I bought this car and the more I take apart the more I find that the previous owner neglected...anyway...on to my question

I recently pulled the diff bushings out to replace and both of the original bushings were totally torn. The diff was making a horrible clunking noise. I ordered the nylon replacements, pressed them into the bracket and installed the diff mount bracket. I replaced all the pillowballs, installed RE trailing arms and toe links at the same time.

Right after I finished this I noticed my PPF was seriously cracked. The crack ran from the top mounting bolts at the diff all the way to the center of the PPF. It was so bad that after I pulled the PPF out of the car, I could have torn off by hand the whole chunk of metal that holds the top mounting points on the diff. I ground down the area and placed a bead of weld on both sides of the crack. I then put the PPF back in the car.

Now I am a little worried that the welded fix may not be as strong as the original. I have poly engine mounts and the solid nylon diff bushings now installed, would the diff brace do anything to take pressure off of the PPF?

So basically would a new PPF of diff brace be necessary? The car will, eventually, see a lot of track time...

Brian

 

if you have a welder, weld a thick sheet of metal to it. covering up the cracks.

i have a 3/8" or so peice of metal welded to mine where the two pieces over lap.