Changing Gearbox Bushing

Soooo - Since I like DIY I thought I might share an easy "to do yourself" if you like tinkering...

I started by buying a set of bushing tools (which I know I will use for the ball joints as well), and a new gearbox bushing from (in my case), Superformance.
Looks like this:

 

Since I already have removed the air filter housing and gearbox support frame I gained easy access to the bushing.
It was quite easy to push out the old one (I sprayed a little penetrating oil to ease things up about 10min prior to cranking).

 

One can clearly see the wear in the old one - it was sagging and it had a little too much play...

 

Clean and make sure there's no debris that may damage the aluminium prior assembly of new bushing.
And after that just push the new one in.

 

And finally after about 0,5h of work (not counting the disassembly of airfilter housing and gearbox support frame), you're finished.
I noted the difference in width between new and old bushing and suspect that it may have been changed at some point.
Could it be that the old one is from a 430?

 

Moneywise, I would say this saves you about 1000$ compared to workshop at AD.
If money is no issue to you, then working on your own precious might be...

One learns a lot about these cars doing a bit of tinkering on you own.

And I find that quite rewarding in itself...

 

Thanks! They are all over the web.
For instance; https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/27Pcs-Pull-and-Press-Sleeve-Tool-Kit-Set-Seal-Bearing-Cars-LGV-HGV-Bush-Removal-/152630932392?epid=1560214196&hash=item23898333a8%3Ag%3Ah-oAAOSwKIpV%7ECN4&_trkparms=pageci%253Ae7274be8-94d0-11e7-9b90-74dbd180d287%257Cparentrq%253A6317d98b15e0aca4ad7be829fff6fc12%257Ciid%253A2

 

Of course a jack will be great, but actually - the WM says one can rest the gearbox on the frame underneith the gearbox.
I just put a rubber pad in between so that the black paint wouldn't get damaged.

 

Nope! I just noticed that the exhaust pipes was sagging a bit.

I've read about others having problems with noices (clunking and so on), when shifting gear. So I guess one can experience different issues when the bushing is shot.

Since the bushing was shot I figured that the motor pads might have taken a beat due to the extra stress and play the shot bushing rendered in.
And sure enough! They too was shot.
They actually fell apart in my hands (literally).

I suspect a lot of 360 and 430 drivers out there drive around with bad bushings and motor pads.
Especially the motor pads are hard to examine without taking them out of the mount...

 

Pics of pad - fell apart in my hands...

 

Here's a funny fact; I've not driven the car yet as it's more or less in pieces still.
I expect there to be no "clunk" sound/feeling when shifting gears. Furthermore; the exhaust tips ought to sag no more.

 

I used original parts. I haven’t heard of any superior items from any other manufacturer (i.e. HE or equivalent).
But I do think the design of the mounts / pads are bad and could benefit from a redesign.

 

Thanks’ for the tip. I’ll go for it the next time.