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Front upper control arm bushings play ????

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by ShannonFLHI, Dec 9, 2024.

  1. Dec 9, 2024 at 12:43 PM
    #1
    ShannonFLHI

    ShannonFLHI [OP] Member

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    Kingsland Ga/ Miramar FL
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    2002 Tacoma Pre-Runner Acces Cab 2.7Ltr AT
    Hellwig leaf spring Helpers, Curt Hitch, Husky Liners, AVS ventshades + bug shield, Westin Nerf Bar, Lund Tonneau Cover, Energy Suspension 4x4 Master Bushing Kit and Monroe struts/ shocks, Aadco Rear Anti-sway Bar, Autometer A pillar pod with Glowshift Oil PSI guage, Hayden Trans Cooler. Harbor Freight Fog lights, Dyna mat, Panasonic Radio, Polk Audio Speakers, Amp + 6"Bazooka Tube, K+N filter, Remote start w/ alarm, Johnson Executive Dark Chrome Tint.
    I swapped out the oem upper control arm bushings with energy suspension bushings back in 2011. Now today in dec2024, I noticed play at that point and wheel alignment is out which is eating my tires. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for replying.

    IMG_2517.jpg
    IMG_2518.jpg
     
  2. Dec 9, 2024 at 4:49 PM
    #2
    tacoman2001$

    tacoman2001$ Well-Known Member

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    Seems like you need to replace the bushings then.
     
    TheWildMan likes this.
  3. Dec 10, 2024 at 5:04 AM
    #3
    ShannonFLHI

    ShannonFLHI [OP] Member

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    Kingsland Ga/ Miramar FL
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    2002 Tacoma Pre-Runner Acces Cab 2.7Ltr AT
    Hellwig leaf spring Helpers, Curt Hitch, Husky Liners, AVS ventshades + bug shield, Westin Nerf Bar, Lund Tonneau Cover, Energy Suspension 4x4 Master Bushing Kit and Monroe struts/ shocks, Aadco Rear Anti-sway Bar, Autometer A pillar pod with Glowshift Oil PSI guage, Hayden Trans Cooler. Harbor Freight Fog lights, Dyna mat, Panasonic Radio, Polk Audio Speakers, Amp + 6"Bazooka Tube, K+N filter, Remote start w/ alarm, Johnson Executive Dark Chrome Tint.
    That’s what I’m planning on. Anyone ever have any problems with oem bushings in that position wearing out in such a short timeframe? Now I regret doing that upgrade so many years back. Live and learn.
     
  4. Dec 10, 2024 at 5:10 AM
    #4
    andrewtheadventurer

    andrewtheadventurer Well-Known Member

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    14 years is pretty good for rubber
     
  5. Dec 10, 2024 at 10:19 AM
    #5
    skeezix

    skeezix Well-Known Member

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    OP-
    You didn't write how many miles are on the bushings that you replaced (just curious)...
     
  6. Dec 10, 2024 at 10:34 AM
    #6
    Andy01DblCabTacoma

    Andy01DblCabTacoma Well-Known Member

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    Bushings are wear items. 13 years is not a short timeframe for poly. What were you expecting?
     
  7. Dec 10, 2024 at 12:10 PM
    #7
    Glamisman

    Glamisman Well-Known Member

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    Rotate your tires more often...
     
  8. Dec 10, 2024 at 12:47 PM
    #8
    O'Silver_Taco

    O'Silver_Taco Well-Known Member

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    That tire is such bad shape you may have other problems there...

    It turns out the older original rubber ones may out last the harder synthetic.....

    who knew


    when the synthetic ones fail....which I have all over my truck......
    when they go, they go downhill quick......

    rubber ones can hang on for a long time.....just gradually giving you a shitty ride...


    I knew of this by time I got to the steering rack....there I tried the softer blue 'prothane' ones from Australia...
     
    Last edited: Dec 10, 2024
  9. Dec 10, 2024 at 3:58 PM
    #9
    ShannonFLHI

    ShannonFLHI [OP] Member

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    2002 Tacoma Pre-Runner Acces Cab 2.7Ltr AT
    Hellwig leaf spring Helpers, Curt Hitch, Husky Liners, AVS ventshades + bug shield, Westin Nerf Bar, Lund Tonneau Cover, Energy Suspension 4x4 Master Bushing Kit and Monroe struts/ shocks, Aadco Rear Anti-sway Bar, Autometer A pillar pod with Glowshift Oil PSI guage, Hayden Trans Cooler. Harbor Freight Fog lights, Dyna mat, Panasonic Radio, Polk Audio Speakers, Amp + 6"Bazooka Tube, K+N filter, Remote start w/ alarm, Johnson Executive Dark Chrome Tint.
    I changed them at 124k miles. Now truck reads 244k miles. Granted when I did the swap, I just wanted the truck to feel new. I felt great for a very long time until I noticed that it didn’t anymore. The truck was low on my get s##t done list as long as it kept running. Well I’m taking care of it now.
     
  10. Dec 10, 2024 at 4:00 PM
    #10
    ShannonFLHI

    ShannonFLHI [OP] Member

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    2002 Tacoma Pre-Runner Acces Cab 2.7Ltr AT
    Hellwig leaf spring Helpers, Curt Hitch, Husky Liners, AVS ventshades + bug shield, Westin Nerf Bar, Lund Tonneau Cover, Energy Suspension 4x4 Master Bushing Kit and Monroe struts/ shocks, Aadco Rear Anti-sway Bar, Autometer A pillar pod with Glowshift Oil PSI guage, Hayden Trans Cooler. Harbor Freight Fog lights, Dyna mat, Panasonic Radio, Polk Audio Speakers, Amp + 6"Bazooka Tube, K+N filter, Remote start w/ alarm, Johnson Executive Dark Chrome Tint.
    I will keep that in mind. Thanks
     
  11. Dec 10, 2024 at 4:46 PM
    #11
    ControlCar

    ControlCar My Moto: Help & Learn…period.

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    I agree with OS
    Think combination issues

    With wheel on and wheel off the ground
    If u shake wheel side to side(hands at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock) any play?
     
  12. Dec 10, 2024 at 5:32 PM
    #12
    O'Silver_Taco

    O'Silver_Taco Well-Known Member

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    Yeah I used to think.....'synthetic and done forever'

    on these trucks.....dont think that's possible or realistic now
     
  13. Dec 11, 2024 at 9:39 AM
    #13
    skeezix

    skeezix Well-Known Member

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    Sure wish I could get 120,000 miles on a set of tires
     
  14. Dec 14, 2024 at 5:59 PM
    #14
    ShannonFLHI

    ShannonFLHI [OP] Member

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    Kingsland Ga/ Miramar FL
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tacoma Pre-Runner Acces Cab 2.7Ltr AT
    Hellwig leaf spring Helpers, Curt Hitch, Husky Liners, AVS ventshades + bug shield, Westin Nerf Bar, Lund Tonneau Cover, Energy Suspension 4x4 Master Bushing Kit and Monroe struts/ shocks, Aadco Rear Anti-sway Bar, Autometer A pillar pod with Glowshift Oil PSI guage, Hayden Trans Cooler. Harbor Freight Fog lights, Dyna mat, Panasonic Radio, Polk Audio Speakers, Amp + 6"Bazooka Tube, K+N filter, Remote start w/ alarm, Johnson Executive Dark Chrome Tint.
    The tires only made 80K. Just found passenger wheel bearing needs replacement. All parts on order and will be replaced.
     

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