LCA Bushing Failure...FML

Went to install my Master Bushing Set (Rock Auto)/ LBJ (Toyota)/ UBJ (Toyota)/ 5100's on my 1996 Tacoma and it looks like it was all for nothing, well more fails than wins. Truck is still in pieces, but will finish the job tom.

Previous owner had Upgraded UCA's to a tubular style and the UBJ's aren't the same as stock ones. FML. Also the Bushings are Different. FML. UCA's have no indication of manufacturer so... Who Knows.

Went to do the LCA bushings, just to realize I had to pull the whole F'ing steering rack (which has also been replaced) because the stupid bolt holding the LCA doesn't have the 2mm of clearance it needs to be removed (smh). I was determined and did the job willingly. Once the LCA was off I realize the Bushings were wrong. FML.
Looks like they fit fine in the LCA, but there is like 8 mm of play around the Bolt holding em in. FML.

Long Story Short... I will be replacing only the LBJ and installing the 5100's. I'll have to fix that clunking sound another day. But I guess I learned a lot!!!!!

Any body else have any epic fails that they would like to share?

 

I’ll share two from my collection.
When I used the bottle jack and ratchet strap method to remove the old LCA bushings one of them popped out like it was shot out of a gun, ricocheted off my bench vise and center punched my passenger side door leaving 2 nice little dents.
My AC made a loud noise I can only describe as crickets in a tin can whenever the compressor clutch was engaged. I invested in a stethoscope but couldn’t isolate the problem. So I fired the parts cannon and started replacing things starting with the easiest and replaced the tensioner pulley. Still made noise. I replaced the AC compressor clutch bearing. Swing and a miss, no improvement. Figured the only thing left was the compressor itself so I replaced the compressor and accumulator. FML, still no change. I resigned myself to just turning up the radio when the AC was on and turning the AC off when I was in a drive through line so I could be heard. And I lived like that for close to a year. As part of routine PM it came time to replace all my belts and having done so I fired her up and turned on the AC and there were no crickets in a tin can telling me the AC compressor clutch was engaged. I thought WTF, how did I break the AC by just replacing the belts? Turned out that replacing the belt actually fixed the problem. I had spent $300 bucks and wasted the better part of 3 days dicking with the AC when the real fix was a $15 belt and an hour of my time.

 

Dang. I think I saw that thread with the ding in the Red Tacoma Door! that was crazy

 

Yeah when you buy these...they are scooby trucks...

got to go and explore all the mysteries imbedded....



god I miss those days......guess I neeed to go score another.....


Penthouse Forum.....for old people.....

 

Finished the LBJ and 5100's Install today. Truck drives much smoother than the Previous owners install of eibachs and the stock spring fully compressed to achieve lift. Started the day off crushing my fingernail fitting on the steering rack and ended the day with my friend slamming the hood on the fingers of my other hand.

I didn't support the spindle when removing steering components and the CV axle separated inside the boot. I pulled back the boot and fit it back in, but noticed some play in what looks to be the transfer case oil seal? part on this diagram #43420H And have a minor fluid leak. Does the CV need to be replaced? I prob should when I install the new oil seal. What do Y'all think? Hopefully it is just the oil seal.

 

You'll get used to being a job just to get to the job.

and then in the middle, thats the time to take your time, look around....
....even if you cant address the extras then......plan your strategy when you return there...

I still kick myself in the ass for not replacing the transmission seal while the engine was out...
.....what a freakin dumbass......

 

@O'Silver_Taco What you think about running that CV that separated during my install? Cool to do, or strictly forbidden?

 

I'm not a 4x4 person or 5vz.....someone else will have to give you advice....

and there's no shortage of those here.....in fact I'm way out numbered here...


I dont think its a problem tho.....think it happens all the time....

 

thanks!