Body mount bushings - OEM rubber or Polyurethane?

[RidingDirty]

Hey I'm looking into replacing my body mount bushings. I know I can either do OEM rubber or polyurethane bushings. I understand that the poly bushings will create a stiffer ride quality and you might hear more engine vibration and rattles/buzzes inside the cab. The new OEM rubber bushings will create the same ride quality I'm used to (maybe better) and with no noise. However for the parts I need, OEM rubber body mount bushings from Toyota would cost ~$624. Compared to the Energy Suspension poly body mount kit which would cost ~$200. I'm pretty certain that I'm going to get OEM rubber bushings, but the huge price difference is having me question this. Is this a buy once cry once situation? Or is this a rare situation where spending less might get you a better product? My 4runner is on pavement most of the time and I'm looking for a comfortable ride for reference.

 

[JZiggy]

If you're going for comfort them stay with OEM. Have you tried Amayama.com? That's where I got my body mounts and it was more like $400 (still kind of a lot)

 

[2TH4IST]

I did poly a couple of years ago. Honestly I didn't notice a difference at all. But I'm used to NVH from my miata. It is a buy once cry once kind of thing. Look how long the stock ones lasted. 20 something years. If you want comfort go oem. If you want less flex, poly.

 

[phattyduck]

Poly mounts reduce the secondary 'wiggle' of the rubber mounts. It still has a fair amount of NVH isolation. I went with poly to get rid of that that 'wiggle' without much concern about harshness - you still have 70-series tires isolating you from the road! No regrets here. I have since starting replacing suspension bushings with poly, also with positive experiences.

But yes, if you want full OEM ride quality, new OEM rubber mounts will be best.

-Charlie

 

[ohbludvlsfan]

I went with poly from Nolathane. Good product. Didn’t really notice any difference noise wise. I have Whiteline suspension poly bushings as well.

 

[96RedRunner]

Went with ES poly couple years ago to eliminate bumpers hitting body. Didn't notice any
ride difference DD'ing on pavement, new seat foam helps a lot.

 

[cblock406]

Poly here, no complaints No way I'd spent another $400+ for oem.

 

[JZiggy]

Lots of good feedback about poly, wow! Maybe I should've saved a few bucks and gone that route!

 

[GhostRing]

Yeah, this thread is pretty good timing!

I have waffled between compounds for years, and even had very helpful member [MENTION=217643]fatherohenry[/MENTION]
provide the OEM part #s, but I can't help but feel the poly is going to be fine - and cheaper to boot.
Still unclear why they can't produce poly with the same durometer as rubber, or if that defeats the purpose...
Hopefully [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] chimes in, as his polys should have a few miles on them by now.

 

[2TH4IST]

Well they can reduce the durometer of poly, but if you are X company that makes all these makes and models of bushings of the same durometer, would it be wise to make a lower durometer for 1 vehicle and have to clean the pumps, hoses and injecting nozzles? Not really.

But yeah, poly is where it's at. I too did it mostly for bumper body contact prevention. Did it the same time I did my 1" body lift. Would never go back.

 

[phattyduck]

Still unclear why they can't produce poly with the same durometer as rubber, or if that defeats the purpose...

Sure they could - but then it wouldn't be an upgrade/change from OEM.

-Charlie

 

[GhostRing]

Sure they could - but then it wouldn't be an upgrade/change from OEM.

-Charlie

I would assume they are more durable/impervious to oil etc.?
But honestly, at 25 years for OEM I'd be impressed if I was
even alive when they would start to break down again...

Already started the hunt for polys, but I'm digging my heels in at $200.
I know it's still half the price of rubber, but I've been on a bit of a spree lately and need to at least pretend I'm trying to be sensible!

 

[Zhehan]

I would assume they are more durable/impervious to oil etc.?
But honestly, at 25 years for OEM I'd be impressed if I was
even alive when they would start to break down again...

Already started the hunt for polys, but I'm digging my heels in at $200.
I know it's still half the price of rubber, but I've been on a bit of a spree lately and need to at least pretend I'm trying to be sensible!

The Energy Suspension kit 8.4111G that you need is about $257.00 everywhere.

Here it is on Amazon for $235: Amazon.com

Here it is straight from ES: 8.4111G

Toytec also carries it: 8.4111G - Energy Suspension Body Mount Bushing Set - 96-99 4Runner

I bought the 8.4110G kit for my 2000 in 2022 from Amazon for $195.00

Hope this helps.

 

[phattyduck]

The Energy Suspension kit 8.4111G that you need is about $257.00 everywhere.

There are a few different versions, depending on year/body mount layout. Make sure you get the correct one.

-Charlie

 

[GhostRing]

Awesome info y'all!

I did come across some companies with tantalizing prices, but the websites look so weird, I can't bring myself to go through with it.
I think I'm going to go with Rock Auto for $210 shipped for the 8.4111G (blk) kit and cross my fingers it's the smart move

 

[2TH4IST]

Internet search for a rockauto coupon code. Usually it's 5% off. During checkout put it in the "how did you hear about us" box and hit enter and boom savings!

 

[JT1USA]

I went with poly body mount bushings myself. A buddy of mine bought and never used them so he sold them at a discount and I think they are worth it. My 4runner is stock with the exception of the tires (265/75/16) and when driving down washboard roads the truck rode the same. I noticed more of ride a difference going to a load range "E" tire. Hope this helps.

 

[Zhehan]

There are a few different versions, depending on year/body mount layout. Make sure you get the correct one.

-Charlie

I checked the year of his 4Runner and gave him the corresponding kit part #.

 

[GhostRing]

Poly kit is in tha house!

I don't seem to hear/see any mention of any lube/goop
for the mounts a la suspension components, is that because
these don't really move nearly as much? I'd hate to get everything
assembled and realize I missed a step and it's squeaking like mad...

 

[2TH4IST]

Congrats! I didn't lube mine and zero squeak.