Does the Mach 1 need diff bushing inserts?

[chuckhammer]

Since the S550 Mach 1 uses the same subframe as the S550 GT500, I would think the differential bushings are tough enough to handle the Mach 1's much lower torque levels. Has anyone torn them? Is it worth installing polyurethane inserts to provide additional stiffness to prevent damage, as is frequently done on regular GTs?

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[MiamiGT350]

Any after-market diff bushings are going to add NVH. I wouldn't bother replacing them unless you see play in the diff from worn-out oem bushings.

 

[NightmareMoon]

I think you'll find they last longer if you reinforce them with poly inserts, but no diff bushings aren't 'required' unless you want them to last a bit longer. The OEM ones should be ok for a good while.

After replacing the cradle $$$$ to get fresh diff bushings in my GT, I'd definitely recommend the reinforcement pucks, but they're not required.

 

[NGOT8R]

Reinforce them and save yourself the aggravation of having to repair torn bushings down the road which will be more labor intensive.

In addition, another thing that some people overlook is the engine block braces. I don‘t know if cracked blocks has a direct correlation to excessive play due to the softer bushings and mounts in the drivetrain, but it’s worth looking into (just as important as preserving bushings IMO) before it’s too late. I put them on mine a couple of years ago.

Watch this video here. He shows lots of carnage. Everything cracked and broke! Forward to 4:40 into the video and watch.



https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/th...-braces-for-all-5-0-5-2-coyote-voodoo.177801/

 

[chuckhammer]

Thanks for the replies.

I should clarify that I installed diff bushing inserts on my current car which is a GT.

The scenario in question is if I upgrade to a Mach 1, which should have GT500 diff bushings, would poly inserts be *as beneficial* as they are on a GT with the standard diff bushings? It would seem, with the GT500's much higher torque production, that those diff bushings are much more durable than a standard GT's. Else, we'd be hearing about GT500 diff bushings being torn in short order.

Or, did Ford give the Mach 1 a GT500 subframe but with standard GT diff bushings?

The installation was a bit of a PITA so I'd rather avoid it if the risk of damage is greatly minimized relative to my current car.

 

[MACHtobers Very Own]

In my latest round of "stiff things up down there" i did diff inserts and motor mounts. I dont know how effective each one was but I love how car drives now. I did it just to do it since there was other work being done. I do not think this was a bad way of going about it and found the investment worth it.

 

[murick]

I did not feel I needed it (or anything related to stiffening the car) until I went to a track and experienced a wheel hop. Then I did the whole package - Steeda ultimate stop the hop kit + diff. bushing + g-track 2-point brace. It definitely stiffens car up (but I did not have a chance to confirm it on the track yet), but also added a significant NVH.

Which part of the package and/or how much I cannot tell, since I added all in one go.
Now I am contemplating removing diff. bushing to see if it makes a difference.
I might be a victim to a "loose" differential though, because I have also a noticeable clunk and whine from the diff. So your results could be different.

 

[chuckhammer]

I did not feel I needed it (or anything related to stiffening the car) until I went to a track and experienced a wheel hop. Then I did the whole package - Steeda ultimate stop the hop kit + diff. bushing + g-track 2-point brace. It definitely stiffens car up (but I did not have a chance to confirm it on the track yet), but also added a significant NVH.

Which part of the package and/or how much I cannot tell, since I added all in one go.
Now I am contemplating removing diff. bushing to see if it makes a difference.
I might be a victim to a "loose" differential though, because I have also a noticeable clunk and whine from the diff. So your results could be different.

This is good feedback. When you say "track" do you mean launching at a drag strip or driving around a road circuit? Just want to understand the use case when you experienced noticable wheel hop.

 

[murick]

This is good feedback. When you say "track" do you mean launching at a drag strip or driving around a road circuit? Just want to understand the use case when you experienced noticable wheel hop.

I mean a regular circuit.

 

[GTP]

IMO it's good insurance and the sooner the better. You'd have to have a stock, low-end s550 to experience any additional NVH. IMO, not with PP car or higher.

 

[NightmareMoon]

Thanks for the replies.

I should clarify that I installed diff bushing inserts on my current car which is a GT.

The scenario in question is if I upgrade to a Mach 1, which should have GT500 diff bushings, would poly inserts be *as beneficial* as they are on a GT with the standard diff bushings? It would seem, with the GT500's much higher torque production, that those diff bushings are much more durable than a standard GT's. Else, we'd be hearing about GT500 diff bushings being torn in short order.

Or, did Ford give the Mach 1 a GT500 subframe but with standard GT diff bushings?

The installation was a bit of a PITA so I'd rather avoid it if the risk of damage is greatly minimized relative to my current car.

Ford DID make some upgrades with cradle bushings/supports on the GT350, but I haven't found anything which states the diff bushings are different on the GT3500 or GT350. I haven't read anything which says they're the same either. If you think they're different, do you have any source for that?

There's nothing weak or wrong about the GT diff bushings... up until they fail by cracking.

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