to any other style. We will have to get a new cradle.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by CW3SF

I’m thinking about the lock out kit. I don’t want to drop the whole cradle and don’t want to have to torch out the old bushings. Also don’t want to have amplified drivetrain noises afterwards.

I have the BMR lockout kit, and it didn't worsen the ride or NVH, at least not to a level I (or my wife) can perceive, so that's unlikely to be an issue

[Mark R]

Originally Posted by CW3SF

I’m thinking about the lock out kit. I don’t want to drop the whole cradle and don’t want to have to torch out the old bushings. Also don’t want to have amplified drivetrain noises afterwards.

I'm very happy with the lockout kit and the upgraded control arms, etc. BMR warns people about the increased NVH of the solid bushings. For a street car, the lockout kit is the way to go.

[20Bluezl1]

So the place i ordered the bushing said they might have them at the end of August sounds to me like BS. So I canceled my order and now I have to find someone that has them on a shelf. I know they are hard to find,if i can't find them I guess ill go with the BMR lock out kit.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by L78toLT1

Install isn't bad. I did a track day right after I installed mine and thought it was the best handling mod to date. Went on a tour of local vineyards with the wife the next weekend and almost changed my mind. The solid bushings transmit and amplify the drivetrain lash and make Sunday drives a good bit less enjoyable. I'm on the fence about swapping mine for some poly bushings or maybe even going back stock with the lockout kit. I am a6 which exacerbates the problem, I'm sure.

I noticed ZERO NVH after installing mine, but then again, I am in the SS 1LE, which is more performance oriented from the standard SS.

[TWG1]

Originally Posted by 20Bluezl1

So the place i ordered the bushing said they might have them at the end of August sounds to me like BS. So I canceled my order and now I have to find someone that has them on a shelf. I know they are hard to find,if i can't find them I guess ill go with the BMR lock out kit.

Don’t forget, BMR sells three versions: lockout, poly and Delrin. BK062 is the Delrin version of the solid GMPP bushings. They essentially have zero deflection. Faced with your exact dilemma, I cancelled my back order and went with them. I have no regrets.

[20Bluezl1]

Originally Posted by TWG1

Don’t forget, BMR sells three versions: lockout, poly and Delrin. BK062 is the Delrin version of the solid GMPP bushings. They essentially have zero deflection. Faced with your exact dilemma, I cancelled my back order and went with them. I have no regrets.

That is probably the why I'm going the good thing about the GMPP is it comes with all new bolts and its cheaper.

[L78toLT1]

Originally Posted by TRZ06

I noticed ZERO NVH after installing mine, but then again, I am in the SS 1LE, which is more performance oriented from the standard SS.

NVH is noise, vibration and harshness. I suppose the bushings increased my N, with no affect on V or H. Taking up the driveline lash in the differential at low speeds causes very audible clunking with light acceleration or deceleration. You can hear a far more muffled clunk with the stock bushings. During spirited driving or just causing down the highway is no different than before.
My car is basically identical to a 1LE except for the ediff. It's possible that the clunking is not as pronounced with the ediff.

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by Mark R

I'm very happy with the lockout kit and the upgraded control arms, etc. BMR warns people about the increased NVH of the solid bushings. For a street car, the lockout kit is the way to go.

+1 on the lockout kit.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by L78toLT1

NVH is noise, vibration and harshness. I suppose the bushings increased my N, with no affect on V or H. Taking up the driveline lash in the differential at low speeds causes very audible clunking with light acceleration or deceleration. You can hear a far more muffled clunk with the stock bushings. During spirited driving or just causing down the highway is no different than before.
My car is basically identical to a 1LE except for the ediff. It's possible that the clunking is not as pronounced with the ediff.

Yeah, I know what it means, lol

Interesting on the clunking. I have no such clunk stock or afterwards.

[nicktechla]

Mine came in this week. now i just need to find some time to do it.