Upgrading Your FG Falcon with Quality Diff Bushes
Upgrading Your FG Falcon with Quality Diff Bushes
Blog Article
Upgrading Your FG Falcon with Quality Diff Bushes: A Guide to Enhanced Performance and Handling
The Ford Falcon, particularly the FG model (produced between 2008 and 2014), has long been a favorite among Australian car enthusiasts. Known for its powerful performance, comfort, and sturdy build, the FG Falcon offers an exceptional driving experience. However, as with any performance vehicle, there is always room for improvement — especially when it comes to handling and driving dynamics. One of the key components that can significantly enhance the Falcon's ride and performance is the differential bushings, or diff bushes. fg falcon diff bushes
Upgrading the diff bushes in your FG Falcon can offer a noticeable difference in handling, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), as well as the longevity of the vehicle’s drivetrain. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of diff bushes, why you should upgrade them, and how to choose the right quality bushings for your FG Falcon.
What are Diff Bushes?
Before diving into the specifics of upgrades, it’s important to understand what diff bushes are and how they function. Differential bushes are rubber or polyurethane components located between the differential (the gear mechanism that allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds) and the vehicle’s chassis or subframe. These bushes help absorb the movement and vibrations from the differential, which is crucial for maintaining smooth and quiet driving.
Over time, as a vehicle is driven, the diff bushes wear down and become less effective at dampening vibrations and controlling the movement of the differential. This can lead to several performance issues such as increased NVH, handling instability, and even damage to other drivetrain components.
Why Upgrade Your FG Falcon’s Diff Bushes?
Upgrading the diff bushes in your FG Falcon offers several benefits that can significantly improve the vehicle’s handling, comfort, and performance. Below are the key reasons why upgrading diff bushes is a worthwhile investment.
- Improved Handling and Stability
One of the most significant advantages of upgrading diff bushes is improved handling. Standard, worn-out rubber bushes can lead to excessive movement of the differential during acceleration, braking, and cornering. This results in poor stability, inconsistent traction, and a lack of precise control. By upgrading to higher-quality polyurethane or solid bushes, you reduce this unwanted movement, which leads to better handling and more predictable behavior, especially when cornering or under load. - Enhanced Power Transfer
The differential plays a critical role in transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Worn-out bushes can introduce play in the differential, leading to power losses and less efficient power delivery to the wheels. Upgrading to stiffer, more durable bushes ensures that the differential remains securely in place, reducing power loss and allowing more direct power transfer to the wheels. This is particularly noticeable when accelerating hard or during spirited driving. - Reduced Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH)
Over time, rubber diff bushes can break down, leading to increased noise and vibrations in the cabin. As the differential moves more freely, it can transmit vibrations through the chassis and into the cabin, resulting in a noisy and uncomfortable driving experience. Polyurethane bushes, on the other hand, offer better noise insulation and reduce vibrations, leading to a smoother and quieter ride. While solid bushes may transfer more road noise, the overall reduction in diff movement significantly enhances the driving experience. - Improved Durability and Longevity
Rubber diff bushes tend to degrade over time due to exposure to heat, moisture, and the stresses placed on them. This degradation can lead to premature wear and failure, resulting in costly repairs or replacements of other drivetrain components. High-quality polyurethane diff bushes, however, are more resistant to heat, oil, and road chemicals, meaning they last longer and provide a more durable solution. This reduces the need for frequent replacements and extends the lifespan of your vehicle’s drivetrain. - Better Performance for Modified or High-Power Vehicles
If you’ve modified your FG Falcon for increased power output, such as adding forced induction or performance tuning, upgrading the diff bushes is essential. The additional torque from a modified engine can place even more strain on the differential and its supporting bushes. Upgrading to high-performance diff bushes will ensure that the differential can handle the increased forces without losing stability or causing drivetrain slippage.
Types of Diff Bushes for Your FG Falcon
When it comes to upgrading diff bushes, there are several types of materials to choose from, each offering different benefits. The two most common materials for diff bush upgrades are rubber and polyurethane, with the latter being the more popular choice for performance upgrades.
- Rubber Bushes
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) diff bushes are typically made from rubber. Rubber provides a good balance between comfort, noise isolation, and flexibility. However, over time, rubber can break down due to heat and the constant stresses placed on it. While rubber bushes may still be suitable for daily drivers with minimal modifications, they do not offer the same performance benefits as polyurethane bushes. - Polyurethane Bushes
Polyurethane is a synthetic material that is stiffer and more durable than rubber. It is the preferred choice for performance vehicles and those looking to upgrade their diff bushes. Polyurethane bushes provide improved handling, reduced movement of the differential, and better durability. They are ideal for drivers seeking enhanced performance, particularly in terms of stability and power transfer. However, it’s worth noting that polyurethane bushes may increase NVH slightly, though this tradeoff is generally acceptable for those prioritizing performance. - Solid or Billet Bushes
Solid bushes, typically made from materials like aluminum or steel, provide the highest level of performance but at the cost of increased NVH. These bushes eliminate any flexibility, offering the most direct connection between the differential and the chassis. Solid bushes are often used in high-performance racing applications but may not be ideal for daily street driving due to their increased noise and vibration levels.
Key Factors to Consider When Upgrading Diff Bushes
When upgrading your FG Falcon’s diff bushes, there are several factors to keep in mind to ensure you choose the best option for your needs:
- Driving Style
If you primarily use your FG Falcon for daily driving, you might want to opt for a slightly softer polyurethane bush or even stick with rubber. If you frequently drive aggressively, on the track, or have a modified engine, you may benefit from stiffer polyurethane or even solid bushes for maximum performance. - NVH Tolerance
Some performance enthusiasts are more tolerant of increased NVH, while others may find it uncomfortable. Polyurethane bushes offer a good balance between performance and comfort, but solid bushes may significantly increase noise and vibration, which could be undesirable for daily driving. - Durability and Longevity
Look for brands that use high-quality polyurethane or other durable materials designed to withstand the stresses of high-performance driving. Premium brands often offer bushes that are designed to last longer and resist heat and wear, ensuring a longer service life. - Ease of Installation
Upgrading diff bushes can be a labor-intensive task, often requiring the removal of the differential. If you’re performing the upgrade yourself, be sure to choose bushes that are compatible with your skill level and available tools. Alternatively, you can have the bushes installed by a professional mechanic.
Recommended Brands for FG Falcon Diff Bushes
Several aftermarket manufacturers offer high-quality diff bushes for the FG Falcon. Some of the most reputable brands in the market include:
- SuperPro: Known for their durable polyurethane bushings, SuperPro offers a range of diff bushes that balance performance and comfort.
- Whiteline: Another popular brand, Whiteline is known for its high-performance suspension components, including diff bushes designed to improve handling and stability.
- KMac: KMac is a well-regarded name in the performance suspension world, offering both polyurethane and solid bushes for a more direct and responsive driving experience.
Conclusion
Upgrading the diff bushes in your FG Falcon is a smart way to enhance the vehicle's handling, stability, and overall performance. Whether you’re looking for improved power transfer, reduced NVH, or better durability, choosing the right type of diff bush — rubber, polyurethane, or solid — can make a significant difference. By considering your driving style, NVH tolerance, and the longevity of the bushes, you can select the ideal upgrade for your Falcon.
As with any upgrade, it’s important to choose high-quality components from trusted brands to ensure that you get the best performance and durability. With the right diff bushes, your FG Falcon will handle more precisely, accelerate more efficiently, and provide a more enjoyable driving experience. Report this page