What is this joint under my 87 T4R?

[Husker Du]

Hi, This is my first post here. I've done quite a bit of looking around over the last few days and I can tell this is a good croud. I didn't think my first post was going to be asking for help but I ran into something I can't find in the Toyota Repair Manual.
Again; This is a 1987 4-Runner 2R5 with 197,000 miles.
Next to the front axel there's what looks to be some kind of joint (or maybe this is called a bushing) near the wheel on both sides.
It lloks like it has a rubber insert inside but worn out. Can you tell me what this is and how often the rubber insert should be changed?
Thank you,
~Husker Du

 

[hodgepodge79]

That is one of three front-axle-housing mounts. There is one integrated with the front differential cover, and one near the rear of the differential housing (top right-hand corner of your first pic).
That bushing should rarely, if ever, need replacing. Nothing to do to it maintenance wise, besides check that it is tight annually (~50 ft-lbs).

 

[Husker Du]

Thank you hodgepodge79

Thanks for the quick response hodgepodge79. I can't budge the bolts, tighter or looser so I suspect they have not moved since new. When I drive over bumps that are at regular intervals such as some of the freeways in Sothern cal, it feels like the whole front suspension is loose/wobbly. I have relatively new shocks and this problem accrued even when the shocks were new and with the old set of shocks. At least I know what there called now.
~Husker Du

 

[hodgepodge79]

Re: Thank you hodgepodge79

Tit feels like the whole front suspension is loose/wobbly.
~Husker Du

Commonly, the stabilizer-bar bushings are worn out. Mine were toast, and I had to use a angle-grinder with a cut-off wheel to cut through the link. I had intentions to replace the links and bushings, but have decided to just leave the stabilizer-bar off altogether.
Also, could be the upper and/or lower ball-joints. I am replacing my lower balljoint (pass. side) for the second time in five years, as well as an outer tie-rod end (also pass. side). Hopefully this will tighten things up for me.