Replace Front Bushing in Icon RXT

I noticed My front bushing on my passenger side leaf springs (Icon RXT) is beginning to get torn up. I was wondering if anyone knew if there was a way to just replace the bushing since I’ve had these less than a year and don’t want to end up buying new leafs if I don’t have to.

Ive contacted Icon support multiple times but haven’t had any luck.

 

Hmm, is it making noise? I haven’t had to replace the bushing on these springs yet, I don’t think they have easy bushing for it. I do have questions, did you use a torque wrench when you installed? What grease if any did you use on the bushing inside and outside?

 

Yeah it’s making a groaning noise over any slight bump in the road. I used a torque wrench and torqued it to 89ft-lbs per the instructions with the truck on the ground. I didn’t use grease on the inside of the bushing since they were pre-installed rubber bushings from Icon, but I’ve used fluid film and silicone based grease on the outside which lasts a little bit but eventually goes away after a wash or rain. The bushing seems to be tearing apart though which I don’t think should happen especially since I’ve had them less than a year.

 

Fluid film maybe effecting the bushing, here is the bushing number on mine. Maybe you can find it online.

 

Is that the part number on the front/cab facing bushing for the Icon leaf pack? I still have my stock leaf springs and just checked the part number. Oddly it’s basically the same except the last number OEM Part # 90389-A0004 on both springs.

 

This should be the front if I remember right. I didn’t check all of them but I would assume they are all the same as OEM.

https://parts.longotoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-leaf-spring-bushing-rear-90389a0003

 

Sweet, thank you so much

 

I’m starting to have the same issue. How tough were these bushings to replace? Any tips? Thx

 

Sub'd

Mine are starting to split apart in multiple areas after several years

 

I actually didn’t replace them I just went with a new leaf pack as I wanted to upgrade anyway. I did however play around with it once I got them off the truck.

I did learn that the bushings are the same as OEM. They are a pain to try to remove from the RXT springs but can be done if you have something to either push or pull them out like some sort of bushing removal tool. It’s much easier if you take them off the truck as well.

 

Curious, how long should the bushings last?

 

I just replaced the front leaf bushings on each side. They were destroyed after 3 years of hard abuse. Used an air hammer with a point attachment to easily knock them out. Balljoint press to put the new ones in. It was an easy job, jacked up the back, then dropped the front of the leafs out of the mounts.

 

I should probably check the bushings on mine. They are 4 years old and wheeled them pretty hard the first 2 years.

 

Were your bushings the "two-piece" kind with the outer flanges? I got new Icon RXT leaf packs, but want to put polyurethane bushings in before I install. Looks like the Icon bushings are the two-piece style and have flanges on outside of each metal sleeve. I was able to easily press out the rubber parts, but not sure how to tackle the metal sleeves, since can't just press the sleeve straight out. Can I just use air hammer with point attachment and hit them at the inside seam where they meet and push each one out? Thanks!

 

What did you end up doing?

I just found out that Energy Suspension 8.2116 polyurethane bushings fit since they have the same inner diameter eyelets as OE. The ES bushings are marketed for 2nd Gen but not 3rd Gen for some reason. The metal sleeves do need to be pressed out and then the ES bushings will slide in easily. Pair them with the Dobinson greaseable pins and your ready to rock

 

Here's a description of how I replaced the bushings that came with the Icon leaf packs:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/icon-rxt-leaf-pack.505580/page-113#post-29755496

I did run into some trouble when replacing the bushings in the stock shackles. I was able to press out the rubber bushings, but the inner sleeves wouldn't budge. I figured I would use a reciprocating saw to just cut through the sleeve in two places then knock it out. Well, I was using a new DeWalt saw with new blade (all my stuff is older/worn) and to my surprise cut all the way through the shackle before I knew it. It ended up being kinda lucky, as I was able to get new bare OEM shackle set with no bushings to remove from Toyota dealer the next day. I highly recommend this approach. Shackles come in a pair for around $25 and new polyurethane bushings fit right in.
https://parts.olathetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-shackle-kit-spring-400565104

I also installed the Dobinson's greaseable pins at all points (leaf front/rear and shackle). As I recall, I had to add extra washers to Dobinson's pins at one of the points to avoid rubbing. I installed all pins with the grease zerk facing out for easy access.

I started with Icon RXT leaf packs at option #1 (how they came). Spread the leaves and slathered everything with Teflon dry lube and Super Lube. After a couple thousand miles, I started to get some squeaking. I also wanted to go to option #2, since all wheel positions were sitting at about same height (I keep about 200 pounds of tools, etc., in bed all the time and sometimes tow a camper). Since I had to totally disassemble the leaf packs to swap out to extra leaf from Icon, I decided to go a little crazy to prevent squeaking. Here's what worked for me (so far):

1) Replaced all leaf pads with the thicker Dorman 31067 leaf spring insulators. The pad post is a bit too thick to fit through the Icon leaf holes, so I cut away a little extra on each side of post where relief cuts already exist. Then tapped them in with a rubber hammer. They fit tight and secure. Rock Auto has the best price I could find on them (1/2 cost of Amazon), since you need 20. The website always says only 4 available, but I was able to order more. A bit cheaper to order them in packs of 2 (confusing on website).
https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/dorman,31067,leaf+spring+insulator,13637

2) Added Speedway Motors leaf spring liner between all leaves. I cut the liners to not overlap the center metal spacers between each leaf or the Dorman insulator pads.

$24 Leaf Spring Liner with Lip, 2-1/4", Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B8V5BHW?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

3) Used Super Lube on both sides of Dorman insulator pads and sprayed leaf spring liners with Teflon dry lube.

4) The thicker Dorman insulator pads and leaf liners made the leaf pack thicker than normal. Luckily, Icon includes a longer bracket if you go to option #3 and add the extra leaf. This longer bracket worked great to accommodate the extra thickness at option #2. However, if you ever want to go to option #3 (with additional leaf) will need an even longer bracket if doing everything I did (thicker insulators, leaf liners).