aowRS

I've owned my 4Runner since new and now have 337,000+ miles on it. Since it continues to be as dependable as ever, I have no plans of retiring it any time soon.

Over the years I've replaced the shocks & struts a few times (Bilstein), the lower ball joints twice (Toyota), the upper ball joints once (Toyota), the lower control arms once (Toyota) and the inner & outer tie rod ends a few times (Toyota). I've never replaced the upper control arm bushings (or arms) and would like some thoughts on their expected lifespan.

The reason I ask is that the truck is correctly aligned, all joints are slop-free, my tire pressures are consistent, but I'm getting odd wear patterns on my front tires (265/75/16 Nitto Terra Grapplers). This despite rotating every 5,000 miles. I'm on my second set of these tires - the first set did not exhibit this behavior.

Are my upper control arm bushings shot after 14-1/2 years and 337,000 miles?



Andreas

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

I would say it is quite possible

What do they look like all dry rotted ??

There should be some movement .

Then it would also depend on just Who did the alignment

I trust the people that do mine .

aowRS

It's tough to look at the bushings and see anything of significance. I absolutely trust the shop that checked my alignment earlier this year. The truck has only gone there for alignments & tire installs - I do everything else.

If the bushings are shot, could they allow good alignment numbers, but deflect enough under normal driving to cup the inside of the tires?



Andreas

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

What kind of tire pressure ?/

Could you have hit a deep pot Hole and knocked your alignment catawampus ??

If the Bushings were real Bad I think the alignment numbers would have changed all the time

What does your Alignment Shop say??

The rest of your Suspension has been changed it sure can`t hurt.

Could be just a bad set of tires .

One of those things hard call to make not under the truck

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

From what I remember like all Toyota Bushing after 50 miles these are a bugger to get out .

I think it was most ended up using a torch to melt burn them out

If I recall it was Blazeland had a good post about changing them in the making of his extended ones.

aowRS

I forgot to update my own thread.

Two months ago I decided to tackle upper control arm bushings, so I purchased a pair of upper ball joints and the four bushings from Toyota. The upper balljoints were a pita to swap (as in the past), but the bushings were quite easy to replace. I took the opportunity to blast the arms, and then etch prime & paint before reinstalling.

For what it's worth, the original bushings look cracked & worn, but were by no means destroyed. Since my steering wheel was cocked after the work, I had the alignment adjusted afterwards.

















Andreas