wnelax04sr5
New member
i see what you're saying now. its odd because i bought complete struts, all the hardware included, and I've had them apart and haven't noticed any stray bushings or washers
4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ
- Thread starter ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
- Start date
i see what you're saying now. its odd because i bought complete struts, all the hardware included, and I've had them apart and haven't noticed any stray bushings or washers
BigNuge
New member
The bushing is a thick rubber washer sandwiched between the two washers at the top of the shock. When everything is tightened you will not see it, only the top washer.
They are not proprietary. I bought my 5100's from Toytec (ripoff I know). I simply added the bushings/washers kit with it, added like $6 to each shock.
They are not proprietary. I bought my 5100's from Toytec (ripoff I know). I simply added the bushings/washers kit with it, added like $6 to each shock.
zopperman
Moderator
Hmm. I'm looking in the FSM and the bottom mount def is pressed in but it doesnt look like the top is. I have no idea how to assemble the C/O but I'm pretty sure I have the wrong bushings in there on the uppers.
zopperman
Moderator
Weird, DSM told me they were. So then what's going on with my bushing there?
I'd need this: http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Front-shock-replacement-bushingwasher-kit_p_35.html ??
wnelax04sr5
New member
just wondering now, so why is it then when i take apart the struts i have, i don't see any washers or bushings for that matter? everything fits together and is installed correctly
wnelax04sr5
New member
this is so odd... i know how to assemble and disassemble, I've done it multiple times, and have never noticed anything. I'm home on friday where my other struts are, ill get pictures of everything then
wnelax04sr5
New member
yeah i understand. once i look this weekend ill figure out what i need to buy, or maybe reuse.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...u-shock-bushing-placement-not-like-stock.html
found this^ 3rd gen, but it shows that the bottom bushing is pressed into the top plate, kinda what i was thinking.
BigNuge
New member
Yeah, I did mine by myself. I have a spring compressor, that made it tolerable.
Zopperman, it looks like your bushings are blown out/missing. I'm really surprised you haven't heard any "clunking" up front....
zopperman
Moderator
You know what, I bet that retainer is what mine is missing. I'll look inside the coil tomorrow, but it's part #5 in the diagram.
But I also bet that means the top hats are shot.
Maybe i'll call the shop that did it and tear them apart... again..
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zopperman
Moderator
I have, but it didn't get too bad till this weekend. I'm going to call the STS and at the LEAST see if they will give me some parts.
BigNuge
New member
Don't drive the truck that way, try to keep it off the road as much as possible. You'll destroy the top hat if you drive it too much...
zopperman
Moderator
Well, it's only been 10,000 miles. It's definitely dangerous now that I see what is wrong. f***. I have finals right now and don't need this!!! I'm absolutely going to replace the top hats.
BigNuge
New member
Wow, yeah I thought there was a major flaw there.
I would still get bushings for the fronts. It is cheap insurance. I usually replace ANY rubber washer/bushing components while I am in there......so cheap, why not right???
I know you said you were going to lose the sway bar. But in the event you are not I would pick up a bushing kit for it as well (<$20). Cheap insurance, and in the event you keep the sway bar in you will be pleased with the handling improvement.
Personally, if the 4Runner is your DD I would keep the sway bar. You can always pull it out for a week/weekend off road adventure. But for on road you will not want to see just how bad she dives if you need to get on the brakes hard and maneuver to avoid an accident.....just my .02
[MENTION=87539]wnelax04sr5[/MENTION], I'm thinking that you have not seen the upper bushings because you bought assembled shocks/coils??? When you remove the shock/coil as a unit you will not get to the upper bushings until you remove the top hat (the dangerous part you need a compressor for).
I know I know.....guys do it without compressors all the time. I think it is just smarter to get the right tool for the right job if possible. Hell, even I used an internal compressor on the outside of the spring (not the 100% right tool in this case). It was a pain but at least I knew the spring wasn't going to pop out and break my hand.....
wnelax04sr5
New member
i did buy them assembled but have since taken them apart to remove the springs, and the bushings/washers are most decidedly not there. i ordered new ones from toytec this morning. when i go to install the fj springs on my 5100's im going to use spring compressors for sure, i have them, might as well use them. how hard was it to get the spring set on the shock at 2.5?
BigNuge
New member
It was a PITA for sure. If I had a second set of hands (some help at all) it would have been much easier.
I can't believe you got a preassembled setup with no bushings......wow.
wnelax04sr5
New member
yeah that kinda surprised me... i figure some guy did 5100's and coils on his fj, and kept the bushings, they came of at 2,000 miles so they were still new
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
[MENTION=55855]zopperman[/MENTION] good to see you got it figured it. Definitely didn't look right, makes sense now. The Eibach setup should suit you well. I agree with BigNuge, I prefer to keep the sway bar on. Even with the icons, I don't like the added body roll with it removed. A lot of folks run without it and are pleased, all personal preference.
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