So, I'm back on the forums, and i'm working through a couple of annoyances/concerns with my 4runner. See earlier on the forum list for my transmission concerns, here's my other one.

I have a full dobinson's suspension installed about 15K miles ago. The drivers side has ALWAYS had a very slight creak. Its recently gotten a lot louder and is pretty constant. I just found yesterday I can replicate it by rocking the 4runner back and forth. It seems to come from the UCA. Passenger side has always been silent and trouble free.

Did I do something wrong with the install? I don't know what to do from here, but its driving me crazy.

As a random aside, I have a grade 8 galvanized bolt in place of the OEM lower shock bolt on that side. Stripped it out on the install, and parts stores were closed, but home depot was open. Bolt is the exact same dimension as the stock bolt. I doubt this is the cause of the squeak, but it is an anomoly.

Thoughts?

UCA bushings? Did you torque the through bolt on the UCA’s to spec?


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YEEEAH...I went by feel on the entire suspension install. And then bought a torque wrench a week afterwards to torque my rear diff drain plug. I'm not sure why I did it like that. That's also a very good thought.

Would squeaking indicate over or undertorque? And could I simply loosen that side and retighten with the torque wrench?

It could be your bushings binding. I would just make sure you have all the washers and hardware oriented as per the instructions and torque it to their recommendation. I don’t remember what that bolt is supposed to be off the top of my head. Yeah you can just loosen and torque if everything looks correct.


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all aftermarket suspensions squeal all the time... they cannot be fixed unless completely removed.

The squeak is indicating that the suspension part is not broken, if it stops squeaking, it no longer is attached to the truck.

Just wait until you have heim joints... it sounds like driving a pile of pots and pans down the road.

Does that look correct?


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Were you able to figure out what is causing the squeak? I just noticed mine squeaking this morning.

My truck has been lifted for several years and relatively quiet. Recently added steel plate bumper, skids and sliders. I was complaining about some creaking the other day and my wife looks at me very seriously and says “Have you seen how much damn metal is on here that isn’t supposed to be?!” Lol


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Are there zerk fittings on the Dobinsons? Those bushings look dry. Maybe they're supposed to be by design? I use the recommended Super Lube on my TC uppers urethane bushings. It comes in grease gun tubes as well. Works very well.
Super Lube 21030 Translucent White Color 3 oz. Automotive Accessories https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XBH9HI..._EupADbSHKC1DY

Highly recommend going around and re-torquing everything. Don't want to f**k around with loose suspension components.

Also, did you install all bushings and washers for the front suspension? Improper installation can cause the top portion of the strut stem to grind/squeak with the top hat.

As was mentioned earlier lack of grease on bushings can cause that. Especially urethane or poly type bushings, they will squeeks your brains out unless you slather then in the special grease they usually come with that's about the stickiest stuff you've ever played with. Don't get it on your paint!

Lower shock bushing


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Good point. Needs to be tightened with the suspension loaded. Otherwise you’ll wear out the bushing prematurely