Need links for front end suspension parts... mechanic shop wants too much for these parts

Can anyone post the best link for the lowest price on front lower control arms and upper ball joints?

Any suggestions on steering rack bushing kits?

My 2003 Tacoma DLX, 4x4 needs a steering rack bushing kit, new lower control arms and upper ball joints on both sides.

The shop wants $200 for each lower control arm... I swear I've seen them much cheaper but I don't remember where...

Rock auto shows a few for for $83 each. But it says its for a pre runner and DLX? I'm not sure if that will fit my truck.

Any help would be appreciated! My steering rack is shifting from left to right lol the bushings are shot...

btw the bushing kit is $20 from TRW. I can get any other part but that is what they suggested from the local part supplier.

I have energy suspension bushings on the sway bar and they feel great. I'm wondering if I should just get energy suspension steering rack bushings too.

 

Go into camel back toyota parts and they will have all the oem parts you need
I would go with oem especially for ball joints

 

+1 for what the S Runner dude said on an OEM parts source

https://partsfactory.camelbacktoyota.com/
You might find the price on some parts slightly cheaper at some other location, but you can't beat it when you factor in what camelback charges for shipping. I'd look up the parts and either reach out to @gunny1005 via private message or call their parts department directly. If you call, be sure to let them know you are a TW forum member.

How do you know you absolutely need new lowers? Can you just replace the bushings? Sure, its a job to be sure but it certainly is possible. Steering rack bushings, I went with Energy Suspension (http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/w12978). Easy to do. Here - take a look. Good luck!

Lower Control Arm Bushing Replacement


https://youtu.be/kmaZNBp1gZM

https://youtu.be/6FzEHygizoI


Steering Rack Bushings


https://youtu.be/YywcR0E9bM4

https://youtu.be/4lSj8WMKfEs

 

I think I am going to have the Steering rack bushings replaced as they are really bad and the upper ball joints. He said the lower control arm bushings aren't pertinent or anything but I needed to figure out why I had a bad steering wheel shake once I put on my 33" tires. He showed me how much flex the steering rack had once he pushed on the wheels from left to right and it is most likely what is causing my wheel shake issue (along with the loose upper ball joints). I only planned on spending so much and having those three done would be right in my budget, for now. After that is done then I'll work on getting either the bushings or new lower control arms. I hear they are a pain in the ass to replace the bushings but at least I still have time to plan for that next step.

Would you choose TRW over Energy Suspension bushings for the steering rack? I have energy suspension on my sway bar and it feels great.

Thank you for the suggestions!

 

Personally, I'd spend a couple of bucks more and go with a polyurethane bushing - not sure if those TRW bushings are poly (sorry, didn't take the time to look). You can find the poly cheaper than the link I mentioned above. Check your local parts store or google search.

here - these are cheaper. looks like I linked you to the whiteline bushings above, and no - I have no idea what the difference is

These are the ES brand ($23). http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/8.10103

might also need some of this if doing the work yourself, probably find it cheaper at local napa, autozone, pepboys whatever...

Mission Automotive Dielectric Grease/Silicone Paste/Waterproof Marine Grease (8 Oz.) Made in USA- Excellent Silicone Grease

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016E5E59G

 

You're the man! That's what I think as well. I'm going to go with energy suspension poly bushings.

 

No worries. I'm actually curious now on the difference, if any, other than price. Might order and give them a try.

@opteron - how'd they work out?

 

10 to 1 you don't need new control arms. You probably just need bushings... As others have said before, most shops are lazy and will just want to charge you for the whole arm which has the bushing already installed. So it's easier for them AND they get to charge you for the parts.

I like my ES steering rack bushings. That along with new tie rods, and LBJs made my suspension feel like new (better than new, with the Kings and total chaos UCAs, lol).

I also run ES poly LCA bushings. There's a DIY method of burning out the old oem rubber, clean out the soot/gunk from the burned rubber and lube/slide in the poly bushings - pretty easy. I think the kit for energy susp poly bushing for the upper and lower control arms was like $40 or $50.

For doing the upper ball joints, definitely get a ball joint press from Auto Zone (or where ever). Rentals are FREE, and make the job a LOT easier. I tried this DIY method using a large socket, a 3 arm puller and a flat pry bar, and it SUCKED. Just rent the proper tool. Also put the BJ's in the freezer (overnight maybe) and they'll go in like butter.