Powerflex gearbox bushings?

[xclemjustinx]

Installed a new gearbox mount and new powerflex bushings today. I can say it’s a noticeable difference when I shift and when I put it in drive from reverse. I am very happy with the upgrade. I stripped down the new mount and used dura coat for the paint. Dura coat is a finish like cerakote for guns. It’s water proof and chip resistant. We will see how it goes.

[Jeffrey Lee]

Looks like a clean install!

I think you'll appreciate the tighter shifting.
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Camp Westfalia
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[Slimvest]

Finally installed mine. I guess shifting 1st to 2nd is pretty smooth, but not blown away. Incremental gains...maybe i need to drive a busted old van to remember how good I have it.

Fun variable: supported the trans with a hydraulic jack, pulled the bracket and took it to a shop that pressed the old bushing out. Got home and the jack had lost pressure and my transaxle is hanging in the wind.
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'87 GL w/ Reimo top

[coclimber]

[thatbaldwinlife]

Thats how I got mine out too, hacksaw. Works great
nate
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1987 Westy
Insta: @Thatbaldwinlife
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[Gosshane]

Used a hacksaw to cut the bushings casing. I did have to cut the rubber surrounding the center bolt receiver to release outward pressure. Then I tapped a few times with a hammer and the bushing popped right out.

Replacing the bushing has solved a few problems and since the bushing was so old and already worn when I purchased the van, I can't tell if the bushing transfers extra noise when compared to an OEM bushing.

All I know is the van shifts better, seems to have less vibration, and bumps are not accompanied by the same thud.

I am extremely happy and will continue to use the powerflex bushings as I go through and replace all the almost 40 year old bushings on my van.

[4Gears4Tires]

They definitely do transfer extra noise and vibration. But the ease of installation and extra stability make it an easy decision to make.
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'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition

[binsento]

Chris i noticed the spacers above the mount. Do all automatic trans require the spacers between the bracket and the van frame? and is it just when using an aftermarket mount?

https://www.buslab.com/product-p/251399247.htm

Thanks,

Vince

[ALIKA T3]

[Microbusdeluxe]

Has Chris or anyone else done a tutorial/write-up on removing and installing the Powerflex bushings in a syncro, rear and front?
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'69 Squareback RIP
'65 21 window deluxe sold before the price spike, damn it.
'70 rhd bay now a taxi in South Sudan
'81 Westy sold
'89 hightop Westy Joker syncro 16" now with Bostig!

[Squidfish]

[Mikesarge]

[Microbusdeluxe]

Thanks for the tips. I've already done all the steering and suspension bushings, including the rear trailing arms. The transaxle and front differential are the only ones left. I couldn't find these on Youtube, but it sounds doable with the usual problems of removal of 30 year old bolts. Luckily I have no rust, so it shouldn't be that bad. Thanks again. I'll post a tutorial when I do it this spring.
_________________
'69 Squareback RIP
'65 21 window deluxe sold before the price spike, damn it.
'70 rhd bay now a taxi in South Sudan
'81 Westy sold
'89 hightop Westy Joker syncro 16" now with Bostig!

[binsento]

Thanks ALIKA T3.

I recently replaced my font mount (which doesn't look to be original) with a Gowesty mount of the same size. The new mount caused some serious vibrations when accelerating from stop. Put the old mount back in and no vibrations.

The old mount is worn through the rubber at top and as a result the support point is sagging down ~7-8mm compared to the new mount.

So the new mount is changing the elevation of the transaxle by this 7-8mm.

Is the vibration caused by it now touching something else or some sort of misalignment with engine...?

The Subaru conversion was done two years ago by PO - presumably back when the mount was in good condition.

85 2wd. Subi engine original transaxle.

[binsento]

I followed the instructions on this thread. Worked really well!!
I removed the rubber from a new GW mount quite easily. Started with a hole saw to get majority of the rubber out of the way, then hack saw, and then a series of flat head screw drivers.

Powerflex is installed. feels amazing. Fixed the vibrations i was having with the new GW mount.

[ggoudas]

My new bushing will arrive soon and I was thinking, (I know) has anyone tried removing this with an air tool? I have an older tool that was for taking the inner or outer exhaust pipe off by hammering and ripping the metal in two. I wonder if the material is to thick and that is why no one has used it.

[Djking360]

Any recommendations on hacksaw blade type? I’m guessing the toughest possible? I spent a few hours chilling to before thinking there must be an easier ways.

Cheers
Daniel

[OlisGarage]

I just use whatever blade I have. It’s mild steel that isn’t hardened, so nothing too fancy is needed.


The easiest way is to just press it out on a bearing press. That’s how I usually change bushings. But if you don’t have a press, a hacksaw and chisel are really not difficult either.
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1981 VW Vangagon TDI (in progress)
1984 VW Rabbit Convertible (daily)
2003 VW Jetta Wagon TDI (recovering from a hit and run)

[Djking360]

Mission accomplished but I’ve hit another hurdle…

[Djking360]

Got the power in but it’s doesn’t fit my auto end piece now.

I’m very confused because I have an 88’ auto and bought for that type

The whole alignment is off