Front lower control arms options- replace or repair?

So, after 60k miles on my lift, my lower control arm bushings are worn.

Any time the suspension flexes, it emits a loud squeak that is equal parts annoying and embarrassing. Especially evident at lower speeds.

In shopping around, I've found the following:
1. OEM. Around $300 per side, plus install and alignment.
2. Icon lowers to match my lift. Around $1800 for the pair, plus install and alignment.
3. Replacement bushings for the stock lowers. About $150 plus install and alignment.
4. Aftermarket lowers. Approx $140 to $200 per side, plus install and alignment.

Does anyone have an opinion on the best option for general use? I'm tempted to skip numbers two and three, but I'm willing to consider reasoned arguments. Anyone who's been down this road and could advise would be appreciated.

 

I’m inevitably going to be going down the same road soon and will probably just stick with oem. What are the benefits of the icon lowers? Also, the lower control arms aren’t too terrible of a job to do yourself and can save you quite a bit of coin if you’re up to the task. You’d just have to get an alignment right after.

 

I did mine not too long ago. Initially my lower ball joints were shot so I replaced them with whatever Oreilly's had in stock which was a mistake. I destroyed one trying to install it and nearly destroyed my buddy's ball joint press kit in the process. damn press in joints are a mother... Then the ball joints failed again only after like 20k miles. Seems like with Toyota you have to go OEM or else it's crap. I ended up buying new OEM lower control arms from Ebay motors for around $260 each, my bushings were also screeching which was annoying.

I would just buy the OEM arms and be comfortable knowing you've got new pre installed bushings and ball joints. Having a lifetime alignment warranty is nice to have too!

 

A good performance-enhancing solution would be to install Whiteline polyurethane bushings in your OEM arms. More travel (no bushing bind) and less deflection.

Watch a few YouTube videos on bushing removal first to see if it's within your capability. It involves a lot of heating with a propane torch and a bottle jack to press the bushings out.