Any "might as well do X while I'm in there" items when upgrading suspension?

[mc813]

Any "might as well do X while I'm in there" items when upgrading suspension?

When upgrading shocks/struts/springs (probably <1 year timeline for me), are there any other items that should be checked/upgraded while they're under the car and removing/replacing suspension?

At first thought I'm wondering if I should get some aftermarket bushings (not sure if Energy Suspension makes anything for the 4Runner) to tighten up any slop that may have developed in the 60K+ miles I've had my 4Runner.

Anything else that folks who have replaced their suspensions can recommend?

 

[chester4Run]

Check your sway bar links and bushings before you go in. You may want to replace those.
UCAs are nice. I used JBA. They have lifted and non versions.
Consider bearings if you've had any noise from them. They are expensive enough that I wouldn't change them unless I had to, but you're most of the way there while swapping the front suspension. These assembled hubs make the job easier, but I don't know on the durability of them yet. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07964N71G/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_mctjCb32XXYAR

Have fun!

 

[renau001]

When upgrading shocks/struts/springs (probably <1 year timeline for me), are there any other items that should be checked/upgraded while they're under the car and removing/replacing suspension?

At first thought I'm wondering if I should get some aftermarket bushings (not sure if Energy Suspension makes anything for the 4Runner) to tighten up any slop that may have developed in the 60K+ miles I've had my 4Runner.

Anything else that folks who have replaced their suspensions can recommend?

I would replace the front diff needle bearing with the ECGS bushing.

 

[sandcrawler]

When upgrading shocks/struts/springs (probably <1 year timeline for me), are there any other items that should be checked/upgraded while they're under the car and removing/replacing suspension?

definitely add a set of quality aftermarket UCAs to your list (e.g., Camburg, ICON, Total Chaos, et al.) and a set of shin guards and/or rubber boots to protect the rear shock mounts and shafts.

 

[mc813]

definitely add a set of quality aftermarket UCAs to your list (e.g., Camburg, ICON, Total Chaos, et al.) and a set of shin guards and/or rubber boots to protect the rear shock mounts and shafts.

If I'm not planning on lifting 2.5"+ is there any benefit to doing aftermarket UCAs?

 

[nb rob]

If I'm not planning on lifting 2.5"+ is there any benefit to doing aftermarket UCAs?

no.

There's no need unless you cannot get your alignment in spec.
OEM UCAs are quiet and maintenance free.

If you find that after your lift, your alignment technician cannot get a reasonable amount of caster (and it's not a lazy or uninformed tech), then aftermarket UCAs will get you back to the sweet spot of more than 2.5 degrees.

If you're like me and you want 3.5 - 4 degrees caster for nice smooth highway driving, then you might want aftermarket UCAs after lifting.

TRD pro's have a 1" lift in the front, and they can be aligned just fine with stock UCAs.

 

[rayofsi]

I would replace the front diff needle bearing with the ECGS bushing.

do they sell one, for that will work for us?

Fits all 05 to current year model Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, and 03 up 4runner DOES NOT FIT AWD 4RUNNER AND FJ CRUISER

Unless AWD 4runner means limited?

 

[GreenPM]

Great post, this is really helpful.

 

[renau001]

do they sell one, for that will work for us?

Fits all 05 to current year model Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, and 03 up 4runner DOES NOT FIT AWD 4RUNNER AND FJ CRUISER

Unless AWD 4runner means limited?

AWD means Limited