Fox 2.0 Eyelet Bushing Replacement Instruction

I was not able to find a good how-to for replacing the eyelet bushings on the Fox 2.0 rear shocks, so here is one. I had to kind of figure this out as I went, so that’s what I’ll show with the pictures, but anyone with a different or better technique should chime in so we can make a decent guide.

Fox 2.0 Rear Shocks with Reservoirs and compression adjust
985-26-117


These shocks come with eyelet bushings that are too long, and designed for a different vehicle, FJs I believe.

The first step is to pull those long bushings out. Fortunately, they are too long and not too short, so you can grab them with some long pliers or channel locks and just pull. I grabbed the edge with a good chunk of rubber and pulled down while twisting my arm down to yank them out. The process took about 6 seconds once I figured out the technique.





Next comes putting the new bushing in. There are a lot of people that complain this this is super difficult and nearly impossible to get in, and I saw videos online of people trying to make presses to get the bushing started using bolts, washers, and hose clamps. Don’t worry about any of that. First, cover the outside edge of the bushing with a generous amount of multipurpose grease and place it position.


I used a wood 2x2 I had sitting in the garage to use as a firm backing that wouldn’t damage the metal around the eyelet (workbench is covered in cardboard due to painting project, unrelated). Next, I dug around my tool box to find a flat object. You could use another piece of wood, metal... just something hard and flat. I used a metal piece from the back of my drawer.


I don’t have a picture because I only have so many hands, but I centered the metal over the bushing, and used a 6 pound hammer to pound the bushing down. Make sure the flat object is flat over the bushing and you hit it close to square. It took me one hit to get in, so it was very simple.



I wiped the excess grease off and use a light rubber mallet to hit the bushing one extra mm to center it in the eyelet. Now repeat for the other shock and you’re done.

Total time: 15 minutes (mainly just getting tools)
Difficulty: 0.5/5

You can definitely do this yourself. Feel free to ask questions and if you have any different techniques, add them below. I will try to keep the main post updated as time progresses.

 

How do you know when to replace the bushing? Additionally, do you need to replace the eyelet/metal bearing?

 

When you buy these shocks new you always have since they come with fj or 4runner bushings pre installed. But they come with the correct bushing for out trucks in the box

 

Oh okay. What about normally? Let’s say you have to rebuild a shock. When do you know if the bushing or eyelet needs replacing?

 

dud what, i cant believe yours came out that easy. i had to use a ball joint press to get the old ones out lmfao

 

Does the provided metal bushing go into the rubber one?

 

Thank you for the write up! Works like magic.
Just a couple of things I wanted to add:
1. Before pulling old bushings out apply some grease on the opposite side where rubber meets metal.
2. I didn’t even need to hit it with hammer. Lay it on the floor on the piece of 2x4 and press down with another piece of 2x4 using your knee and body weight. Super easy.
Thanks again

 

Not if you get them from us

We have a specific part number for Tacomas and will swap in the correct bushing before we ship them out.

 

They can usually last quite a white. But if they are cracked/weathered and look thrashed, it's time to replace them. It's usually something you can tell by just looking at them. When you eventually get them rebuilt, the shop should be able to inspect them for you and suggest a replacement if needed.

 

Question for ya, I see that you have the same part number 985-26-117 of a set i just ordered and Im having an issue with Fox Manufacturing's info... box shows that 985-26-117 party number but just below it shows 0-1.5" lift height but online and when ordering its described for the 2-3" lift... are yours shown here for a 2-3" lift with that part # or was yours the 0 - 1.5"? Awaiting fox's reply but ran across this so figured ask in the meantime. thanks in advance for any info

https://www.ridefox.com/product.php...e=Toyota&model=Tacoma&year=2019&position=Rear

 

That part number fits 4Runners and Tacomas. For Tacomas they are 2-3" lift and for 4Runners, they are for 0-1.5" lift. The only difference is lower bushing. The 4Runner bushing is installed by default, but the Tacoma bushing is supplied and will need to be installed.

 

Wowza! Had a hunch it was labeling discrepencies, but thank you for that clarification, that makes sense but also no sense as to why they wouldn't just add that line under it for the Tacoma models. Thanks again for the quick reply!

 

Not trying to hijack this thread, but I just got 985-24-116’s in and it did not come with an additional smaller bushing for the bottom mount. Does this part# come with the actual Tacoma bushing already pre-installed?

 

You quoted the answer to your question. "The 4Runner bushing is installed by default, but the Tacoma bushing is supplied and will need to be installed."
You may want to call the company you purchased the shocks from and ask about these bushings.

 

Actually I mentioned a different part# in my question, 985-24-116. Your response that I quoted was an answer to a question specifically oriented around part# 985-26-117. You mentioned that part# 985-26-117 fits both the 4Runner & Tacoma and comes with the 4Runner bearings installed and an extra bushing for the Tacoma. Understood. According to the the Fox truck application guide, part# 985-24-116 does not fit into the 4Runner, but instead, only the Tacoma. Hence my question. Do you happen to have the dimensions of the two bushings in question here so that I can confirm that I have the correct Tacoma bushing?

 

I apologize, you are correct. The 985-26-116 is a Tacoma specific rear shock for 0-1.5" lift, too short for a 4Runner. It should have the Tacoma bushing already installed and ready to bolt in.

 

Would you guys mind sharing the part number? My fox 2.0 rear shocks 985-26-118 bushings are cracked and weathered. I want to make sure I order the right ones. Thanks

 

Give us a ring and we can get you taken care of 619-722-8555. Don't think we have that PN on our website.

 

Developing a loud squeak from my Fox 2.0's in the front. I guess I'm taking the wheels off this weekend to see which bushing is the offender. Came with the truck, so no idea when they were installed, but I've driven @50K+ with them

 

i know this thread is old but do you have the part number for a 17 f150 for the same eyelet bushing? i had contacted fox and they told me it was an oring and gave me the part number of 029-00-321 and that is not what i need to replace on my set...