DIY LCA Bushing Replacement 2005+ Tacoma (4x4)

You would think for the price they would come with 1.50$ worth of metal.

 

I know right? I just called whiteline. They quoted me around $300. Which is ridiculous. I think i'll have to find a shop to fabricate something to work with my energy bushings.

 

Energy suspension should make a 100% drop in kit. Reusing the metal bits from the factory bushing is such a stupid hassle.

 

I have an idea, throw them in the trash and buy some TC UCAs

 

Got the last one off last night, took 4 more cuts. 7 total.

 

For all the effort I've put into messing with LCA's the only real reason I can come up with to justify the time is gusseting them. If I was just in need of new bushings I'd just go buy another new set of complete LCA's. Shit takes too long to fuck with.

 

Agreed, why I trashed mine and went with Dirt Kings.

 

US $37.76 front Australia.
I think these might work for our Tacoma
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171813601002?euid=2d5b0be415c743cbac15ee2db0cbbd36&cp=1

 

They might, but I would say they might not (maybe too big).

 

All I need is the inner sleeves. I asked him for measurements we'll see what he says.

 

OK, so having no previous experience working with suspensions, I decided to orient/familiarize myself with my LCAs today in preparation for my bushing replacement. I jacked up the truck, removed driver's side wheel, removed the two bolts from the LCA near the lower ball joint, then removed the bolt connecting the front shock to the LCA. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't the LCA pivot freely at this point (being only connected to the frame by the cam bolts)? Mine was 'welded' into position, and in fact I had to wedge myself into the wheel well and step on the LCA with considerable pressure to get the bolt holes to line up to reconnect the shock again. I'm assuming this is not ideal and is indicative of complete seizing up of my bushings. Do you think there is any prayer of removing my LCA without having to use the sawzall? And how are my alignment tabs not being folded over yet??
I'm kind of nervous just buying new bushings and cam bolts for this project, and am wondering if I will need to have new LCAs on hand just in case (this is my only vehicle).
Thanks!
Josh

 

Did you loosen the two bolts that connect the LCA to the subframe? If not I'd do that first. Then if they are still stuck that means there's about a 99% chance your cam bolts are frozen to the bushings and you'll need to cam bolts and hardware as well.

 

This. If you didnt loosen the cam bolts the lcas are clamped to the frame by them and only freely rotate so much.

 

OK my bad, yeah I didn't loosen the cam bolts at all. I guess I thought the whole point of the bushings was to allow rotation even with the cam bolts torqued. I'll give it another go and try loosening those. Thanks.

 

Anyone use these yet?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4Runner-Tac...ash=item33b294153e:g:2gIAAOSw~OVW1cgt&vxp=mtr

 

No. Nobody AFAIK has used these yet... First I've seen of them.

I wonder about their bushings... Their website gives me pause, though. Web developer/content provider was ESL...

 

So I got the Moog lower bushings and now I am trying to disassemble to put in energy bushings. Has anyone disassembled the Moog bushings? The seem to be assembled differently.

 

Got them done

 

I just replaced the lowers with the complete Mevotech Supreme LCAs from Rock Auto. They have the Supreme bushings and BJs installed and ready to go. Pulled out my old LCAs and swapped in these. New OEM cam bolts (all greased now) all around and an alignment and so far so good (less than 100 miles so far). All of the popping/clanking is gone from the old bushings/LCA. Also swapped in SPC UCAs at the same time to get more Caster.

I'll see how these work out. I still have my OEM LCAs in case I ever want/need to rebuild them.

 

Apologies if this question isn't specifically on topic for this thread, however wondering if any TW members have been successful at a warranty claim for the LCA bushing/camber adjuster seizing issues?

I recently discovered my 2011 to have this issue, which occurred sometime between 40k-60k (period between wheel alignment checks), and the two quotes I have so far range between $1250 and $1450 (Canadian peso), the lower price being the local independent mechanic (trusted) quoting to replace the LCA bushings and adjuster bolts, the higher price being a Toyota Dealer quoting to replace the whole LCA assemblies (somewhat trusted). Seems like a marginal cost difference to get all new LCAs, but leaves me with the question of, why the hell should I pay for this? Our 98 Subaru Outback did 270k before needing the LCAs replaced, because they had quarter sized rust holes through them, so it just seems like a Toyota issue to address or include in their TSB program or even their maintenance schedule? Anyway, preaching to the converted I expect.

With respect to greasing the new/replacement LCA bushings and adjuster bolts, what is the consensus on the best product and required service interval for re-greasing under colder climates with slush and road salt? I'd be slightly upset to go through this again in another 4-5 years, so just wondering if anyone has longer-term experience with a good product?

Sorry for the rant, and any advice is appreciated.