Anyone have Prothane bushings notice this?

[seabun]

I'm posting after searching the forums and seeing no mention to this particular issue.

I needed to replace my sway bar end links so I ordered MOOG #K90681 from RockAuto. I also needed to replace the "D" shaped bushings on the actual sway bar and after reading a lot about the benefits of polyurethane I found an inexpensive kit from Prothane on Amazon, #18-1115. I was also excited that these came with some poly bushings for the end links too, an extra bonus.

Got all my parts today and everything looked good until I noticed that the hole in the Prothane end link bushings was considerably bigger than both the standard rubber bushings that came with the new Moog links and the old bushings I removed from my truck. (I should mention I have not installed the D bushings yet but got under the truck and they look like they will fit.)

Both my OEM and the Moog holes have a diameter of 9-10 millimeters, yet the Prothane ones are roughly 15 millimeters.

This doesn't seem right, so I wanted to ask you all: Anyone have this Prothane kit or come across a similar issue with your poly bushings?

It's frustrating because Amazon said they would fit, Prothane's website did too, and the box they came in specifically says for 96-01 4Runner.

Any enlightenment would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

 

[afg10000]

yeah, the inside diameter doesn't look right. I have ES red bushings on all of my end links and they are slightly larger height-wise but the inner diameter fit quite snug. The D shaped sway bar ones from ES have a greaseable zerk on the front sway bar with new brackets for cheap. I've found that amazon's part stuff isn't always accurate. Can't speak for the Prothane but it shouldn't be any different than the ES. I did find that the sway bar diameters did change on the 3rd gens so that could also be your problem, though I don't believe that should affect the end-link bushings. If you'd like I'll go back and dig through my records and get exact part numbers for ya. Let me know -

 

[BrianSD_42]

next time don't buy Moog.

 

[afg10000]

next time don't buy Moog.

I'm starting to get the impression that you don't like Moog parts -

 

[seabun]

yeah, the inside diameter doesn't look right. I have ES red bushings on all of my end links and they are slightly larger height-wise but the inner diameter fit quite snug. The D shaped sway bar ones from ES have a greaseable zerk on the front sway bar with new brackets for cheap. I've found that amazon's part stuff isn't always accurate. Can't speak for the Prothane but it shouldn't be any different than the ES. I did find that the sway bar diameters did change on the 3rd gens so that could also be your problem, though I don't believe that should affect the end-link bushings. If you'd like I'll go back and dig through my records and get exact part numbers for ya. Let me know -

Yeah I think I am gonna send these back and look into the ES ones you mentioned, know the part # by chance? And I measured the diameter of my sway bar and it was right around 26 mm, but as you said that shouldn't affect the end links. Oh well, have to take the turns slow for a few more days, thank you for your help!

 

[afg10000]

Energy Suspension Parts: 4Runner, Toyota 4Runner 4WD 1996

I guess on their site it says prothane but the stuff is correct. I'm pretty sure its 26mm for the front and 19mm for the rear. Like I said, they do sell the greasable ones for the front. I'd just call them and make sure they're sending you the correct stuff. Good luck-

 

[Nelsonmd]

Just contact the seller or amazon and see if they will send you a new set that fits properly. They may not realize those don't fit. Send them those pictures so they can see how they don't fit, and maybe another with the bushing not fitting on the link itself. A good company will appreciate your help in identifying product mismatches.

 

[JayRolla]

Prothane makes awesome products, Ive used them in all race applications for out mitsu's, it looks like you got the wrong part#.

 

[seabun]

Energy Suspension Parts: 4Runner, Toyota 4Runner 4WD 1996

I guess on their site it says prothane but the stuff is correct. I'm pretty sure its 26mm for the front and 19mm for the rear. Like I said, they do sell the greasable ones for the front. I'd just call them and make sure they're sending you the correct stuff. Good luck-

The link sent me to a 27mm ES kit for 1996 4Rs, and the end link bushings look correct (snug 9 mm), but when I clicked on the Prothane 26mm kit that it listed for my 99, wouldn't you know it but the holes are that exaggerated size! Plus I found a youtube video tutorial where a guy is installing the Prothane kit on his 4R, and they have the larger hole. Now he doesn't mention anything about this in his video, I've messaged him about it, but I'm assuming he is driving around with the "big hole" end link bushings, which to me would seem susceptible to slipping or at least not being super effective at their job. HOW TO replace sway bar bushings 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner - YouTube

I'm beginning to suspect that all the Prothane bushings are meant to be that way, but to me that does not make any sense at all! I may contact Prothane and ask them about this.

