I think i have asked this before, but i was wondering if energy suspension made a sway bar bushing for my car. I emailed them and they said that they didn't, but it seems that i just need a certain size. I have a '98 4x4. The bushing is the one that connects to the frame.

 

9-5156-G, 3/4" greasable sway bar bushings, black (REAR)
9-5161-G, 1" greasable sway bar bushings, black (FRONT)

 

Thanks, and these are for the factory sway bar?

 

While we are on this subject, Has anyone with a 3rd generation replaced their rack and pinion bushings? Mine have alot of play in them. Thanks.

 

Yes, I have replaced my rack bushings. Keep in mind that the stock ones are designed to have a bit of play in them to absorbe some of the road shock and vibration so it will not get transmitted to your hands through the steering wheel.

The replacement rack bushings will tighten things up, but you will feel much more in the steering wheel. You may or many not like that. You don't have to worry, no matter how bad the stock bushings get the rack will not fall off.

I do like the road feel I get through the steering wheel with the new bushings.

If you decide to install the new ES bushings there are a couple of things that will make it easier for you.

Support both lower control arms with jackstands so the front tires will be free to turn. That way you will not have to remove a rod end. As you unbolt the rack and pull it back both front wheels will toe out to give you some room to move the rack away from the frame.

Use a razor to cut the lips off of the stock bushings. Then use a small screw driver and drive it between the stock bushings and the rack to create a space that you can inject some lube in there. Do that all the way around the bushing so it is well lubed. place a block or wood between the frame and the rack and then use a drift and pound out the stock bushings. If you have it well lubed it will push right out.

Save the center stock bushing you will need the sleave that is in it. Put it in a vice and use a hack or coping saw and cut the bushing off of the sleave. Then trim it up with a razor. You will need to reuse this sleave in the replacement center bushing as the preplacement sleave's inside diameter is to small to pass the bolt through. If you know that in advance you will save a lot of time.....

Then just insert the new bushings and start all the bolts. Once you have all the bolts started then you can torque them all down to factory specs.

The whole job takes about 30-60 minutes if you know in advance that you can't get the bolt through the replacement center sleave. Don't ask me how I know that.....

Gadget

www.GadgetOnline.com

 

yes

 

Where's the best place to get ES bushings?

 

http://www.summitracing.com/

 

I replaced my R&P Bushings too with ES. It does make a noticeable, positive difference in steering feel. Highly recommended mod.

My .02
Dr. Z

 

something that every 4runner or tacoma will fail,r&p bushings,even broken the r&p wont fall but it shakes at hway youll fell some blank spots and in my case they were making funny noises,so it was time to do them,,,,,,, holyy mac those bushings are a real pita,if someone tell me that is going to replace them i securely recommend a shop,that thing bring me memories from my previuos 93 4runner,damn i swear that the engineers were mad with toyota or they were smoking something whem designing it.