Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Replacement (Part 1)
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- Опубліковано 25 лис 2016
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* I SUGGEST YOU READ THIS VIDEO DESCRIPTION AND THE COMMENT WE PINNED*
In this video, we show you how to remove your lower control arms, remove and replace the bushings and get everything back together with basic tools. If you have metric sockets, ratchets and extensions, torque wrench, pry bar, bench vice, bottle jack, and butane torch, you can do this repair. The repair does require some specialty tools like pullers and a ball joint sleeve, but you can rent those for free at most auto parts stores. This repair is done on a 3rd Generation Toyota 4runner but the steps and technique we use can translate to other trucks and passenger vehicles as well.
**Here's a link to our Steering Rack Bushing Replacement Video if you wanted to also replace these bushings at the same time:
• Steering Rack and Fron...
**If you found one or more of your cam adjusters rusted in place in the bushing sleeve, you'll have to cut them out. Here's a link to Part 2 of this job which shows you how to cut them out with a reciprocating saw and also shows how to do the bushing removal and installation with a hydraulic press. • Front Lower Control Ar...
**Here’s some Torque Specs:
For Steering Rack:
Driver side long bolt that goes through cross member - 141 ft-lbf
Middle Perpendicular Bolt - 123 ft-lbf
Passenger Side Bracket Bolt and Nut - 123 ft-lbf
For Removal and Replacement of LCA:
Cam Adjuster Bolts - 96 ft-lbf
Lower Shock Bolt - 101 ft-lbf
Outer Tie Rod Castle Nut - 67 ft-lbf
Lower Ball Joint Castle Nut - 105 ft-lbf
Wheel Lug Nuts - 85 ft-lbf
*PARTS*
*Whiteline Polyurethane Bushings - Part #W53377A
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*Cam Adjustment Bolt Parts (Not necessary to replace unless you had to cut out one or more of your cam adjusters #48409-35050. You can clean up your old ones but if you wanted to buy some new ones, here’s the part numbers):
(QTY 4) #48452-35020 - Plate, Toe Adjust
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(QTY 4) #90080-11283 - Bolt w/ Washer
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(QTY 4) #48409-35050 - Cam Sub-Assy, Toe
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*Helpful Tools*
If you're looking for other tools not used in this video, check out Timmy's Master Tool List.
www.amazon.com/shop/timmythet...
*6 Ton Jack Stands
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*Heavy Duty Rubber Wheel Chock (This is just one. I recommend buying two) amzn.to/3lNC3MG
*Dewalt 1/2" Drive Impact Gun - Nice for removing wheel lug nuts and other fasteners
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*Dewalt Batteries
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*Dewalt Battery Charger
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*1/2" Drive Regular Impact Extension Set
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*1/2" Drive Deep Metric Impact Socket Set
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*Knipex Diagonal Cutters - to remove and bend cotter pins
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*Brake Cleaner - to clean up cam adjusters before making match-marks
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*Red Paint Pen - to make match-marks
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*1/2" Drive Flex Head Gear Wrench Ratchet
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*1/2” Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket Set
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*Flex Head Box End Wrench Set
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*OTC Long Prybar Set - this set and the set below will give you all the prybar sizes you'll ever need.
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*Mayhew 5 Piece Prybar Set
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*Butane Torch
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*Mapp Gas
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*12 Ton Bottle Jack
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*Large Channel Locks - to help drive in new bushings
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*Anti-Sieze
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*OTC 7249 Balljoint Press Kit - sleeves we used came from this kit
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*Tekton 22mm Combination Wrench - to tighten cam adjuster bolt near steering rack. No room for a socket. amzn.to/2OSwxaP
*CDI 1/2" Drive Foot Pound Torque Wrench
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*CDI 3/8" Drive Foot Pound Torque Wrench
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*Yost Bench Vice
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*OTC 6295 Front End Service Kit (Super helpful set of pullers that I've used on many many jobs)
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*Diablo Demon Carbide Tipped Blades (They cut very well if you're forced to cut out one or more of the cam adjusters).
