BFI Stage 1 Dogbone Insert

Getting this insert in was a struggle for me so I'm giving my tips.

Getting the insert started was easy enough. I used vasoline for lube, and could get it about a third of the way in with elbow grease and a rubber mallet. After it quit moving for me I got a car jack and was able to force it in with that. It looked like it was squished so I left the jack there for 10 or so min to let the insert expand upwards (hopefully). It still had about a quarter of the way or so to go when I brought the jack down, but i was able to get the bolt and 3" washer started and tighten it up that way with no problems.

I did this on ramps, so it may be easier on jack stands, but I couldn't tell ya.

Review: Still a touch of wheel hop, but it's not near as nasty/harsh feeling. I was very hesitant on trying this due to the complaints about vibrations. Very very minimal vibs in 1st; I can barely notice them. And there are some heavier ones in reverse, but still not near as bad as I was expecting based on some of the complaints i read in the forums. I do drive a manual so it's probably different for those DSG guys.

I just did mine yesterday on jack stands. It went in pretty easy after I removed the dogbone completely. Did you do that?

Nope, I followed the instructions on the BFI website... Or at least attempted to, but used ramps instead of stands. Remove stock bolt, install insert, replace new bolt with washers.

I had trouble getting the sucker in there too, so I looked up youtube videos on the install and found ECS' guide. Ramps could have been a big key to it. You had load on the subframe.

I was able to push mine in far enough to start the threads on the bolt, after that it went right in.

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lilfleck said:

I had trouble getting the sucker in there too, so I looked up youtube videos on the install and found ECS' guide. Ramps could have been a big key to it. You had load on the subframe.

Click to expand...

Yeah I was thinking the ramps were probably the root cause of my struggles since 95% of the other DIYs I saw had jack stands. Live and learn I suppose.

I was able to get the last 1/5th or so of the insert in using the new bolt and 3" washer. Beyond that I couldn't get the threads to catch, but once they did it went real quick.

I put my initial impressions in my build thread. Similar to yours.