I had the skid plates off today to run a thread chaser through the nuts and replace the bolts holding them on.

The (leaking) valve cover gaskets were recently replaced so I was also trying to clean up the old oil to make it easier to spot new leaks.

I couldn't help but notice a piece dangling near the front diff. It looks and feels like rubber. I didn't pull too hard or try to remove it. Figure I'd leave it alone until I find out exactly what it is.


Looking at the FSM, my guess is it's part of the rear mounting cushion.

Here's a wider shot for location clarity, looking toward the front obviously:


The top of the rear skid plate was covered in old oil but it didn't look fresh, just old and sticky.

I haven't been able to remove the front diff drain plug but I did replace fluid in the rear diff and transfer case and they both looked surprisingly clear, for whatever that's worth.


I'm hoping someone can tell me what I"m looking at and how much trouble I'm facing to fix it.

Looks to be a bushing lip for one of the rack bushings.

I was just thinking that while watching Tim & Sean's Steering Rack and Front Sway Bar Bushing Replacement video.

This 4Runner community is amazing. Thanks!