Differential mount bushings

[Tuyrunner]

Hey friends. When I was under my vehicle the other day I noticed that my front differential is starting to make contact with my skid plate. There are used to be at least half inch to three-quarter gap between them. After doing a bit of research I have learned that the rear mount for the differential has a large poly bushing in it. Has anyone had issues with this bushing deteriorating and allowing the DIff to sag? I checked both of the front mounts and they are tight. My runner has 280,000 miles on it and I am wondering if it is just time for that mount to be replaced. Any help would be greatly appreciated


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[Tuyrunner]

I can’t be the only one who has experienced this can I?


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[shiftmx]

I haven't heard of it to be a common issue, but with 300k and you see the obvious deterioration, just replace it. And I'd source a Toyota one since it lasted this long.

 

[maxdef]

I recently replaced the front 2 diff support arms (the bushing is part of the arm, go figure) and tried to inspect my rear support some but didn't notice anything concerning. Out of curiosity, where did you see a mention that it's poly? Just surprised as I expected more rubber for that.

I had this same issue recently- clank noise on any imperfect road and no space between the bottom of the diff and top of skid plate. Turns out the shop I had it in recently took off my skid plate and didn't replace the 2 front spacer washers, bringing the whole skid angling up. One of the washers actually survived an all-day drive sitting on the skid plate! All this to provide a little perspective, just check that nothing is going on with the skid as well

 

[Tuyrunner]

I recently replaced the front 2 diff support arms (the bushing is part of the arm, go figure) and tried to inspect my rear support some but didn't notice anything concerning. Out of curiosity, where did you see a mention that it's poly? Just surprised as I expected more rubber for that.

I had this same issue recently- clank noise on any imperfect road and no space between the bottom of the diff and top of skid plate. Turns out the shop I had it in recently took off my skid plate and didn't replace the 2 front spacer washers, bringing the whole skid angling up. One of the washers actually survived an all-day drive sitting on the skid plate! All this to provide a little perspective, just check that nothing is going on with the skid as well

You are probably correct with it being rubber and not poly. Sorry wrong terminology. Maybe I will have to look into replacing the front 2 supports as well. Mine is definitely sagging bad so I need to do something for sure.


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[Tuyrunner]

I haven't heard of it to be a common issue, but with 300k and you see the obvious deterioration, just replace it. And I'd source a Toyota one since it lasted this long.

Yea I am thinking the same thing. I hate to throw parts at stuff but with this mileage it probably needs replacing anyway.


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[Hi-desertT4R]

These are the ones I want to use if they’re ever in stock.

W93385 - Differential - mount bushing | Industry Leaders in Suspension & Chassis Components.

 

[maxdef]

Why do you want the poly over rubber bushings for this? Wouldn't a higher level of dampening be preferred for that application?

In line with what the whiteline product page says, I too noticed what felt like better shifting after swapping OEM arms/bushing, but I've always chalked it up as wishful thinking. At the end of the day, I suppose my e-rated tires are what really kill the smoothness of the rest of the truck lol

 

[Tuyrunner]

Why do you want the poly over rubber bushings for this? Wouldn't a higher level of dampening be preferred for that application?

In line with what the whiteline product page says, I too noticed what felt like better shifting after swapping OEM arms/bushing, but I've always chalked it up as wishful thinking. At the end of the day, I suppose my e-rated tires are what really kill the smoothness of the rest of the truck lol

Yea my e rated tires destroyed my ride quality. Maybe poly would be a longer lasting option while only sacrificing a bit of vibration dampening?


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[Hi-desertT4R]

Why do you want the poly over rubber bushings for this? Wouldn't a higher level of dampening be preferred for that application?

In line with what the whiteline product page says, I too noticed what felt like better shifting after swapping OEM arms/bushing, but I've always chalked it up as wishful thinking. At the end of the day, I suppose my e-rated tires are what really kill the smoothness of the rest of the truck lol

I think the main reason would be durability. The desert southwest and it’s extreme temperatures seem to destroy rubber bushings and parts rather quickly. I’m impressed with the Whiteline lower control arm bushings I installed last year after my alignment shop advised me the stock bushings were toast. Poly bushings in the upper and lower control arms along with Bilstein 5100’s and heavier Toytec springs already add up to a stiff ride so I don’t think it’ll be much worse. I remove my front sway bar and air down to 18 psi if I’m doing any considerable trail ride.

 

[Hitmanhink]

Turns out the shop I had it in recently took off my skid plate and didn't replace the 2 front spacer washers, bringing the whole skid angling up. One of the washers actually survived an all-day drive sitting on the skid plate! All this to provide a little perspective, just check that nothing is going on with the skid as well

There are supposed to be spacer washers for the front skid? Maybe that’s where my clank is coming from! Thanks!