One of my winter jobs this year is going to be getting a replacement TT rear subframe shotblasted and powdercoated, as well as fitting all new bushings and renewing the consumable Hicas parts.

 

Are the Driftworks polybushes the best option for the subframe itself, or is there a better alternative I should be considering?

 

I don't want to go down the route of solid bushes as my Zed's not going to go on track and I don't want to make the ride too harsh on our superb roads! :lol:

 

Also, can the diff itself be split down (for cleaning and painting the casings) and, if so, are there any gaskets or parts I need to be replacing?

 

Cheers!

I have just refurbished a na frame I did put driftworks bushes in but I think powerflex / superflex are pretty much all the same just diffrent colours .Also the diff will split the back cover will come off there's a paper gasket in there I think . I didn't split mine just took out abs sensors and masking taped splines it reads on input shafts. I got a rotary wire bush attachment on angle grinder took all rust of diff . Then coated the whole diff in etch primer then 2 coats of alloy silver paint .if you do split diff back cover is alloy so you could get it polished .

I have just refurbished a na frame I did put driftworks bushes in but I think powerflex / superflex are pretty much all the same just diffrent colours .Also the diff will split the back cover will come off there's a paper gasket in there I think . I didn't split mine just took out abs sensors and masking taped splines it reads on input shafts. I got a rotary wire bush attachment on angle grinder took all rust of diff . Then coated the whole diff in etch primer then 2 coats of alloy silver paint .if you do split diff back cover is alloy so you could get it polished .

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Looking really nice there Taff........

Edited August 30, 201510 yr by veilside01702

Looking really nice there Si........

 

You mean Taff, mate... ;)

DOH........ lol

You can split the diff down to its raw case etc, however do you want to? It's a fairly labour intensive exercise to paint it. Rebuilding it fully is nice but again, do you want to? The R230 diff is a though mother, it's also worth more in scrap so replacement isn't an issue. I simply removed the cover, cleared any sludge then wire wheeled the lot painting the diff with a few good coats of hammerite.

 

The early drift works bushes had issues but I think that's been resolved. ES poly bushes offer a full kit for the z32 and are very popular. Unless you plan to track the car and except it won't be very forgiving of stick with the poly diff and sub mounts. I have solid for both, infact everything going. It handles lovely but it's very unforgiving.

 

Good luck. It would be worth borrowing or buying a good impact gun. The hub carriers, hub nuts etc are very tight. You will find it difficult to undo them by hand. Oh and don't be tempted to knock the drive shafts out with a lump hammer, you will knacker the threads. A rubber mallet is a much gentler way. Make sure you take the opportunity to clean up behind the frame, reseal etc.

So I take it that you managed to get it out of the boot ok? :)