Help a Newb

[afalex1]

Hello all,

I'm new to the T4R and am picking up a 2003 v8 4x4 sport this weekend. It has 235,000 miles, but runs/drives great and the center diff locks.

The suspension parts have never been replaced so I'm looking at replacing all the bushings and ball joints. I looked at OEM replacements and about spit my coffee on the screen. A complete upper control arm listed at $380! I'm thinking about getting Moog parts instead.

Anything wrong with moog parts?

I'm planning on getting 07-09 FJ 4x4 Moog rear springs and bilstein adjustable up front. I'm going to delete the Xreas. It isn't leaking or anything, but has 235,000 miles on it.

 

[NuclearN8]

First, congrats on your purchase

Second, please read the stickies (this will likely preclude you from having to feel like you need individual guidance/ opinions as they're already all in those threads for you to read)

Third, never experienced any issues myself with Moog replacement parts. Go for it.

Fourth, replace your sway bar bushings with greasable poly ones (also a link for that, use google to search for it). prothane or energy from jegs. Measure before ordering

Fifth, good luck and post up some pics when you're done

 

[afalex1]

Thanks for the info. I will read the stickies.

 

[fdbyrne]

I just replaced the upper control arm bushings on mine with polyurethane versions from Energy Suspension. The ball joints were fine so I didn't replace them or the UCA.

I bought lower bushings and ball joints but couldn't use them. I had to cut the control arms off with a sawsall and ruined some of the hardware that is supposed to be reused with the poly bushings. I ended up getting the complete Moog LCAs and mounting them on Moog greasable cam bolts.

I replaced both bearings with units that I bought from NJ636 here on the forum.

The sway bar ends are Moog as are the tie rods.

I went with the Monroe Quick Struts up front.

After an alignment, I couldn't be happier.

Bottom line, don't shy away from Moog. If you can't afford or find OEM, it's probably going to be your best bet.

OEM isn't everything it's cracked up to be. Depending on which particular part you are buying, aftermarket may be better. It'll certainly be cheaper.

 

[afalex1]

I'm leaning towards what you did to yours. I've had poly bushings squeak in the past

 

[wnelax04sr5]

FWIW I've had energy poly bushings on my front and rear sway bars for like 25k now and they've never squeaked

 

[afalex1]

This is good info guys. Thanks for the insight and opinions. The last time I had poly bushings was in a 1989 Z 28 camaro. They squeak like crazy, but I think the previous owner didn't grease them upon install. I'll give then a shot.