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**As Ebay Partner Network members, we earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
**As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases.
**PLEASE READ THIS COMMENT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND UPDATES ON THIS REPAIR**
** Somebody on the Toyota forum asked a great question. He wanted to know how much the vice needed to open up to press the bushings in. So, I took some measurements and here they are:
Control Arm Sleeve that the bushing presses into - 1.75"
Balljoint Receiving Cup - 2.5"
Big Channel Locks - .5"
Total Length - 4.75"
So, I'd recommend using a vice that can at least open 5 inches. Now, if you use a longer balljoint receiving cup or a thicker pair of channel locks, you'd have to have an opening longer than 5 inches. But, if you had a shorter balljoint cup, you could get away with less of an opening.
** In retrospect, I think it would have been better to use the balljoint sleeve to do the pressing against the bushing sleeve for a more even application of pressure and have the channel locks on the backside to provide the gap needed for the bushing to press all the way in. The channel lock jaws would have to be at least .5" thick because the bushing pushes out that far to the inside of the control arm.
** 12/31/16 - I helped do this repair for someone else and found we did not have to remove the steering rack boot to get the driver side cam adjuster and bolt out. You can pull the rack back far enough to get the bolt and cam adjuster out no problem as long as you disconnect the power steering line bracket on the inside of the driver side frame rail. Disconnecting that bracket will allow you enough play in the lines to pull the rack backwards far enough so you can sneak the rear cam bolt and adjuster out.
** With this repair on 12/31/16, we did run into the problem of having both cam adjusters on the passenger side locked into the bushing sleeve due to corrosion (rust). We pounded and pounded and could not get them to budge. So, the only choice we had was to cut them out. We had to cut the cam adjuster on each side of the bushing to get the control arm out of the frame member. It's best to use a reciprocating saw with a good metal blade to make the cuts. I used a small Milwaukee M12 cordless saw to do the cuts. It's not a super powerful saw, but it got the job done. So, knowing the fact that these cam adjusters can commonly be rusted and impossible to remove without cutting, you might want to order a couple cam adjusters and have them on hand to you don't get stuck in the middle of the repair.
**04/03/18 - We now have a Part 2 for this job that shows how to use a press to get the bushings out and back in and also how to cut any frozen cam adjusters out with a reciprocating saw. ua-cam.com/video/6FzEHygizoI/v-deo.html
**Before doing the final tightening to spec of suspension components, you should have the weight of the vehicle on it's wheels so the component is sitting in it's normal point of articulation. You can snug up fasteners for suspension components but wait until the weight of the vehicle is on the tires before tightening them to the final torque spec. This is best practice so the bushings don't bind and the component will travel more freely within it's range of movement. We learned this after we shot the video and we wanted to let people know the correct way to tighten suspension components.
Excellent tutorial! very clear presentation and videotaping.A job well done!How long did it take per side?Cheers
I own a 2000 toyo trd first gen and it had worn bushings on the steering gear and I was able to do the job by myself from watching YT tutorials and being lucky to find a factory manual for a 2003 wich is basically the same vehicle.Cheers
Hey Rob, sorry for the late reply. I'd say around 2 hours per side. If you have to cut out any cam sleeves, it will add quite a bit more time.
No problem and thank you for the reply, I think I will have to take it to a shop because I do not have a big enough vise and also do not have someone to help me.I really enjoyed your video very informative.Thank you
I don't know Rob, the amount of money a shop will charge for this job is worth the expense of buying yourself a new vice. You don't really need somebody to help you. You can do this all on your own. I think you'll be shocked how much a shop will charge for this job.
The fact that you are on the ground with jack stands and everything you do is how the home mechanic will have to do speaks volumes... This really is the best Toyota mechanic channel around...thank you
Hey Joe, thanks for the very nice compliment of our channel. We really appreciate it! By the way, we have a Part 2 for this video. ua-cam.com/video/6FzEHygizoI/v-deo.htmlsi=1dWvfhA-sP6-rNz5 Happy Wrenching!
5 years later I am so thankful you've made this video. I've come to you for a few things, steering rack and this were the biggest life savers. I love that you explain it in such a way, that my brother who could barely change his oil can watch this and get the job done perfectly. I was scratching my head about how to get the old bushings out easily. This channel rocks and should get more exposure that you do
Great to hear our videos are helping you out and we appreciate your nice compliment of our channel. I do sometimes wonder why we don't attract more people to our channel, but we'll just keep plugging along doing what we do. Take care and Happy Wrenching!
