Official SPC(light racing) Product update!!!

[Scott@Hightech]

Here is the Email i received from SPC while dealing with a warranty claim.

Scott, the arms that need to be updated are for '05+ Tacoma and '03+ 4-runner/GX and '07+ FJ Cruiser. They would have been sold between April 2012 and November 2012. The easy way to identify them is to note that they have large washers on both sides of each bushing.

Arm kits shipped after November will either have small washers on the
inboard sides of the bushing, or no washers there at all with a little bit
of the pivot sleeve showing. Those kits are current and do not require an
update.

Anyone with large washers on both sides of each bushing should call our
Customer Service line and ask for an update kit, P/N 25478. Installation of
the update will involve replacing the pivot sleeves with slightly longer
sleeves and re-installing the arm without the inboard washers.
The kit includes a grease packet and the four longer pivot sleeves, as well
as instructions.

Performing the update will not change alignment settings.

Chris Hinds
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Specialty Products Company
1-800-525-6505

4045 Specialty Place
Longmont, CO 80504
Specialty Products Company | SPC Alignment | The Automotive Alignment Leaders

This is the bushing/washer configuration that is problematic.

If you are unsure if this affects you, look at your upper control arms. There have been case where people replaced the original style busings with the spec ride kits and have the large washers. These also need to be updated. SPC has done a great job handling this situation, in my opinion.

Here is Ducmonsta's post that also helps outline the issue.

SPC's history
Version 1 - Rubber bushings, large washers on all sides (8 washers).
Version 2 - Poly bushings, large washers on all sides (8 washers). These are the ones that fail in high temp climates. The large washers "squeeze" the bushing to the point of collapse. This does not allow the control arm to pivot on the bushing. Effectively, making the control arm bend up and down at the welds.
Version 3 - Poly bushings, 4 large washers, 4 small (2 large washers on the outer most part of control arm, 2 small washers on the inside). This was SPC's solution to an extended sleeve. This does not allow the bushings to be completely compressed by large washers.
Version 4 - Poly bushings, 4 large washers (2 large washers on the outer most part of control arm). In this version the sleeve is longer and is completely butt up against the "tower tube".


Unfortunately, some of us learned at the expensive of our wallets. But I believe these are the best control arms for the money and adjustability. You just have to make sure you've got the latest version (3 or 4). Or if you're like me, I kept the rubber bushing v.1 and installed small washers.

If you are still unsure as to whether or not this applies to your vehicle, Bring your truck by the shop and we will inspect it free of charge. We have update kits in stock.

Edit: in response to this post Chris emailed me the following information

There was no bushing change between 2-3. We’ve been using the same bushing design from the beginning of SpecRide. Also, our bushings are not “poly”. Do not confuse them with Energy, Prothane, etc. When you install them with the grease we provide, they DO NOT SQUEAK. EVER. When people call the tech line for help with “squeaking bushings”, or occasionally stop by our shop, it always ends up being a rear spring, or a coilover, or a skidplate that was loose, or something like that. SpecRide is NOT “poly” and will not have the squeaking issues that are prone to poly bushings.



We really are trying to make the best product out there, and that means we constantly improve. Not only the bushings, but the boots on the ball joint, and even the arm design has been improved since I started at SPC.



Thanks for posting this info!!

Chris