Hi Guys!
Before we get into my question I want to say a big thanks to all whom have posted about the ERG tube that is notorious for cracking. A couple of exhaust shops said I needed a new manifold but after searching through the posts here I was able to pinpoint the problem (cracked EGR pipe)! Some of these shops here in town (Southeast Arizona) just don't care to take the time to diagnose a car properly!
Took my 1996 LS 400 (171k) into the shop today and had them check out the suspension as I was getting a harmonic vibration when traveling 40-45mph. I had the tires rotated and that solved some of the vibration but not all. Once the car was on the lift the mechanic pointed out that the rear differential bushing/cushion had a lot of play in it. You could lift the drive shaft up and move the diff up and down. The two bushings in the rear appear to be slightly cracked but seem to be tight.
I would imagine that replacing the two rear differential bushings would be expensive as they appear to have to be pressed out, is this the case? Since the cushion/bushing on the side of the rear diff is obviously way beyond bad I was going to start there and replace that. Is this a difficult job to do? I would like to do this myself but don't want to open a can of worms if this job would require anything crazy. I have searched high and low and could not find anything. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Using the diagram below I ordered the necessary parts to replace the cushion on the side of the diff.
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/images/oem/1400x1000/410236.jpg
Thanks!