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Where do folks buy suspension bushings from?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by skycamper, May 10, 2022.

  1. May 10, 2022 at 8:56 AM
    #1
    skycamper

    skycamper [OP] Well-Known Member

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    3" Lift w/ 5100's and EMU 882 springs , General Leaf Spring and AAL in rear with 5100. Diff drop, carrier drop, 3 degee axle shims. Trail Gear Tube Bumper. Tundra brake mod.
    Was thinking of doing this while i install my new JBA upper control arms to fix my alignment problems. Which brands of brushings and where do people find them?
    Thanks for any help and experiences you can share!
     
  2. May 10, 2022 at 9:00 AM
    #2
    Diablo169

    Diablo169 ROKRAPR

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    OEM for me.
     
    skycamper[OP] likes this.
  3. May 10, 2022 at 9:13 AM
    #3
    Bivouac

    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    Remains to be seen I bought the tires and wheels the rest came along
    The real Question is where does your Truck Live!! Changing bushings can be real interesting . Going with new should not be that bad!!

    To the point many shops opt to replace control arms with new with the bushings installed rather then fight to remover the bushings the labor cost makes replacing cheaper.

    White Line or Energy Suspension then in a pinch I have made my own.
     
  4. May 10, 2022 at 9:21 AM
    #4
    skycamper

    skycamper [OP] Well-Known Member

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    2001 Tacoma 4x4 2.7L Ext Cab
    3" Lift w/ 5100's and EMU 882 springs , General Leaf Spring and AAL in rear with 5100. Diff drop, carrier drop, 3 degee axle shims. Trail Gear Tube Bumper. Tundra brake mod.
    I do some minor offroading, will be doing easy trails, in oregon, no rust problems. 2001 4x4 2.7L 189k. I can remove parts and press out bushings, want to stay with OEM.
     
  5. May 10, 2022 at 9:33 AM
    #5
    eon_blue

    eon_blue If I would, could you

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    Which bushings are you referring to exactly? The JBAs should come with new bushings in the UCAs already.

    For the lower control arms, people either recommend OEM (rubber) or Whitelines (polyurethane).
     
    drizzoh and Bivouac like this.
  6. May 10, 2022 at 9:50 AM
    #6
    jbrandt

    jbrandt Made you look

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    The two main brands of aftermarket are whiteline and energy suspension.

    The main thing to consider with poly bushings is the difference in the ride quality. Because they don't "give" like OEM rubber bushings, the steering may feel more precise, but the ride might be a little "harsher" and more vibrations are transferred through the suspension.

    For a daily driver grocery getter, I'd probably opt towards the OEM rubber ones. But honestly, when I did mine, it was a daily driver too, and I didn't mind it.

    I've been running my energy suspension ones for about a decade. It's not a daily driver any more so they don't have a ton of miles (maybe 20k), but they've been perfectly fine. Just lube them occasionally.

    whitelines require a press, but to install the energy suspension ones you get to play with fire::D

    Another advantage to the poly bushings is that they can rotate 360 degrees, so if you have a mid travel setup, the bushings won't "stretch" like rubber ones would. You also don't have to worry about "resetting" them if you change the ride height.
     
    Last edited: May 10, 2022
    skycamper[OP] likes this.
  7. May 10, 2022 at 9:57 AM
    #7
    skycamper

    skycamper [OP] Well-Known Member

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    2001 Tacoma 4x4 2.7L Ext Cab
    3" Lift w/ 5100's and EMU 882 springs , General Leaf Spring and AAL in rear with 5100. Diff drop, carrier drop, 3 degee axle shims. Trail Gear Tube Bumper. Tundra brake mod.
    I guess if im replacing the UCA's I'll also repalce my LBJ's and the bushings as well! Just want to get everything done. So I hear I can go OEM or Energy Suspension and Whiteline. For OEM is there a defacto website or just go to my dealership?
     
  8. May 10, 2022 at 10:25 AM
    #8
    jbrandt

    jbrandt Made you look

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    Kings, J59's Total Chaos UCAs Custom skids Sticker mod
    Oof, I wouldn't go to your dealership.

    There are a few popular on-line OEM dealers, Camelback Toyota and McGeorge are popular ones and they generally have good prices. There are a few others, too I'm sure.

    That said, I paid like $50 for the ENTIRE set (front and rear) bushings from energy suspension. OEM is asking $60+ for ONE bushing.

    https://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/search?search_str=Suspension Control Arm Bushing&ptid=7532

    Bushings really aren't one of those super critical things you NEED to stick with OEM. If you're not sold on the poly bushings, just go to Rock Auto...
     
    skycamper[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  9. May 10, 2022 at 10:28 AM
    #9
    Toyoda213

    Toyoda213 Well-Known Member

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    I vote for White LIne
     
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  10. May 10, 2022 at 10:47 AM
    #10
    skycamper

    skycamper [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Abraham
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    2001 Tacoma 4x4 2.7L Ext Cab
    3" Lift w/ 5100's and EMU 882 springs , General Leaf Spring and AAL in rear with 5100. Diff drop, carrier drop, 3 degee axle shims. Trail Gear Tube Bumper. Tundra brake mod.

    Excellent, thank you!! I appreciate this!
     
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  11. May 10, 2022 at 11:08 AM
    #11
    glwood6

    glwood6 Well-Known Member

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    Bilstein 4600 shocks.
    @skycamper - I did the Whiteline bushings in my LCAs some months ago, and it was totally doable using a small hydraulic bottle jack to remove the oem bushings. I followed the instructions in this video:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmaZNBp1gZM

    One thing you'll need to consider is the condition of the LCA cam bolts. Mine were fine, and I was able to reuse them. Not everyone is so fortunate.
     
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