 

[seabun]

UPDATE:

Ok I finally was able to talk to someone at Prothane. Their 8 digit vanity # is worthless (don't bother calling 1-888-prothane), but a quick google search gave me their local number in CA as (714) 979-4990 and I got right through. Spoke to Dominic, explained the situation, and he went to check the parts himself and call me back. Called back in 5 minutes, and HIS measurements for the end link bushings inner diameter that they design for 96-01 4Runners was 15.3 mm. He said their plans, their measurements for our vehicle stated that was correct. I reminded him that both my OEM and replacement end links had a diameter of 9mm, to which he replied that once the bushings are tightened down and torqued properly the "bowl" washers will keep them in place, despite the 2.5mm of free space between the bushing and the link (5mm/2 for 2.5 on each side). He said he confirmed this with their engineers that this was right!

Now I do appreciate his prompt call back and looking into the matter, but his assurances aren't really enough to warrant me using these parts. Unless I am mistaken and there is some type of benefit to having the bushings fit loose like that, this seems like a huge mistake on their part and should be brought to the attention of anyone thinking of buying this kit.

Please look at the pics, with the bushing on the new Moog link and on what's left of my OEM link. Am I making too big a deal out of this? Am I crazy? Should I just shut my yap and put the darn parts on already?

 

[slapdappy]

Get the correct ones. Ordered mine (99 limited) from Wheeler's Offroad last month. $6, plus shipping. Forgot name of guy I spoke to but he was nice and knew which size I needed. Looks like the front and rear end rods are different diameters, at least on mine. The inner hole slipped over end link snugly, def not like your photo. Are 1/8" OD less than Energy Suspension specs. Don't know if this matters. Made by Daystar I think.
Also replaced sway bar bushings front 1"/25.4mm Energy Susp. part # 9-5161-G (g = greasable with zerk fitting). Sway bar bushings rear 3/4"/19.05mm ES part # 9-5156-G. Bought from local Advance Auto Parts.
Update correction: My nd link rods are same diam. 10mm.
Wheelers sent wrong end link bushings, close but no cigar. I'm picking up a set of the Energy Susp. 9.8105 (like AFG10000 photo below) with washers from local Advance Auto, $15. Wheelers handled it nicely. Happily buy from them again.

 

[satek]

I have had the Prothane bushings on my 4runner for over 7 months and they've been fine.

 

[seabun]

Slapdappy and AFG10000 I did end up ordering the Energy Suspension parts that you mentioned. I know I will feel a lot better with those. I appreciate all the feedback, thanks gents!

 

[slapdappy]

consider replacing your steering rack bushings. Wheelers Offroad adds 3 different sized metal sleeves to the Energy Suspension kit they sell, so buy it from them. To check condition start truck, get underneath, have friend turn steering wheel. see if rack moves. My rack moved about 1" in each direction. Replaced bushings and improved steering response/handling significantly.
I used superlube synthetic multi-purpose grease w/teflon on the bushings prior to install.

 

[afg10000]

Better late than never. Glad to help. I finally found these in a box in the back of the truck. Been digging around for them for a few days. Hopefully this is what ES is sending ya. For what it's worth, here's a pic -

 

[seabun]

Thanks AFG, yeah from the part number on that box those are the same bushings I ordered, only in black. I also went ahead and ordered front and rear sway bar bushings. As soon as everything gets in and I test the fit, I will post the exact part numbers and some pictures.

 

[afg10000]

Glad I could be of some help. That bucket comes with a bunch of 'em. Replaced all of mine and used the rest on my buddy's Tacoma today. He had some busted end-links and they fit right on there, too-

 

[seabun]

Update

All the parts came in and I almost got it right this time :redface:

The part numbers mentioned by Slapdappy and afg10000 are 100% correct. What you need is:

9.8105R/G :set of 8 endlink grommets or bushings and 8 washers. R will be red in color. G will be black and have graphite impregnated in the polyurethane which apparently make them less prone to squeak and are self lubricating. Red may look cooler imo but for this reason I went with 9.8105G

9.5156R/G :set of 2 rear swaybar bushings. 3/4" inner diameter. Comes with new brackets and zerk fittings for easy greasing when needed. Again I went with the graphite variant, 9.5156G.

9.5161R/G :set of 2 front swaybar bushings, 1" or roughly 26mm inner diameter.
-This is where I goofed! I for some reason ordered part# 16.5130G which is called "26mm front sb set". Sounds good, the inner diameter fit the front sway bar fine, but they are too "skinny"; will not fit the oem brackets and do not come with new brackets or anything else. So, I have to return these and order the correct part listed above. I feel so stupid!

But other than this oversight, and having to wait on the correct parts, again!, everything else fits great and went on just fine. Compared to the Prothane endlink bushings, the ES ones fit so snug, are a bit taller, and just seem made for our trucks. Much happier with these.

 

[seabun]

Few more pics of the rear bushings installed

 

[2k1]

thanks for the write up and the post seabun...just placed my order...