Sir, I wanna say this:
This is one of the most comprehensive, thorough, and eloquent videos I have seen so far. Very well-done! A great prep work, thorough and methodic application, and attention to detail.
A True Academician!
Thank you!
Well Hey, we really appreciate the nice compliment. Sean and I try our best to produce very detailed and easy to follow videos. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. Happy Wrenching!
This channel is a must see for 3rd gen owner truly awesome
Thanks! Sean and I really appreciate your comment.
Alot of videos make jobs like this look easy. This video really details all the issues one might run into while attempting a job like this. Well done.
Thanks! Part 2 shows another issue that can make the job take a lot longer. Check it out: ua-cam.com/video/6FzEHygizoI/v-deo.htmlsi=RlZ0kFo3EaouMSI4
I just wanted to thank you for this detailed video on this job. Because of your help I did this job myself (and while at it replaced lower ball joint, sway bushings, endlinks, and tie rods) and saved myself well over a grand in labor costs. Thank you!
You're welcome. Thanks for commenting and sharing you success story with us. We love hearing how people have saved themselves a ton of money using our videos. Happy Wrenching!
Ridiculously well documented. Someone who’s never really done anything to their car could do this. Amazing
Thanks John for the nice compliment. What you said is exactly what we are after. We want to inspire people to take up the challenge of auto mechanics. We can do that by giving them detailed videos to inspire confidence in their ability to tackle a job. We gear our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be successful using our videos as a tutorial. For the more experienced mechanics, they won't need that level of instruction but they can always fast forward and find a particular section they need clarification on and then go on their merry way. We really appreciate it John. Thanks!
Good video! Really helpful to see your method for removing and replacing lower control arm bushings with basic tools. Also really helpful that you post all the part #'s, torque specs and links! The very end of the video with the outtakes is hilarious!
Glad you like the video. Sean stringing together all my uhs and ums had me crying laughing. I guess I have to work on my speech skills so he doesn't have to do so much editing.
Thank you so much for making these videos. I have a '98 4runner and a 2000 tundra totalling over 600,000 miles between them and thanks to you I've been able to keep them running safely without any trips to the shop. If I lived near you, I'd definitely take you out for a beer.
Hey Scott, great to hear you're doing all your own wrenching with some help from our videos. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. Happy Wrenching!
Here is another helpful tip for this job. Instead of taking out only 1 of the power steering line guide bracket bolts (12mm), take out all 3. They are all 12mm bolts with easy access. Taking out all 3 of the powering steering line guide bracket bolts gives you even more movement in the steering rack. I didn't even need to take off the boot covering the power steering rail. I found that if I tilted the rack so the passenger side was low the angle created enough space to get the bolt and cam in and out with minimal fuss. Thanks for all your work on these videos! Your repair videos are some of the best on youtube and are extremely valuable to the do-it-yourselfers.
Hey Tim, thanks for the comment. After shooting this video, I've performed this job several more times. What I found is you can pull the rack back just far enough with that one power steering bracket line disconnected on the driver side frame rail to get the cam adjuster bolt to clear the steering rack. When we filmed this job, I just didn't think we could pull the rack back far enough for the bolt to clear but lo and behold we could. I put this update in the video description on 12/31/16. But, I can see by taking out all the power steering line bracket bolts you could move the steering rack back further with a lot less effort.
Sean and I appreciate the nice compliment. That's great to hear you think our videos are some of the best out there. Happy Wrenching Tim!
Thank you so much for these videos. Everyone has helped me do these projects just as you described down to the size socket needed and torque specs to go back together.
Kenneth Fike thanks for the comment Ken! We hope you stop by the comments section again for ny questions or just to share your success with these videos! Sicmods!!!
That trick with the channel locks at 27:58 is slick. Glad this video is available. My 4th gen will probably need LCA bushings soon. Thanks for all your videos Tim!
Thanks Bob. You're welcome. Good luck with the job when you get around to doing it. Maybe one day we'll do some work on a 4th Gen.
About to do the same to my 99 Prado. If I do work on my mate's cars or bikes, I always tell them that my works only guaranteed until the vehicle is moved! 😉
That seems fair.
