Hey I'm looking into replacing my body mount bushings. I know I can either do OEM rubber or polyurethane bushings. I understand that the poly bushings will create a stiffer ride quality and you might hear more engine vibration and rattles/buzzes inside the cab. The new OEM rubber bushings will create the same ride quality I'm used to (maybe better) and with no noise. However for the parts I need, OEM rubber body mount bushings from Toyota would cost ~$624. Compared to the Energy Suspension poly body mount kit which would cost ~$200. I'm pretty certain that I'm going to get OEM rubber bushings, but the huge price difference is having me question this. Is this a buy once cry once situation? Or is this a rare situation where spending less might get you a better product? My 4runner is on pavement most of the time and I'm looking for a comfortable ride for reference.

If you're going for comfort them stay with OEM. Have you tried Amayama.com? That's where I got my body mounts and it was more like $400 (still kind of a lot)

I did poly a couple of years ago. Honestly I didn't notice a difference at all. But I'm used to NVH from my miata. It is a buy once cry once kind of thing. Look how long the stock ones lasted. 20 something years. If you want comfort go oem. If you want less flex, poly.

Poly mounts reduce the secondary 'wiggle' of the rubber mounts. It still has a fair amount of NVH isolation. I went with poly to get rid of that that 'wiggle' without much concern about harshness - you still have 70-series tires isolating you from the road! No regrets here. I have since starting replacing suspension bushings with poly, also with positive experiences.

But yes, if you want full OEM ride quality, new OEM rubber mounts will be best.

-Charlie

I went with poly from Nolathane. Good product. Didn’t really notice any difference noise wise. I have Whiteline suspension poly bushings as well.

Went with ES poly couple years ago to eliminate bumpers hitting body. Didn't notice any
ride difference DD'ing on pavement, new seat foam helps a lot.

Poly here, no complaints No way I'd spent another $400+ for oem.

Lots of good feedback about poly, wow! Maybe I should've saved a few bucks and gone that route!

Yeah, this thread is pretty good timing!

I have waffled between compounds for years, and even had very helpful member @fatherohenry
provide the OEM part #s, but I can't help but feel the poly is going to be fine - and cheaper to boot.
Still unclear why they can't produce poly with the same durometer as rubber, or if that defeats the purpose...
Hopefully @infamousRNR chimes in, as his polys should have a few miles on them by now.

Well they can reduce the durometer of poly, but if you are X company that makes all these makes and models of bushings of the same durometer, would it be wise to make a lower durometer for 1 vehicle and have to clean the pumps, hoses and injecting nozzles? Not really.

But yeah, poly is where it's at. I too did it mostly for bumper body contact prevention. Did it the same time I did my 1" body lift. Would never go back.

Sure they could - but then it wouldn't be an upgrade/change from OEM.

-Charlie

I would assume they are more durable/impervious to oil etc.?
But honestly, at 25 years for OEM I'd be impressed if I was
even alive when they would start to break down again...

Already started the hunt for polys, but I'm digging my heels in at $200.
I know it's still half the price of rubber, but I've been on a bit of a spree lately and need to at least pretend I'm trying to be sensible!

The Energy Suspension kit 8.4111G that you need is about $257.00 everywhere.

Here it is on Amazon for $235: Amazon.com

Here it is straight from ES: 8.4111G

Toytec also carries it: 8.4111G - Energy Suspension Body Mount Bushing Set - 96-99 4Runner

I bought the 8.4110G kit for my 2000 in 2022 from Amazon for $195.00

Hope this helps.

There are a few different versions, depending on year/body mount layout. Make sure you get the correct one.

-Charlie

Awesome info y'all!

I did come across some companies with tantalizing prices, but the websites look so weird, I can't bring myself to go through with it.
I think I'm going to go with Rock Auto for $210 shipped for the 8.4111G (blk) kit and cross my fingers it's the smart move