Should I get poly bushings for my LCA or will rubber do?

Definitely want to replace my LCA bushings on my 2001 Tacoma V6 4X4. They are due.

AutoZone has a set from Rare Parts, part no 16856 for $54 a set. The material is Torsional rubber. Not a bad deal

Anyone have experience with these or that material? The OEM bushings from Toyota are like $100 each!

I want something that will really hold up and I don't mind paying a little extra for quality. I was told that the LCA arms on this truck basically hold up the whole suspension.

Doing research on this site I've read that Whiteline LCA bushings are the best. Anyone happen to know the part number I would need for these and where to get them? Are there any other brands that are comparable?


-prerunnersd

 

You can get a full set of energy suspension poly bushings for about the same price.

There are good and bad to poly. They give you a more precise steering feel, but they do tend to feel more "harsh" because they transmit more road vibes (less "give" like rubber).

Also, of you don't have a press, the ES poly bushings are a fairly simple DIY install.

You burn out the old rubber, clean it up, and push in the poly.

 

Yes my mechanic said he didn't have a press. I should mention the burn out method. Although he likely won't consider that method as its very messy. As a mobile mechanic in California torching this might raise some eyebrows. He said he plans to buy the press this week.

Also this is good to know about the pros and cons of poly. Is the vibration that noticeable, is it annoying? Dumb question, When you push them back in I presume the LCA assembly has to be off the vehicle right? Lol - I wouldn't assume you could torch them out and push them back in while everything is assembled right?

Toytec lifts has these. When I ordered new Bilstein 5100's front struts today from Andrew he told me he had them in stock.

 

http://www.sonoransteel.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/whl-w53377a

 

@turbodb recommended these bushings: http://www.sonoransteel.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6

From the website:

"Red Bushings in the front position and Yellow Bushings in the rear position. RED color - hardness of about 80 ShA* - suspension components have a hardness similar to the original metal-rubber bushes. However, strength of the polyurethane is many times greater, and the unique properties ensure long lasting comfort. YELLOW color - hardness of about 90 ShA* - recommended for racing-sports vehicles, tuned.. etc. The suspension is much stiffer, as at higher speeds this is important. Durability ensures stability of polyurethane suspension for many years. By placing the Yellow bushings in the rear position you increase the strength that the lower arms can handle with very hard front hits on the trail. Force applied toward the rear of the vehicle. *ShA - means the scale of hardness. More information about Hardness can be found at www.wikipedia.org."

I wonder/wish they just had red only. I don't race my truck or hit hard on trails.

 

Couple folks mentioned the Strongflex bushings already. I installed them and like them so far. Part of the reason I went that route instead of the Energy Suspension was that if I ever need to replace them in the future, it should just be a slip out/slip in with the new ones (as oppossed to pressing or burning, etc).

Here's my write-up on it. If you go with any poly bushing, I'd recommend adding some grease zerks. Poly squeaks more than rubber. You can see how I did it in the writeup.


Step-by-Step Lower Control Arm Bushing Replacement on a 1st Gen Tacoma

They don't feel that much different in person (according to my super scientific "fingernail" test). While the statement is probably technically true about the hardness's, I'd be willing to be that you'd not be able to tell the difference between red and yellow on your truck.

 

Do you notice if they are significantly stiffer than OEM rubber?

Went for an alignment today and the cam bolts are seized in the shot rubber bushings. So replacement is on the horizon.

 

Personally, I don't notice a difference at all, ride wise.

 

I’ve been very happy with my whiteline bushings. Because reasons, I have a spare set of LCAs that have my original rubber bushings still installed. I bought a spare set of arms off a member on here, and installed the whiteline bushings into them as I had time. Then, all I had to do was swap the spare arms and get an alignment. I think the whiteline bushings were under $100 for the whole kit. I used super lube for assembly and did not need a press. A rubber mallet tapped them in just fine with a washer to protect the bushing face.

 

I will be going poly because, according to my alignment guy, the ones I put in a year ago are already torn.

I appreciate the alternative to whiteline and energy suspension. But large oof on their price.

 

Yeah, 2x the price is a lot, but it's about 1/10th the work to swap them out, and no special tools (press, flame thrower, etc.) needed. At least, not after the first time when you press out whatever is in there now.

Just another example of "time is money."

 

Sub'd

 

yeah my alignment in December, I was told the same thing. sux cause they were good the first 12 years and now 5 years after the new suspension and bushings is when they seized

 

I gotta get two sets.. 1 for my 4unner too, plus need to do axle seals at some point, so I'll use the savings to buy a Harborfreight press lol

 

Nice write up turbodb.
I'm thinking of replacing upper and lower bushings as I'm installing the OME suspension kit.
I got the Energy Suspension bushings but have not decided if I'm going to use them or not. Was seeing what others are saying here first.
You said, part of the reason you went the route you did instead of Energy Suspension was that if you ever needed to replace them in the future, it should just be a slip out/slip in with the new ones.
If I install the Energy Suspension wouldn't in the future if I wanted to replace them it would be the same slip out/slip in also?
I like the idea with adding the grease zerks.
Could I do that with the Energy Suspension bushings? I'm guessing yes but wanted to double check.
Would need to drill through the LCA and metal bushing part I left in the LCA.
Has anyone done this to the UCA as well?
I'm concerned about the squeaking of the poly bushings.
I looked at Strongflex bushings but didn't find them for my 03 tacoma 2WD prerunner.
Do you know if they make the bushings for the UCA also?
You spoke about keeping the offset cam adjusters on the sleeves and nuts being oriented up, with the bolt hole on the bottom.
Could I just mark the spot that the old ones were at and put them back to the same setting to be somewhat close or is the new bushings going to throw it way off anyway that it doesn't matter.
Thanks