Removing the "vulcanized" bushings from the rear Tundra Bilstein 5100s?

[jaredawoodruff]

Hi there,

I'm lifting my '98 4runner (will make a write up on it when I do it) and I'm going off Rickashay's Tundra TRD vs OME review.

I ordered the Tundra Bilstein 5100 set he mentioned in the review and today I got a call from Downsouth Motorsports voicing a concern about using these shocks in my 4runner.

Two concerns actually.

One is being an incorrect application, but I know that's fine since I see other people giving praise to using these on their 3rd gens.

And the second is that I simply can't push out the 1/2" lower bushings from the rear shocks. Well, so they say. I was told that I have to burn the bushings out since they are vulcanized and what not. I've seen tons of people saying they just pushed them out using some clever tools.

Who am I supposed to believe? I really don't want to take a blow torch to my $400 set of shocks.

Also, I was told that I would have trouble finding bushing that will fit the shock.

In light of this revelation, what do I have to do to remove those old bushings and is it really that difficult to find new ones in the size I need?

Thanks guys, I appreciated it a lot!
-Jared

 

[darud35]

My 5100 rears are coming in tomorrow. It'll let you know about the bushings. To my knowledge they are just standard press in.. I'm sure it will be a PITA though. I ordered a set of Bilstein replacement hourglass bushings. If you do some searching you'll find them. I know summit and AJUSA carry them.

 

[Millerad1651]

It can be done without a blow torch...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/112871-how-press-shock-bushings-out.html

 

[Brilliant]

Hi there,

I'm lifting my '98 4runner (will make a write up on it when I do it) and I'm going off Rickashay's Tundra TRD vs OME review.

I ordered the Tundra Bilstein 5100 set he mentioned in the review and today I got a call from Downsouth Motorsports voicing a concern about using these shocks in my 4runner.

Two concerns actually.

One is being an incorrect application, but I know that's fine since I see other people giving praise to using these on their 3rd gens.

And the second is that I simply can't push out the 1/2" lower bushings from the rear shocks. Well, so they say. I was told that I have to burn the bushings out since they are vulcanized and what not. I've seen tons of people saying they just pushed them out using some clever tools.

Who am I supposed to believe? I really don't want to take a blow torch to my $400 set of shocks.

Also, I was told that I would have trouble finding bushing that will fit the shock.

In light of this revelation, what do I have to do to remove those old bushings and is it really that difficult to find new ones in the size I need?

Thanks guys, I appreciated it a lot!
-Jared

Application issues? - just make sure your travel is correct for what you ordered. Damping is of course another.

I used this for my bilstein rears.
Daystar KU08007 $10.00 for 4 Bushings & $5.20 USPS - $15.20 : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts


pressing out, get a large deep socket, some washers and a bolt.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/112871-how-press-shock-bushings-out.html


.

 

[jaredawoodruff]

So, basically, we're right and Downsouth is perhaps just wrong? lol

Awesome, this sums it all up, I'll order my shocks this week (should have shipped today >.>) and I'll keep ya'll posted!

Thanks so much
-Jared