Cross member bushings vs. Inserts

[wootwoot]

Whiteline produces rear cross member INSERT bushings as well as replacement bushings. Does anyone know if these two products are compatible with each other? Which would be most beneficial?

Any idea how to install the "cross member kit" bushings? Do you have to drop the entire cross member to do it? Or can you press out the old bushings and press in the new ones while the cross member is in place but un-bolted?

So confusing.

http://ft86speedfactory.com/whitelin...r-kit-474.html
http://ft86speedfactory.com/whitelin...n-kit-287.html

[gmookher]

It's easy install on your back with a jack. For inserts no need to drop anything

[7thgear]

The bushings will offer the best result (although I would rather see a solid steel plug rather than poly) but to install them you have to take out the crossmember so you can use a press to remove the old bushings.

Since you're asking this question I'm going to assume you don't have a shop or a press or the tools for this sort of job so it will cost you at least 2 hours labour if not 3 assuming everything goes perfect, not to mention the need to do an alignment after.

The inserts can be done using a standard jack and home tools (and a breaker bar) and you can get away without doing an alignment (but highly recommended)

The inserts just help fill the void that is designed into the OEM bushing to reduce movement.

TL;DR = get the inserts

[Supermassive]

Damn, I bought the bushings, didn't even really think it through. Well shit, gonna have to figure out how to press them out I guess.

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by Supermassive

Damn, I bought the bushings, didn't even really think it through. Well shit, gonna have to figure out how to press them out I guess.

return or sell them

otherwise to minimize cost get a buddy with a car, take apart the crossmember yourself and take it to a shop with a press and get them to do it.

however make sure that when you jack the car that the weight is as evenly distributed as possible, nothing sucks more balls than having the chassis slightly twisted when you'll be putting the crossmember back on and have the bolts either not line up or go in with force (possibly stripping the threads)
This is why a lift is better than jacks, the force is distributed and the chassis doesn't warp

[wootwoot]

I was going to pull some other suspension arms myself and get new bushings pressed in so I guess I could drop the cross member on my own as well.

Something else that comes to mind: I know you have to re-grease poly bushings every few years to keep them quiet. I suppose the inserts would be easier to maintain in the long run. I guess I just have to decide if the extra work is worth what extra performance the bushings will give.... decisions decisions... any advice or input would be appreciated.

[7thgear]

poly bushings used in an application where they dont twist wont squeek (as much anyway)

so things like "mounts" which don't have axial movement don't need to be maintained.

control arms on the other hand..

[wootwoot]

So then what would the performance difference be between the two? Night and day? Only slight? Only worth it for a track car?

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by wootwoot

So then what would the performance difference be between the two? Night and day? Only slight? Only worth it for a track car?

when i had my bushings changed on the impreza it was night and day

for about an hour

then i got used to it

i bet if you put me into stock impreza right now i'll be very disappointed with how sloppy it is

i susspect the same will be with the FRS, you'll feel it right away but get used to it quickly as well.

btw i would combine the crossmember bushing with the diff mount bushing/inserts as well for maximum effect.

[Captain Snooze]

I asked Whiteline the same question as the op.

"Dear Sir/Madam,
Besides the the difference in installation could you please tell me if there is any practical difference between KDT921 and KDT922. That is, do KDT921 offer more "stiffness" to the rear sub-frame than KDT922?
With thanks,
B****."

Their reply:
"Hi,
The KDT921 is a complete bush replacement that will make the cradle slightly firmer than just the KDT922 inserts . The inserts are less expensive and great to use when the OE bushing is still in good condition and at this stage with the cars so new this will work well. Most will use the inserts until the complete bushing needs replacing .
Wayne Bolton Technical / Customer Service"