Rear diff mount, Toyota's legalized theft policy. Options

[GT4WRC]

Managed to track down an annoying clonk on the 4 yesterday. Only happened when stomping on the gas pedal or lifting off quickly which resulted in a big thump from underneath. Initially thought that the exhaust was the culprit - but alas not.
I'd already replaced the rear diff mount with a nolothane unit but with the car up on a hoist today, the driver's side mount looks as though it has completely delaminated, allowing the diff to jump around like a bucking bronco


Nearly had a heart attack this morning. Contacted Toyota to order a couple of new mounts, only to discover that the rubber bushes aren't available seperately They come as part of the actual mounting arm - guess it'll make swapping them over a bit easier. But, at a cost. RRP NZ$712.60 each And I needed 2 of them!

How on earth Toyota can justify charging prices like that is totally beyond me It's not like they are made from exotic materials or it was a limited production run of just 500 units. The ST185 bushes are available as a seperate item, but aren't compatable with ST205 parts - talk about being held over a barrel

Fortunately, the parts chap I deal with is a genuine enthusiast and is in a position to negotiate a better price 90% of the time. So, instead of paying a grand total of NZ$1425.20 + GST, he's sending them to me for NZ$200 inclusive

Thank goodness that there are some people who work within Toyota who actually live in the real world.....
Gary

[vsideboy]

blimey, thats a big saving mate, you better buy him a beer or two as well.