Rear Control Arm Options and Opinions

Unner

Unner

New member
Hello all,

After nearly 300k miles I'm thinking it's time to refresh the bushings/control arms on the rear of my 3rd gen. I'm very big on longevity and ease of maintenance. I don't want heim joints I have to grease all the time and keep clean. I want bushings on both ends and don't think I need adjustable arms, they've been fine at stock length for over 100k miles of being lifted.

Rear Lower Control Arms:

I'm debating between Rokmen Trail Series arms with the enduromax bushings and the Sonoran Steel arms. Both are beefier than the original arms, but the Rokmen uses their own design of bushing which supposedly allows more movement and is long lasting, and the Sonoran Steel are available with either Strong flex poly bushings or OEM Toyota bushings.

Anyone have any long term opinions/reviews of these control arms? Any squeaks, rattles, issues with them? Any change in vibration or harshness on the road?

Rear Upper Control Arms:

These apparently see no benefit from being upgraded as the stock links twist well, so it's really just a matter of choosing bushings or getting new OEM arms since OEM bushings aren't available.

Any thoughts on bushings for these? Once again trying to avoid any that squeak, need any greasing after install, etc. I'm looking at the whiteline bushings and the strongflex bushings.

Panhard bar:

I have a PCK on the way. I plan to swap the bushings in the bar for fresh ones as well at the time. Same story as above, looking for simple solutions. Any long term reviews of the whiteline or strongflex bushings?


Thanks in advance for any input, really interested in hearing any feedback on the rear lower control arms since those are the main ones to replace in my opinion.
 
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Unner said:
Rear Upper Control Arms:

These apparently see no benefit from being upgraded as the stock links twist well.
Click to expand...


I can confirm they do indeed twist well.



BFiuBrG.jpg
 
I purchased the Rokmen arms a few years back after a lower took a decent bend on a rock. The "enduro" bushings seem to be holding up well (890/5100 combo)
and I believe they are replaceable if need be. My choice at the time boiled down to Wheeler's being fairly close, and $100 is $100...

The Sonoran Steel version is very well thought out and I do like the idea of OEM bushings, but I've been happy with my decision so far.

ETA: I also replaced my upper arm and panhard bushings with Whiteline (OEM was tougher to find) and new OEM rubber for all the sway bars.
The ride is considerably better that the ratted-out 250K originals, and has great street/trail manners and no squeaks as of yet.
 
Last edited:
toverturf said:
I know you said you wanted bushings and non adjustable but have you seen these yet? Rear Adjustable Control Arms (96-02 4Runner)






– OPT OFF ROAD
Click to expand...

Those are very nice, but a little more than I'm looking to spend.

GhostRing said:
I purchased the Rokmen arms a few years back after a lower took a decent bend on a rock. The "enduro" bushings seem to be holding up well (890/5100 combo)
and I believe they are replaceable if need be. My choice at the time boiled down to Wheeler's being fairly close, and $100 is $100...

The Sonoran Steel version is very well thought out and I do like the idea of OEM bushings, but I've been happy with my decision so far.

ETA: I also replaced my upper arm and panhard bushings with Whiteline (OEM was tougher to find) and new OEM rubber for all the sway bars.
The ride is considerably better that the ratted-out 250K originals, and has great street/trail manners and no squeaks as of yet.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input. Seems like most people are happy with the Rokmen, I haven't seen a negative thing about them. How long have you had yours?

Any issues with the whiteline poly in the upper links and panhard? I'm not too worried about harshness from those bushings, I don't think they would transmit too much, but squeaks will drive me absolutely insane!
 
Unner said:
Those are very nice, but a little more than I'm looking to spend.



Thanks for the input. Seems like most people are happy with the Rokmen, I haven't seen a negative thing about them. How long have you had yours?

Any issues with the whiteline poly in the upper links and panhard? I'm not too worried about harshness from those bushings, I don't think they would transmit too much, but squeaks will drive me absolutely insane!
Click to expand...

I have had the Rokmen arms for about 4 years now. They have performed admirably and held up to getting thunked more than a few times. I feel a good complement would be some skids for the arm mounts.

The WL bushings have done their job well, albeit for about 4 months so far.
I haven't found any drawbacks concerning road feedback or articulation.
I followed their recommended greasing procedure and they haven't made
a peep - especially considering the trail conditions right now. I could survive
an annual re-grease, but fingers crossed it takes longer than that!
 
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