You have no idea how much I appreciate this video. I was doing suspension work and I stopped because I wasn't ready for the headaches of removing the bushings from the control arm. After seeing your video I started the project again and I couldn't believe how easy it was to remove the bushings.Thanks again for a great video.
You're welcome Sledge. We're glad our video helped you out and gave you the confidence to complete the job. Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your success with us.
Very organized and thoughtful introduction. Excellent video. Thank you!
Thanks for the compliment Jamie. We're glad you like the video and you're very welcome. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Happy Wrenching!
Super helpful! Thank you for sharing your video on "how to". Appreciate what you do.
Glad you found our video helpful and you're very welcome. Happy Wrenching!
Another outstanding video! Just started doing this and used the bottle jack with a heat gun and some PB blaster. By slowly adding pressure with the bottle jack and heat, the old bushes came out with no problems. Doing the steering bushings at the same time so getting the rack out of way hasn't been an issue...Thanks guys!
Thanks! Glad you like the video. Great job doing the work yourself. You're very welcome and Happy Wrenching!
I used this bottle jack technique the other day, and it worked perfectly. Thank you for this video, as well as many others that I’ve referenced. I did have one bushing explode out and shoot across my garage, hitting a box and tire. That was fun haha.
Glad it worked out for you. Good job getting it done!
Geez! Great video! Camera angles and explanations were superb!
Hey Scotty, glad you like our video. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Happy Wrenching!
Thanks Timmy!
Did mine today. Pretty work intensive .
Started by using the OEM Toyota vehicle bottle jack but it didn't have enough tonnage.
First one popped out hard. Second one took a lot of air hammer persuasion. Third and 4th I got a bottle jack from autozone and it was enough.
Things flew off like a cannon.
My vehicle would hard left under braking. I had replaced everything and still had the issue. Although my bushings didn't look/feel worn, the issue is now gone. I marked the cams pretty good but will be getting an alignment Tuesday to see if I can get better caster numbers/driving.
Used whitelines. My inner sleeve slid in with no pressing. Rented some C clamp bearing puller kit thing at autozone and pressing them in was super easy. Full day job.
See u on nov 3.
Hey Francois, good job getting the job done. Great to hear it fixed your issue when braking. Diagnosing a problem like that can be difficult, and like you said, being able to tell if the LCA bushings are for sure bad isn't easy either.
Sounds like you would have benefitted from more heat on the arms before trying to drive them out with the bottle jack. I've used this technique 3-4 times now and I've never had a bushing fly out. I load up the bushing a little and then heat it up really good. I give a few cranks with the bottle jack and usually see movement right away. If there's still not movement, I'll give it a little more pressure. If there's still no movement, I'll apply more heat and/or check to see if the bottle jack is pushing directly square on the bushing. You want the piston of the bottle jack pushing directly inline with the bushing and not at a slight angle. If it's not driving with force straight out, this will affect how well it will work.
Some people have managed to destroy their LCAs by using too much force with the bottle jack and spread out the arms to where they won't fit in the frame mounts anymore. Because of that, we decided to make Part 2 of this video showing how you can do the bushing removal with a hydraulic press. The Nov 3rd party is going to be fun. See you then.
Yet another well-executed, informative 3rd Gen T4R DIY service tutorial by you two fellow Bay Area 3rd Gen 4Runner guys! Thanks for it!
Let me know if you want to do a tutorial on installing some new SPC/LC adjustable front UCA's on a 3rd Gen, as I need to install some on mine ASAP as one of my bushings is completely disintegrated. Been running the 3" lift for a few years now and figure its time to splurge on some aftermarket UCA's to finally bring the alignment back into spec, and obviously make it safe to drive again!
Unfortunately I live in SF and I don't really have the space to do it......
We just did a lift on a 2000 Tacoma on Thursday and it included installing SPC UCA's. Are you on toyota-4runner.org? We're having a Mod/Meet-up Day at my place on May 13th. We could probably help you out that day.
Here's the link to the thread:
www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/209965-official-bay-area-mod-meet-greet-thread-23.html#post2663726
You're a good man sir! Was going to change out the lower control arms on my daughter's 07 FJ .....think I'll let a local shop do it!!!
Thanks Dean. Hope you find a good shop. What I've learned from frequenting Toyota forums and from my own personal experience, shop mechanics screw up repairs with a fair amount of frequency. Maybe a Yelp search will lead you to an honest and competent shop. Good luck!
