Steering Rack Bushings of choice as of 2020?

[jross20]

so I see that there's a couple of different options for the steering rack bushings, there's one you can get from energy suspension, looks like that's the same thing that's on Amazon period but then I see a set on wheelers website that comes in Black but also with an extra metal sleeve.

Are there any other options I should consider? Or does everybody just go with wheelers?

I just finally figured out why the truck couldn't hold an alignment yesterday, took me forever as she didn't always have play apparently. So annoying....

:tongue:

 

[fishy3G]

I went with whiteline bushings for my steering rack and sway bars. They are supposed to squeak less than poly bushings, I have had them for about a year and no noises yet.

 

[jross20]

I went with whiteline bushings for my steering rack and sway bars. They are supposed to squeak less than poly bushings, I have had them for about a year and no noises yet.

Ah interesting, I used that brand for my LCA bushes. Do you have a link or know the part number?

 

[JUICE222]

I went with energy suspension polyurethane bushings on my steering rack. Solved my problem of excessive play.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Poly bushings do increase feedback in the steering wheel over the regular Toyota ones. Not necessarily a bad thing, just a heads up.

 

[jross20]

Poly bushings do increase feedback in the steering wheel over the regular Toyota ones. Not necessarily a bad thing, just a heads up.

Hmmmm... Well should I get the whiteline ones instead?

 

[Skulking]

Hmmmm... Well should I get the whiteline ones instead?

The Whiteline bushings are poly bushings.

 

[jgue467]

OEM toyo kit here. No more slop and rack moving side to side an inch, haha.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Hmmmm... Well should I get the whiteline ones instead?

Rubber (Toyota) has a bit more flex and absorbs more vibration. More of a plush feel on the steering wheel. Poly (Whiteline, Energy Suspension, etc.) has a more firm feel as it absorbs less vibration and will feel more of the bumps and grip of the tires. More feedback in the steering wheel.

My 4Runner doesn't leave the pavement a whole lot, maybe a few times a year so personally I like the softer feel. Others who do off-road more like to feel the bumps as it gives you more feedback on what the tires are doing or not doing (slipping, etc.). It really is personal preference.

 

[jross20]

All right so I guess I'll just go with poly. Haha

Does anybody happen to know what the difference is between the energy suspension kit from Amazon to wheelers? the wheelers one seems to have an extra metal sleeve but I don't know what you would use it for. Seems like the regular kit already has all the parts, does it not?

I talked to some other members about this and they weren't sure, just curious if anybody else has experienced with these kits

 

[cblock406]

I just used the energy suspension bushings along with a total suspension refresh and the steering feels great now, I’m happy with them.

Energy Suspension - 8.10103R 4WD RACK & PINION BUSHING SET Amazon.com: Energy Suspension - 8.10103R 4WD RACK & PINION BUSHING SET: Automotive

 

[thegrantpa]

I used Energy Suspension bushings as well. Easy install about a year ago. No issues so far, and no noises either.

 

[Joshv4runner]

All right so I guess I'll just go with poly. Haha

Does anybody happen to know what the difference is between the energy suspension kit from Amazon to wheelers? the wheelers one seems to have an extra metal sleeve but I don't know what you would use it for. Seems like the regular kit already has all the parts, does it not?

I talked to some other members about this and they weren't sure, just curious if anybody else has experienced with these kits

Good luck on this install. It was a PITA for me. The hardest part was removing the top vertical bolt and putting in the 2 bushings and sleeve back in. Other than that, not too hard. Make sure you lube them up in grease so they don't squeak later down the road.

Also, if you have a diff drop, make sure you remove that so you have enough room to take out the long bolt.

 

[jross20]

Good luck on this install. It was a PITA for me. The hardest part was removing the top vertical bolt and putting in the 2 bushings and sleeve back in. Other than that, not too hard. Make sure you lube them up in grease so they don't squeak later down the road.

Also, if you have a diff drop, make sure you remove that so you have enough room to take out the long bolt.

Yeah I've been watching Timmy's video and slowly talking a buddy into helping me...haha. :blabla:
Worst part will be making sure I don't f*** up the hard lines. Going to try the ratchet strap method. Gotta drop the skid, unbolt that one attachment timmy pointed out.