Alright... at the end of last season I noticed myself missing more shifts than my normal driver error
Also had some nasty clunking when switching from forward to reverse.
Picked up the MMR delrin diff mounts over the winter.
All the DIYs I found made it seem like a complicated job that involved removing the differential from the car.
I really didnt want to go through all that so I figured i'd try to find a way around it.
Sorry there are no pics, was too busy working.
- Put the car in the air, make sure it's stable.
- Remove all bracing under the car that covers the exhaust (My MSM had three braces)
- Remove the axle back and mid pipe exhaust sections.
- Unbolt all three bolts from the PPF (Long brace that connects the trans and diff) from the transmission.
- Remove the most rear PPF bolt from the differential (The one without the collars).
- Loosen the last remaining PPF bolt but there is no reason to remove it.
- Head back up front and pull the PPF off the transmission toward the passenger side.
This will allow you to lower the differential and PPF as one piece.
- Place a jack under the differential.
- Remove the three nuts per side on the lower differential mounts and set the lowers aside.
- Slowly lower the differential off the studs making sure to not drop it too far (The drive shaft is still in place)
- You need to lower the differential just enough to fit the new mount between the diff and the mounting stud.
- Take your air hammer/chisel (If you have one) and locate the seam in the stock rubber mount.
- Drive at it for a while on each side of the seam until the stock mount pops out.
- Clean out the diff mount housings with some sand paper and a file if you have any rough edges.
- Grease up the new diff mounts as well as the mount housings.
- Press the mounts in by hand from above. (If you cleaned the housing out this should be relatively easy)
- Raise the differential back up into place with the jack.
- Reinstall the lower diff mounts.
- Line the PPF back up on the transmission and bolt it in.
- Install and tighten both rear PPF bolts.
- Install the mid pipe, axle back, and then the underside bracing.
- Drop the car back on the ground and enjoy.
Important things to note.
*If you do not have an air hammer/chisel I imagine it is possible to remove with a hammer and chisel although air is much quicker.*
*These directions are specific to MMR mounts; other brands may include new lower mounts which would require burning off the stock mount from the bracket for installation*
*This was done on my 05 Mazdaspeed, I am not sure what differences there are if any for the NA*
I just wanted to post this to confirm that yes you can replace the differential mounts with the diff still in the car with the drive shaft and PPF still attached. Hopefully this helps others take on the job.
Happy wrenching!
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