Jono.ful
New member
they do not fail, they get bent due to direct impact while offroading (ie. rocks, logs, etc.)
Rear Links & Track Bar - Upgrade Benefits?
- Thread starter mrvandelay
- Start date
they do not fail, they get bent due to direct impact while offroading (ie. rocks, logs, etc.)
harper7
Senior Member
Stock rear lower control arms are known weak links and vulnerable to rock damage.....
Upper link damage ...:nono:
Panhard bar damage....:nono:
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wfo9
New member
Yea, I bent my LCA a little. I'm still trying to keep it for now, but I'm sure I will eventually need to replace it.
The main reason to change out the other links is to get better articulation with a long travel setup. The stock bushings are stiff... The LCA also limits travel and the MT LCA design helps clear the axle at full drop with the offset design (again really only at play with LT springs and shocks).
If you don't have a long travel setup, there is really no reason to worry about any of it unless you just want the added strength of the aftermarket LCA.
Another thing I would highly recommend (even more important than the stronger LCA). Is a skid for the LCA bracket. Those things drag every single time I wheel, but the arms themselves are pretty easy to keep clear if you are paying attention to wheel placement.
The main reason to change out the other links is to get better articulation with a long travel setup. The stock bushings are stiff... The LCA also limits travel and the MT LCA design helps clear the axle at full drop with the offset design (again really only at play with LT springs and shocks).
If you don't have a long travel setup, there is really no reason to worry about any of it unless you just want the added strength of the aftermarket LCA.
Another thing I would highly recommend (even more important than the stronger LCA). Is a skid for the LCA bracket. Those things drag every single time I wheel, but the arms themselves are pretty easy to keep clear if you are paying attention to wheel placement.
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harper7
Senior Member
I think the reason the stock upper links and panhard bar are so stiff is the factory ones were super tight and seemed to be way overtorqued on the ones I helped change out for Icons on somebody elses truck. Especially those upper links as we had to use a breaker bar and big long wrench to get them loose and we were both like... WTF!So I took my stock ones loose which were tight too,lubed them and torqued them per the manual and they are much better and move freely.
The MT offset lower control arms are the ticket and are some beast!
NuclearN8
New member
also worth considering... (not 100% sure these fit the 5th Gen, Steve would let ya know for sure... if not I'm sure he could make one that does)
4Runner/FJ Crusier Extreme Duty DOM Lower Links - $310.00 : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts
Fully Adjustable Trac/PanHard Bar FJC 2007+ 4Runner 2003+ - $225.00 : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts
4Runner/FJ Crusier Extreme Duty DOM Lower Links - $310.00 : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts
Fully Adjustable Trac/PanHard Bar FJC 2007+ 4Runner 2003+ - $225.00 : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts
txbonds
Senior Member
adam2562
New member
these do fit the 5th gen. i've contacted him about them when i had a recent urge to buy something but didn't go through with it lol.. i'm thinking of switching out my rear to LT but it wont be anytime soon as i'm planning a move in the near future
STX4Runner
New member
I just put some on this weekend. I was attracted to them as they don't use heim joints which require rebuilding. Also, the heim joints on the MT links won't fit inside the little skid plates you can get for the lower link brackets. I have the Total Chaos skid plates and they will not fit with the heims.
wfo9
New member
Good to know, I have the RCI ones. Will need to check that because those skids are muy importante.
Ol'Baditude
New member
If this is the case, it's a shame that nothing is mentioned in the description for the TC skids on the MT website. It does say that they are designed for use with the factory links and aftermarket upgrades.
I was about to throw a set of these skids on to an order I was making, for install over the MT lower links; glad I read this first.
I do see that they mention the OPOR skids for sale under the description for the MT lower links however.
