Suspension Bushing Replacement

[hallcs]

I replaced my rear suspension bushings in my 01 SR5 2wd over the weekend. Had new shocks and springs already. When I took the trailing arms and hardpan out, the bushings looked like new. I thought maybe I wasted my time and money, but I forged ahead because I had nothing better to do. Glad I did it, the difference in the ride is amazing. Feels like a new truck.

Hardpan and Upper arm bushings - Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts (easy to replace)
Lower trailing arm bushings - Toyota dealership (difficult to replace)

 

[tystaco]

I have all new poly bushings from energy suspension for the 4 control arms that I have not had the wifey allotted time to work on. Can you describe what is difficult about the lower? Would something like the press and heat method used on LCA bushings be appropriate?

 

[hallcs]

I have all new poly bushings from energy suspension for the 4 control arms that I have not had the wifey allotted time to work on. Can you describe what is difficult about the lower? Would something like the press and heat method used on LCA bushings be appropriate?

I used a ball joint press to remove the old bushings, then cleaned up the rubber left over. The uppers and pan hard don't have a metal sleeve inside so they are easy. Be careful using sandpaper on those, not much play where the bushing goes in.

The lower trailing arms, after I pressed out the rubber, I took apart a hacksaw, inserted through the sleeve and put back together then I sawed a line through the sleeve. Don't worry if you cut into the trailing arm, try not to but won't hurt if you get into it a little. Once you have cut the sleeve you can drive out with a chisel and hammer. Then I sanded the inside of the trailing arm, even after sanding it took all I had to press the new bushings back into the trailing arms with my ball joint press.

Also before starting, I jacked up the rear of the truck frame and put on stands, just barley allowing the tires to leave the ground and then I chalked the wheels. It takes the weight off the rear axle and allows the lower trailing arms to be removed and put back in without the axle moving. If you dont it will be difficult to put the trailing arms back in.

 

[hallcs]

I read your message again, I think your refering the front control arms. Energy suspension only has bushings for the pan hard bar on the rear. I just wanted to make it clear I am talking about the REAR bushings.

I used a ball joint press to remove the old bushings, then cleaned up the rubber left over. The uppers and pan hard don't have a metal sleeve inside so they are easy. Be careful using sandpaper on those, not much play where the bushing goes in.

The lower trailing arms, after I pressed out the rubber, I took apart a hacksaw, inserted through the sleeve and put back together then I sawed a line through the sleeve. Don't worry if you cut into the trailing arm, try not to but won't hurt if you get into it a little. Once you have cut the sleeve you can drive out with a chisel and hammer. Then I sanded the inside of the trailing arm, even after sanding it took all I had to press the new bushings back into the trailing arms with my ball joint press.

Also before starting, I jacked up the rear of the truck frame and put on stands, just barley allowing the tires to leave the ground and then I chalked the wheels. It takes the weight off the rear axle and allows the lower trailing arms to be removed and put back in without the axle moving. If you dont it will be difficult to put the trailing arms back in.