Differential Problem

[94tbirdlx2005]

Hi guys. I'm new here, so excuse me if I sound a bit unlearned. I'm new to Thunderbirds as well. Anyway, I just purchased a '94 Thunderbird LX, with 166k on a 3.8L v6, and noticed a couple days later that under heavy stress, the differential was making a loud thump and jerking the vehicle. I took it to a shop, and raised it up, only to find that my "major problem" was a small $15 bushing that rides on the stud above the passenger side of the differential. Upon taking it to the Ford dealership, they told me it would require 4 hours of work, totalling $330 for the fix. I don't know much about it, but I'm wondering if all that much is really necessary. I'm guessing the entire differential will have to be taken out, but 4 hours? Is there any better way to fix this?

[thunderbird muscle]

No not really unless you do it yourself to save from their labor. What is their labor rate by the way? Ours is $60 an hour(Bainbridge GA)

[94tbirdlx2005]

I'm in BFE, VA, otherwise known as Galax. Ford dealerships are about one every 40 miles, and they all charge way too much. I have a friend that's gonna help me do it and let me use his garage, so hopefully it'll go smoothly... hopefully.

[94tbirdlx2005]

Oh yeah, forgot, is there any cheaper place to get the bushing than the dealership? ($16) It's not that expensive, I'm just curious.

[thunderbird muscle]

You could check with a parts store, but I wouldn't suggest it there parts are not as good in quality for this kind of part.