Jump to content
  • When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Early 02 Rear Suspension Bushings


davida

Recommended Posts

I have a '68 02 and I'm looking to replace all of the rear bushings.  My car has the long neck differential, are the bushings (Subframe, trailing arm, differential) different for the early cars with the long neck diff versus the later cars with the short neck diff?  I was looking at Ireland Engineering, and they list the same for '68-'76.  Are there any other/better options for these bushings than Ireland?  I was thinking of going with urethane.

Thanks,

Dave

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

From a quick perusal of the factory parts book, the differential carrier mount (that fastens diff to crossmember) carries the same part number for both long and shortneck diffs.  Same with the two mounts that hold the crossmember to the body.  

 

And I believe that the suspension arm bushings are the same for both crossmembers--at least I couldn't find a reference to but one part number for those four bushings.  on the pages that show both a long neck and short neck crossmember.

 

mike

'69 Nevada sunroof-Wolfgang-bought new
'73 Sahara sunroof-Ludwig-since '78
'91 Brillantrot 318is sunroof-Georg Friederich 
Fiat Topolini (Benito & Luigi), Renault 4CVs (Anatole, Lucky Pierre, Brigette) & Kermit, the Bugeye Sprite

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have both styles Between my ‘68 and ‘73. 
 

The diff carriers are the same. The subframe to body mounts are the same. The A arm bushings are different. There is an outfit in Austria that makes/sells the proper oem style rubber bushings for those. The BMW parts don’t fit anymore... don’t ask me why they’re still selling them if they don’t fit. Who knows. As for Poly for that location I haven’t the faintest. 
 

 

 

The link to the outfit with the proper fitting OE style bushings is in this thread. I bought/installed a set on my ‘68 so I’m sure they work.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the replies.  I called IE and asked if their rear suspension bushing kit would fit an early long neck diff car, and they said it "should", but I was hoping for something more definitive than that.  It sounds like there is definitely an issue with the OE style rubber bushings. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

I found one thread discussing them, in which tjones02 gives another source for poly bushings, but also gives a good argument for rubber (which I tend to agree with, not  that  that  mat ters  ... ( it's just  that  rub ber is bet ter )).

 

 

Tom

     DISCLAIMER -- I now disagree with much of the timing advice I have given in the past.  I misinterpreted the distributor curves in the Blue Book as timing maps for our engines.  I've also switched from using ported-vacuum to manifold, with better results.  I apologize for spreading misinformation. 

(3-28-2024)  

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The trailing arms used with both, the long neck diff sub-frames and the short neck diff sub-frames are all the same. The sub-frames are different, though. On the short neck subframes the mounting ears for the trailing arms are spaced further apart. But, since the trailing arms are all the same, BMW installed longer bushings on the trailing arms to compensate for this. That's why the newer style bushings protrude from the trailing arms while the older style bushings are almost flush with the trailing arms. I prefer the earlier design. but that is my preference.

 

I'm aware that it is popular to switch to the short neck diff and sub-frame because parts are more available, but in my opinion, the short neck diff is inferior to the earlier long neck versions. BMW went with the newer design because it was cheaper to produce, but much more expensive to maintain. I'll never replace my long neck diff with a short neck. I won't compromise with that.

 

Slavs

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • BMW Neue Klasse - a birth of a Sports Sedan

    BMW Neue Klasse - a birth of a Sports Sedan

    Unveiling of the Neue Klasse Unveiled in 1961, BMW 1500 sedan was a revolutionary concept at the outset of the '60s. No tail fins or chrome fountains. Instead, what you got was understated and elegant, in a modern sense, exciting to drive as nearly any sports car, and yet still comfortable for four.   The elegant little sedan was an instant sensation. In the 1500, BMW not only found the long-term solution to its dire business straits but, more importantly, created an entirely new
    History of the BMW 2002 and the 02 Series

    History of the BMW 2002 and the 02 Series

    In 1966, BMW was practically unknown in the US unless you were a touring motorcycle enthusiast or had seen an Isetta given away on a quiz show.  BMW’s sales in the US that year were just 1253 cars.  Then BMW 1600-2 came to America’s shores, tripling US sales to 4564 the following year, boosted by favorable articles in the Buff Books. Car and Driver called it “the best $2500 sedan anywhere.”  Road & Track’s road test was equally enthusiastic.  Then, BMW took a cue from American manufacturers,
    The BMW 2002 Production Run

    The BMW 2002 Production Run

    BMW 02 series are like the original Volkswagen Beetles in one way (besides both being German classic cars)—throughout their long production, they all essentially look alike—at least to the uninitiated:  small, boxy, rear-wheel drive, two-door sedan.  Aficionados know better.   Not only were there three other body styles—none, unfortunately, exported to the US—but there were some significant visual and mechanical changes over their eleven-year production run.   I’ve extracted t
  • Upcoming Events

  • Supporting Vendors

×
×
  • Create New...