Differential question

[Vic]

Hi guys!
My son and I were hanging my TR6 differential when something odd came up. Once it was slipped over the 4 bolts I was installing the 2 large washers over the front rubber bushings when I noticed in my hardware collection there were 2 remaining large washers. I did not notice the 2 extra washers when we took the diff out. Any idea where they came from. The catalog I have only shows the front 2 large washers.
Also I noticed that the front section is isolated by the rubber bushings but the rear seem to be steel on steel mount. The rear bushings have the steel tube that stick out past the rubber. When I push up on the diff to install the nuts there was a hard clunk. Doesn't make sense to me. Seems it should also be isolated by the rubber bushings.
Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks all!
Vic

 

[TR4nut]

I think washers go on all four mount points:
Roadster Factory Illustration

Also, even though there is a metal tube on that rear mount, the differential is isolated from the frame through the rubber portion of the mount assembly.

 

[Vic]

Randy,
Thanks for that photo. I agree that the diff is still isolated by the rubber. It just seems odd that I have this metal to metal contact. I'll check in the morning but I think that the washer will not touch the rubber portion but hit the steel tube only.
Vic

 

[TRopic6]

Aloha Vic,
I'm getting ready to swap a replacement diff into my '74 and just bolted the rear mounts onto the case. I think the large washers at the rear can support the rubber as it sags a bit under the weight of the differential. They could also counter distortion as the differential twists under load, etc. New poly mounts probably not so much, but older rubber ones can get soft, especially if diff oil gets on them.

Must be neat having your son there to help - Best of luck!

Jeff

74 & 75 TR6

 

[Vic]

Thanks for the reply Jeff. I wish I had taken a close up photo before I pulled it down. Nice kid my son. He's off to Nebraska for college in a month or so. I'll miss his help on the bigger projects.

Vic