wiggin

So, I'm about to replace the stock suspension on my '02 4Runner 4WD (125K), and was wondering if anyone has any opinion on replacing the upper and lower control arm bushings and sway bar bushings with NEW factory rubber pieces in an effort to get back what "comfort" the factory suspension may have had when new?

I'll be installing an OME coils and shocks, no spacers...just a replacements.

Any thoughts? Is it worth the trouble?

Thanks in advance for the thoughts/help.

cpizzle42

Yes it is worth it, if they are worn out. If they are bad, it will make a huge difference in the way it drives.

ra33it

I'll let you know tomorrow, when I install my new ones...getting em out and back in, sucks.

wiggin

Thanks. I would appreciate the feedback.

xxxtreme22r

If the control arm bushings are wore out it can become and issue with wheel alignment so ask yourself is it worth it to replace them not only for comfort but also less tire wear. Sway bar bushings not so much on alignment but should be a piece of cake as long as the hardware cooperates.

ra33it

I got the upper bushings out with a HF 20 Ton press. It was a massive pain.
Pushing them back in, the arms DEF flex, so CAUTION is mandatory, or the arms will absolutely bend if you aren't careful, double on the lowers. My bushings were really stuck in there, and I found deforming them, and cutting them, -really- really helped get them out. Having a bench vise and a sawzall was key for me.

Since everything is off, I lowered my diff and sway bar with spacers, cut out notches in the control arms and added some 1.5" bj spacers+all new bj's. Replaced the cv axles. Replaced the wheel bearings, races, and seals. Rotors. Pads. I got the diff mounted and lowered, and 90% of the left side completed in a few hours this morning before work, will have the other side done tomorrow. Already just pushing and pulling on everything feels way better than how it was before. Do it!

wiggin

Wow, thanks for the follow up ra33it. The more I'm thinking about it, the more I want to go through the pain to do it. It just seems like the right steps to take to keep it rolling well.

I will be very eager to hear of your in-cabin experience of your first drive after it's complete.