5100 bushings / removing XREAS

[4OYOTER]

I finally tore out my XREAS today and replaced with 5100s. I used my stock coils with the "no spring compressor" method. I couldn't for the lift of me get the old strut out without loosening the lower control arm alignment bolts. Once I did that it was easy enough. I first did my passenger side strut and upon removal it just had a washer on top of the OEM dust cover, so I transferred that over to my new 5100 and reinstalled. Well when I removed my driver side strut it had a washer ANd a bushing on top of the OEM dust cover. I installed both onto the driver side new 5100. If I need that bushing I'm hoping that the reason there wasn't one on top of the passenger side old strut when removed was because it was stuck inside the OEM top hat? Everything is driving fine was no weird noises or anything, so I don't see any reason to tear apart the passenger side to verify I have a bushing under the top strut mount.

Can someone clarify this? I was surprised my 5100 rears came with all new bushings while my fronts came with none.

 

[Runn4est]

I finally tore out my XREAS today and replaced with 5100s. I used my stock coils with the "no spring compressor" method. I couldn't for the lift of me get the old strut out without loosening the lower control arm alignment bolts. Once I did that it was easy enough. I first did my passenger side strut and upon removal it just had a washer on top of the OEM dust cover, so I transferred that over to my new 5100 and reinstalled. Well when I removed my driver side strut it had a washer ANd a bushing on top of the OEM dust cover. I installed both onto the driver side new 5100. If I need that bushing I'm hoping that the reason there wasn't one on top of the passenger side old strut when removed was because it was stuck inside the OEM top hat? Everything is driving fine was no weird noises or anything, so I don't see any reason to tear apart the passenger side to verify I have a bushing under the top strut mount.

Can someone clarify this? I was surprised my 5100 rears came with all new bushings while my fronts came with none.

Any pics? You're probably ok. IMO it would be very apparent something was wrong when putting it back together.

 

[4OYOTER]

Any pics? You're probably ok. IMO it would be very apparent something was wrong when putting it back together.

No pics. I installed the 5100s with the included new dust cover, so the bushings in question are not visible. (Not sure if they would be either way though)

 

[Runn4est]

No pics. I installed the 5100s with the included new dust cover, so the bushings in question are not visible. (Not sure if they would be either way though)

I'm a little confused then. I guess I thought you meant the bushing on the top hat. There's a rubber spring seat inside the top hat. Then a bushing and washer on top for the bolt. Here's pics of both OEM and 5100s with just dust covers if that helps.

 

[n2advnture]

Not sure if this helps or applies but Josh from Wheeler's told me when I ordered my Old Man Emu lift that the driver's side sits lower than the passenger side so there is a bushing that goes on top of the strut to level it out. Which I had to order with my lift kit.

 

[JonnieBlaze]

If I need that bushing I'm hoping that the reason there wasn't one on top of the passenger side old strut when removed was because it was stuck inside the OEM top hat?

I just tore out my stock shocks and replaced with 5100s as well. To get new bushings for the front you would have needed to purchase new top hats as well, as the bushings are packaged with them, not packaged with the shocks. But I think you're correct thinking the bushing on passenger side stayed up in the top hat and drivers side fell out. Mine did that with the new top hats on install. On removal both bushing stayed up in the top hats. I think they're just wedged up in there, probably not much holding them in.

 

[4OYOTER]

Thanks for the replies. Here is a pic of the placement of the bushing/cushion in question. For some reason the bushing is not shown in the FSM, but the cushion retainer is. I drew the red mark to show where the cushion would go. Not sure why the FSM would refer to the top outside bushing as "cushion No. 1" but not show a cushion "No. 2" on top of the inside "cushion retainer".

 

[JonnieBlaze]

I noticed that as well. Assumed it was because the inner/bottom bushing was sorta attachedto/partof the inside of the top hat. I didn't think it was intended to be removable/replaceable. :shrug: