Spitfire Spitfire differential rear bushings

[tktrain]

Greetings! New member here. I'm quite experienced in automotive repair and restoration, but this is my first endeavor in the realm of Spitfires. I have a couple of questions regarding the rear bushings on my '78 Spit differential housing. I purchased new replacements for the car, but my existing bushings seem exceptionally firm and solid with no signs of dry cracking andminimal surface rust in the sleeve hole. I would like advice regarding simply reusing the existing pieces versus installing the new. I also have tapped the bottom of the housing and installed a drain plug to facilitate simple lube changes in the future. My car has the fibre shims behind the planetary side gears and they were missing. I have purchased new fibre replacements as the brass versions are not to be found. Any advice regarding these questions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[This14u]

TK,

Had the same question on the diff bushings when I had my Spit apart. Even with replacements on hand, I decided to leave the originals in place. Didn't seem worth the effort as they were in good condition.

 

[tktrain]

This14u:
Thanks for the input. I'm of the same opinion, Unless someone chimes in with a good reason why not to use the old pieces, I'm just shelving the new ones for now. Thanks again!

 

[Andrew Mace]

With all the Herald, Spitfire and GT6 diff R&R procedures I've done in the past 43 years or so, I've only ever replaced one set of those bushings! If they look and feel good, leave 'em in there!

 

[tktrain]

Thank you, Andrew, that settles that!

 

[tktrain]

BTW, any thoughts on the durability of the Fibre spacers behind the splined side gears in the planetary assembly? Any sources out there for metal versions? No one seems to have them any longer.

Also, what is the torque specification for the Bearing Cap bolts for the differential carrier? I don't see it listed inmy Haynes manual.