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

 

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 .

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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