My mechanic said I shouldn’t replace my rear subframe bushing.

[Shoejohn]

Hi all. I have a 97 2.8. 73K miles
I’ve enjoyed learning so much from you all. I was surprised by the talk I had with my mechanic today. He said the bushings look great for a 25 year old car and that he wouldn’t replace them. I’m not sure how I feel about this news. On one hand I was looking forward to doing it but on the other hand I feel like I could spend the money elsewhere. I just don’t know.

He actually had the nerve to tell me my shocks looked good too. I’m definitely going to move forward with shocks and struts Bilstien B4. I’m still on the fence about Eibach lowering springs.

Have you ever had a mechanic tell you not to do something?

 

[t-tony]

He's basically telling you that HE doesn't want to do it.
Look at the subframe bushes and see for yourself how much of a gap is left between the subframe and the lower plate.

Tony.

 

[Peter1450]

Do what YOU want John! Most of the bushes on my wife’s 2001 were actually pretty good visually, but it was apart so were replaced as they are 22 years old.
I gave up on the original diff bush for fear of breaking the alloy case. Fairly easy to cut out just didn’t fancy pressing in, fitted the only poly bush on the car, drives much better with a fresh back end , front to follow over the winter.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Looking at the dampers tells you nothing about their condition and efficiency, if they're the originals, as often happens with these cars, then they are definitely past their throw-away date. Much the same goes for the bushes, I can pretty much guarantee you'll notice a big difference with new ones.

 

[andyglym]

At 25 years of age mate, they're goosed if original, even without looking at them.

 

[Nodzed]

As Tony said, check the gap between bush and lower plate, no or very little gap = knackered.

 

[Shoejohn]

Hi guys. I picked up the car today. I’ve lost confidence in that shop. Here are some pics.
The first 2 are Rear Subframe Bushing. Rubber isn’t dry but definitely touching the lower plate.
The second 2 are the Rear Trailing Arm.
I next 2 are pics of where my diff bushing used to live.
The last one is my trunk bottom.

I’m going to get them put on at another shop. Also looking at shocks. What can I expect to pay in labor?
Thanks guys!

 

[t-tony]

1.5 hrs labor should see rear shocks done.

Tony.

 

[Shoejohn]

. I’m wondering about labor for all of it. I’ve read somewhere that it’s nice to let a new suspension settle a bit. My thought was to get it done just before winter. I hope to do the cooling system in the Spring.
I’ve done seat bushings, glove boxes and trunk lights but this my friend is beyond my abilities/time/tools. I’m learning quickly thanks to this forum.
I’ve owned the car for 15 years and it’s been in the family for over 20. It’s a fun car that has always turned heads. I think this car looks better and better as time passes. It’s fun to drive. I’d like to make it the best it can be while keeping it as stock as possible.
I’m planning to replace.
Subframe bushings,OEM Rubber.
Shocks and Struts Bilstien B4, Staying with original springs unless they need replacing.

‘Is there anything else I should be considering while I’m paying someone to dig it all up?

Best,
John

 

[the Nefyn cat]

New brake pipes and hoses, I'd guess.

 

[t-tony]

And most likely a set of @Mazza tank straps. He does ship to the USA.

Tony.

 

[Peter1450]

Looks brand new under there compared to my wife’s,is it driven in the rain? The lack of rust/ corrosion will certainly help your rebuild. Most of us in the UK have a fight with rusty fasteners which makes replacement of anything under the car take longer than it should.

 

[Andyboy]

It looks very clean.

If it drives well and doesn't clonk/knock over bumps, save your $$$.

Bilstein B4's are budget dampers - they're OK but not as good as OEM Boge Sachs which you already have.

 

[TriumphZ3]

You were on a winner there until the photo of the MGB.... Joking of course, good car but the old Triumph rivalry means I have to stand up for our cars!