Swaybar Bushing Upgrade

[CJ3Flyr]

I know this is an old thread, but came across it as I was looking around and think I wanna give this a try, but I do have some questions first.

1 - First I need to locate and measure the diameter of the rear sway bar. Do I only need to do this on the rear bar, or both the rear and the front? Am I just measuring the diameter of the bar itself, or is there a specific place or something I need to measure. Measure on a straight section. Measuring on a bend may give you inaccurate info. It won't hurt to measure both but most likely the front is 30mm. Some early, base, 2wd, V6's are 29mm.

2 - To change the front bushings do I need to unscrew or loosen any bolts, or do I just pop the old one off and snap the new one on? Anything else I need to know about changing this one? Nothing special just make sure the vehicle is on level ground with the steering wheel straight ahead to avoid having a torsional load on the bar. Have another look underneath... It's 4 bolts total. Access is improved if you remove the skidplate but it's not necessary to remove it.

3 - On the rear, it looks from the picture like that bushing is held in place by a metal clamp. is that right, what do I need to do to change that one, just loosen that bolt? It is a metal clamp and the new bushings will come with the clamp. With the new parts in hand it'll make more sense. This is the one part of the job where a helper really helps. Once the new bushings are on you need to swing the bar back to it's original position. It's very helpful to have someone guide the other side through the hole.

4 - I can't tell what's going on with the endlink bushings, do those just slide on and off, or do I need to loosen bolts there? There's nothing to do on the front. On the rear you'll undo the top nut on both sides and replace the bushings that you see just ahead of the rear wheel.

5 - Do I need anything else like grease to do this? The bushings will come with enough grease to do the install.

I may be able to figure some of this out by actually looking under the truck, but any advice you guys can give is appreciated.

Good luck! You'll be happy with it when you're done
:reddance:

 

[PolkManiac]

I've never worked with grease before. Do I just slather it all over the bushing before I put it on, or is there an actual science to it? Also, do I need to add more grease on a regular basis, or is it only when I put these on?

I'm excited about getting the better performance, but don't have much experience working on cars. That being said, I'm not an idiot, as long as I have a basic understanding of what I need to be doing I can get it done.

Thanks

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I've never worked with grease before. Do I just slather it all over the bushing before I put it on Yes , or is there an actual science to it? Aim to have a good 'grease-to-grease' mating surface for the bar and the bushing. Also, do I need to add more grease on a regular basis, or is it only when I put these on? Depends... How much water do you drive through, dusty roads etc? In general once a year or even every other year is fine. It'll start to squeak a bit when it's ready for grease. This is why many prefer the greaseable bushings as outlined earlier in this thread.

I'm excited about getting the better performance, but don't have much experience working on cars. That being said, I'm not an idiot, as long as I have a basic understanding of what I need to be doing I can get it done. This post has evolved into a pretty complete explanation of how-to and the gotcha's. Do as written here and if you get stuck just ask I would go under a day or two before you want to do it and spray with PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench or similar on all the bolts that you intend on removing.

Thanks

:cheers:

 

[PolkManiac]

What's the difference between the greasable bushings and the ones you bought? Are you able to grease those while on the vehicle vs having to take them off, or is it something different?

Am I applying any grease to the endlink bushings as well?

Just trying to get all the questions out of the way before I start, thanks

 

[CJ3Flyr]

What's the difference between the greasable bushings and the ones you bought? Are you able to grease those while on the vehicle vs having to take them off, or is it something different? I must remove mine. The brand I chose has grooves cut in it to retain the grease. In my envir it's not that big of a deal. I would recommend getting the greaseables and reviewing kmvreter's post about changing one of the rear zerk fittings for proper access. Once the bushing is in hand a quick trip to any auto parts store will get the correct zerk fitting for a couple of bucks (or less).

Am I applying any grease to the endlink bushings as well? Just a dab and then wipe up after everything is tight. I say 'wipe up' so as to avoid attracting dirt etc.

