8.3128 | Front Control Arm Bushings Toyota Tacoma 4Runner FJ

starstarstar_borderstar_borderstar_border" Quality product, terrible to install "

The bushings themselves seem very high quality and I have heard from multiple sources that they are great. However, for these bushings to be installed you have to reuse the inner and outer sleeves from the factory bushings. The outer sleeve to me isnt a very big deal as the rubber separates fairly easily with some heat. The problem is for the inner sleeve you have to grind a little bit of the sleeve to also use the factory washers. You have to heat the inner sleeve until you can finally separate the rubber. It doesnt sound like that big of a deal, but it took me probably around a extra 2.5 hours to get everything out and prepped. If I would have known that I would have happily paid the extra money to go with a different company that provides the inner sleeves and washers, just because of the hassle it was. On the other hand, they feel like high quality bushings and once theyre in theyre amazing. Its just the ridiculous tearing down to reuse old hardware that gets me, especially for the price these are compared to what competing manufactures put out, that provide everything. Editors note: Most polyurethane bushing kits are this way. In your case for the lower control arm bushings you have to reuse the inner sleeve and washers. Because of the washer design it would be hard to manufacture. Most polyurethane bushing kits you have to reuse the outer shell, inner sleeves and washers.

starstarstarstarstar" Great quality parts "

I got the parts on time and it great condition, included instructions were helpful and overall easy install.

starstar_borderstar_borderstar_borderstar_border" Installation SUCKS "

There are a lot of issues with these bushings, some are not the manufacturers fault, others - are. And I am not talking about price - this is something the buyer at least knows in advance.\n\n1. Their claim that all it takes is "some smoke from the bushing to separate the sleeves from rubber" is an outright lie. It may be the case with a jeep but certainly not with Toyota - you need to torch it for a long time to actually burn rubber off.\n\n2. The fact that they dont provide sleeves with the bushings is simply ridiculous. Especially considering the price. In fact, I would not mind paying extra so that I did not have to dissect the old bushings, and the first issue is minor compared to this one. It is pretty common for bolts/sleeves to freeze in bushings so its virtually impossible to separate them from inner bushing sleeves without damaging them. \nIt may not be an issue with jeeps and fords because their bushings are replaced on a regular basis but Toyota bushings last so long that its practically unavoidable to face this. In my case, the truck is 17 yo with 230,000 miles, and the original bushings were still good. The only reason I had to replace them was the installation of a lift and JBA upper control arms that required alignment that couldnt be performed because - you guessed it - one bolt and one cam sleeve were frozen. After 17 years in the Midwest and N-E, it should not come as a surprise.\nThis condition requires a hell of a lot of heating and pounding, pounding and heating, and then its a real PITA to attach the [original] washers to most likely damaged bushing sleeves.\n\n3. The last issue is design - there are no lubrication means. And dont tell me its impossible - just look at JBA upper control arms. I installed grease fitting in control arm ears and drilled holes in the bushings to allow grease flow to inner sleeves. Hope it will work.\n\nOverall, bushing material is probably adequate but pure inexcusable greed that prevented the manufacturer from providing lower bushing sleeves and washers (even for extra $$) is beyond ridiculous. \nBottom line: if your vehicle is 10+ yo and has spent that time in places where winter happens every year, expect MAJOR (BIGLY!) hassle installing these bushings. Or - MUCH BETTER OPTION - buy from another manufacture that does provide all necessary components. Editors Note: Issue 1: The rubber is vulcanized to the outer shell and inner sleeve. Sometimes it does take more heat to separate the rubber bushing from the outer shell. The inner sleeve is harder to remove. Most customers cut the rubber away and use a wire wheel to remove the rest of the rubber left over. \nIssue 2: The outer shells are very hard to manufacture. It would make the kit very expensive to add the outer shells and the special washers required. Living in any area that uses salt and chemicals to clear the roads in the wintertime adds to the issues as far as removing hardware. Any mechanic or DIY knows this. \nIssue 3: Because you are using OEM control arms you would have to drill a hole in the control arm and bushing. You could do this but it will void the warranty on the bushing. The aftermarket tubular control arms such as JBA and others design their arms and bushings for them to be greased. \nIf you have any questions please about installation call us at 888-406-2330 or email sales@suspension.com. If we cannot answer the question we can give you the manufacturers tech support number.

starstarstarstarstar" Review 2 Years Later "

I used them in a daily driven Tacoma for about 2 years and work great. A++++++++++++++