Full front end refresh

[wake_rider]

I'm looking for parts and prices to freshen up my entire front (and probably rear as well) suspension parts before lifting the front to match the back. I'm getting quite a bit of little thumps and rattles out of the front end when I'm on rough pavement, hitting speedbumps, or going off-road.

I have 170k on the original LBJ's, so that's first in order. That said, does anyone have experience or a comprehensive list of all the other parts/bushings/links I should go ahead and replace while I'm pulling things out of the front end (and also for the rear suspension while I'm at it)?

I'm a teacher in the 49th state for teacher's pay, so I'm going to have to piece this together over a bit of time. That stated, I'm also a quality first kind of person, so if OEM is a must for a part, I'll wait until I can invest more in order to do it right. I've replaced bushings in friend's cars before using poly bushings with mixed results. Yes they're tight, but also tend to get pretty squeaky over time. Any remedy to that, or should I just go with OEM rubber bushings since the originals lasted 18 years?

 

[ToyTec Lifts]

This thread has lots of info:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/197591-absaloms-cookie-cutter-4runner-builds.html


Expect to spend $800-$1200 on parts and labor

 

[wake_rider]

This thread has lots of info:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/197591-absaloms-cookie-cutter-4runner-builds.html


Expect to spend $800-$1200 on parts and labor

I'll do all of my own labor, but I am trying to figure out which parts are and are not worthwhile to replace. Thanks for the link!

 

[Tyler James Inc]

Props to you for doing what you do. One of the most important jobs out there, and not paid accordingly. Regardless of pay, I couldn't handle this generation of "kids"(see also: thugs).
I believe OEM rubber is the best option for bushings. Worth the cost? I guess that's up to the person. I'm not sure if I could shell out the dough for replacement OEM bushings. Buying a whole new LCA with bushings might even be more cost-effective after considering the labor to replace the bushings in your old arms.
MetalTech just released their rear lower links, and I think they're a great product for lifted rigs. I replaced the LCA bushings on my '97 with Whiteline, and it wasn't too difficult of a job. I was happy with them, and didn't gen any harshness from them, really. I also don't have any corrosion issues- some guys have a hell of a time trying to get the bushing sleeves out of the arms. Guys have reported squeaking with the Whiteline though, so YMMV.