Parts Advive--Front LCA and UCA Bushings, Upper and Lower Balljoints, Sway Bar Links

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06-01-2018, 04:47 PM

rays97runner

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Parts Advive--Front LCA and UCA Bushings, Upper and Lower Balljoints, Sway Bar Links

Hello, I just had new tires put on my stock height 1997 4runner. I went to get an alignment and the guy at the shop pointed out to me that my Lower control arm bushings are no bueno and performing an alignment is pretty much useless. The LCA bushing did look to be in very bad shape, This truck has 273,000 miles and has been offroaded pretty hard. I think the front end bushings and balljoints are all originial . My plan for now is to replace the following on the front:

1) Upper Control Arm Bushings
2) Lower Control Arm Bushings
3) Upper ball joint
4) lower ball joint
5) broken sway bar links

Im looking for part recommendations. Oem vs Poly Bushings? I dont know if anyone makes poly UCA bushings so I'll probably go oem there. Also I'll probably go oem on upper balljoints unless someone makes something better. I was thinking napa premium lower balljoints 2601566 and 2601567. And as far as the sway bar links, Im thinking something aftermarket. The oem one are pretty expensive for what they are. Im aware they will probably break again if i dont disconnect them offroad.

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06-02-2018, 02:53 PM

fierohink

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Lower ball joints are a known weak point in the front suspension. You’re lucky to get the miles out of them that you have. Common practice is to swap them out with OEM around 60-80k. Search ball joint failure here and you’ll see why.

The bushings may “look” fine but the rubber is no doubt degraded and soft. Poly will out perform stock and will be far superior for off-road needs.

You can make sway-bar disconnects or buy them. Avoid Wab-Fab. That guy sucks. His service is abysmal and he’ll hold up your order at his whim. He’s been banned from this site.

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06-02-2018, 03:28 PM

wyoming9

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Know that going in no matter where you live changing those Control Arm Bushings is a Major project !!

Go with Toyota Lower Ball joints

It also does not hurt to get all new Cam bolts and hardware .

Make sure The Tie Rod lock Nuts are broke loose and free

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06-02-2018, 08:42 PM

rays97runner

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Thanks Im Thinking I'll just go all oem except for the sway bar links. Looks like about $550 from camelback. Im not too worried about it being a big project. Im accustom to those!! Its not a daily driver anyways so if I get stuck on something its no big deal. Also theres lots of good info online about the process. I ve heard about the balljoints and thats one reason Im changing them too with the bushings. thanks again for help

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