Just trying to get all the questions out of the way before I start, thanks

:cheers:

 

[BROOKLYN]

OK for an 05 v8 4runner 4wd what kit do i use
i've been reading the threa and now im interested it will go perfect with my trd shocks.

 

[PolkManiac]

You're going to want to do the same thing I did and read through the thread, that should give you everything you need, especially with my last few questions that were answered.

 

[PolkManiac]

I measured last night and my rear bar is 21mm, my front is measuring as 29.5, so I'll probably grab the 29 and 30 for the front and see which one fits...

 

[BROOKLYN]

I measured last night and my rear bar is 21mm, my front is measuring as 29.5, so I'll probably grab the 29 and 30 for the front and see which one fits...

let me know what parts your using
i know that the 06 is different

 

[liqourish]

this'll work just fine for those with XREAS? (even better?):zoom:

 

[CJ3Flyr]

this'll work just fine for those with XREAS? (even better?):zoom:

It will work. Better? I don't know. I would guess the combo of bushings and XREAS would be awesome on the road.
:cheers:

 

[liqourish]

i guess we'll find out after i sell some of my school books for some money:biggrin2:

 

[810moto]

So I have read all 5 pages over the last month over and over and over..just to be sure. I must say there is some dang good info here. I am getting ready to put on some FJ springs on all 4 corners and will be doing the bushings as well. Thanks to all who have put .02 in.....it helps!

 

[mndanielsncsu]

So I have read all 5 pages over the last month over and over and over..just to be sure. I must say there is some dang good info here. I am getting ready to put on some FJ springs on all 4 corners and will be doing the bushings as well. Thanks to all who have put .02 in.....it helps!

I completely agree. I've actually read through a lot of the mods in CJ's signature and started doing some of them myself as they are all good "bang for your buck" mods. I ordered a Transmission Cooler, Sway Bar, and End-Link bushings from Summit Racing and just started putting it all on last weekend. I got the tranny cooler and end-link bushings installed but my sway-bar bushings are backordered until 3/25. I can already tell a some difference after having replaced just the end-link bushings. Can't wait to swap out the sway-bar bushings to get the total package. Great stuff!

 

[aeathb]

Question, for installing the end links, how much do you tighten them? Is a wrench that tells how much force your using necessary, or is it basically "Tighten until you cant anymore"? Thanks

 

[810moto]

Question, for installing the end links, how much do you tighten them? Is a wrench that tells how much force your using necessary, or is it basically "Tighten until you cant anymore"? Thanks

30ft pounds is what my sheet says but make sure everything is lined up. i put some paint on the bolt and nut as a reff. point then went and did some very mild offroading to "help" them settle in.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36613889@N05/4454941289/" title="Driverside polyurethane bushing end links by motox810, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2740/4454941289_4f5830feb3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Driverside polyurethane bushing end links" /></a>

 

[bbumbles]

I got a 21mm rear greasable set by mistake if anyone wants them $10.
thanks

 

[jpless]

just ordered the end-link bushings and am gonna pick up one of those measuring tools after work to figure out what size I need for the sway bar bushings before I order them.

I have an 06 limited v6, if it ends up being 21mm, I'll buy them from you!

 

[jpless]

put the end link bushings on and love it!

bbumbles, I pm'ed you about the 21mm set, I just ordered the front set from summit so let me know either way, id like to get them asap.

 

[jpless]

well I got the front sb bushings and my aux tranny cooler today. Went out to do the bushings but I couldnt get enough slack in the SB. I only took the bracket off the passenger side. I then disconnected the lower endlink but could not get the SB off the bolt so I still couldnt get slack in it.

It started to rain and I had to call it quits since I didn't give enough time but before I go back and try again I was looking for suggestions. I read the entire thread again and it sounds like I just need to remove both brackets and that will give me enough slack?

bbumbles, please respond to me either way, I'm going to order the rear bushings if I don't hear back from you soon.

Thanks!