I've had my ICON stage 2.5 installed for roughly 6 years and about 45k miles and I am now experiencing some annoying squeaks from the Front Driver's Side suspension. I have used lithium grease to help for a loooong time but now it's untouchable. I have new bushings for the sway bar up front with greasable zerks but I'm wondering if I need t address the UCA bushings too? I am running SPC UCAs for what it's worth...what are your suggestions to help me mitigate the squeaks on the front end?!

First suggestion, lose the front sway bar altogether

I would normally agree with this statement...however, the 4runner (wife's ride) is a very capable mall-cruiser if you will...I don't see the bushings of the sway being the issue as it seems to be the UCA for the squeak origin...Hmm, in saying this, I should probably just swap out the UCA bushings...well played sir

Do you still have the old style bushings in the UCAs? I believe SPC came out with a retrofit kit for their new bushings. You can get either style though. I have the X-Axis and they seem awesome so far. I really like that they move so freely, I feel like it smoothes out the ride alot and flexes smoother.

Retrofit "X-Axis" kit
https://www.spcalignment.com/index.p...tion&pid=25022

Standard "Spec-Ride" kit
https://www.spcalignment.com/index.p...tion&pid=25476

These bushings look really similar to metalcloak duroflex joints, and those have seen many satisfied users in the jeep world. I've not seen anyone who owns them to say they're no good, only people who speculate that it's not worth it to switch from their currie johnny joint setup.

Would love to see a comparison between the X-Axis and Duroflex. I've got some rear lower and upper control arms coming with duroflex joints in a few weeks once RESZ fab gets them built for me.

For what it’s worth, Icon recommends rebuilding your shocks every 30k or so. That includes the bearings at the top and bottom where the shocks mount. Not very expensive but inconvenient because you have to send them in or find a local shop who will do it.


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great to know and thank you for the suggestions...I know I should get them rebuilt soon...may as well knock it out all at once...tis the season it seems. Thanks again and I appreciate your advice!

My 5100/OME setup has squeaked like a m-f-er since day one. I feel your pain.

They do make a really horrible to work with grease for suspension bushings. Poly bushings installed without it or that's running dry after a while will squeek you to insanity. Maybe that can help, probably not though.
I will say that I'm more of a custom domestic truck guy and the 4runner is my first import and I don't know a huge amount specifically about them so my info may not apply.

Its either your bushings or ball joints. Easy to diagnose, spray some water or silicone spray on your bushings then drive it, if squeak gone then you know bushings.

If ball joints then jack up front wheel, put pry bar underneath and lift. If you see play in the BJ, then you got BJ prob/replacement coming.Tons vids online if not clear.

I had a bad run on SPC BJ''s but finally sorted with some newer product.

Teamoatmealpie, thank you for the suggestion; as WELL as everyone else! I have discovered it's a combination of several things...I have about 45k miles on the suspension setup with nothing being "needed" since install...drives great, and just recently started talking to me...the BJs are showing some abnormal play, easy-peezy, my CV axels are throwing a little grease; these are OEM and I may as well upgrade them to CVJ's setup (CVJ Axles - CV Axles & Steering Racks for all your needs) and make them fit the way they're supposed to with the mild lift. Also, ICON suggests rebuilding the shocks every 15k miles if they are not used to their full potential with full-stroke use like rock crawling or mudding often without full travel. I have 45k and they laughed that I haven't rebuilt them yet...SO, rebuild kits are roughly $40 each but I plan on having a shop do everything all at once instead of me taking three times longer to do things throughout several weekend, etc...plus, shops have the "specialized" tools needed for such endeavors...

So the moral of the story, thank you everyone! I think I know what needs to be done and since it's been about 5 years since I've done any work on the 4runner outside of LOFs, I might as well spend a few dockets on making this thing continue to shine.