Thanks for the tutorial. I'm in Australia and have a toyota minivan. There's not much out there in regards to service manuals but this definitely helps. Thanks again Timmy
You're welcome Geoffrey. Glad our video helped you out.
Thanks for the video -- The lack of rust and corrosion is hilarious!
Yeah, we are pretty darn spoiled in the California Bay Area. Vehicles last a very long time out here.
Bah, come to northern wisconsin. This is where real rust begins, and no I'm not trying to brag, it's absolutely horseshit to work on any vehicle.
Haha, my bushing sleeves were pretty corroded but the cams/bolts came out like butter. Had to clean off some rush but was easy.
Just did this to my sons 99. We busted a puller trying to get the ball joint off. Couldn’t find a pulled to do it so we just took off the 4 bolts under the ball joint. Removed and pressed the bushings in with the ball joint attached to the LCA. Oh, and the old bushings DID explode out on us and one flew. After the first one, we caught them all in a bucket. 👍 Thanks again Timmy for the awesome vids!
Sounds like you met some challenges but you got it done and that's great to hear. You used the bucket catching idea. Awesome! You're very welcome!
Hi, my name is Oslei and I'm in São Paulo - Brazil. This video helped me a lot, because I have a 4Runner 1997 (white same as the video) and need to effect the exchanges of the bushes. Congratulations on the production and I think it will help a lot of people like me. I would like to have all the tools that you have but here in Brazil they are very expensive ($$$$$) but I believe that with the ones I have I will be able to make the exchanges without problems (mainly with this step by step video)
I wish you success and congratulations on the quality of the material available to all Toyoteiros in the world.
Hey Oslei, I think you're the first person who's commented on our channel from Brazil. Yeah, the right tools can make all the difference but I absolutely understand what you're saying about how expensive tools can be. So even if you use Amazon, the prices are still high for you?
Good luck with the repair and don't hesitate to ask me any questions if you run into any problems. Sometimes the cams can get rusted in the sleeve of the bushing and then you have to cut them out. I hope in your case all the cam adjusters come out easy. I give some helpful tips in the video description so be sure to read it before you get started on this repair.
Hey Timmy. I just finished replacing the upper and lower control arms, lower ball joints and sway bar links on my 3rd gen 4runner. I also dropped in a set of Bilstein shocks. I didn't get the shocks assembled, so I watched another one of your videos on how to do that. (Fun with spring compressors!) I did a mix-n-match of about 4 of your videos altogether to get the job done. 6 years later you're still keeping the wrenches turning! Greetings from Houston ,TX!
Great job getting all that work done Paul. Glad our videos are helping you out. Happy Wrenching!
your channel has been a lifesaver
Good to hear our videos are helping you out. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Happy Wrenching!
Great video. Very informative. Thanks a ton!
You're welcome Hotdog Buns.
Thank you so much for all your detailed videos, I’ve practically restored a 97 with your help.
Just pressed out all my uca and lca bushings today, and my god it was the toughest job so far. My 10t press and various press accessories barely got me through. The arms are surprisingly easy to damage if press sleeves aren’t carefully positioned
You're very welcome. Great job doing all your own work.
Thanks for showing the work in a very detail ways. I don’t have a 4Runner or Tacoma, but I have a Sequoia. It is @ 200,000 miles so I believe it is time to replace those bushing.
You're welcome. Hope the job goes smooth for you. Happy Wrenching!
Very detailed and thorough. Nice job.
Thanks Ed. Glad you like it.
Thanks for another awesome video!
You're welcome Robert. We're glad you like the video and thanks for taking the time to comment. Happy Wrenching!
Hi, Timmy
Thank you so much for your sharing which it really let me learn more about my 1999 Hilux Surf RZN185(similar as 4runner gen3). I'm from Hong Kong and I think the total qty for this model in Hong Kong is not over 50s. So the parts are quite difficult to to find. Sometimes bought from Japan (but it is the crazy price.....) sometimes bought from Ebay.
Anyway, thank you again for everything and your great effort. ^.^
Wilson
You're welcome. I think you're the first person I know of from Hong Kong that has commented on one of our videos. One of the cool things about starting a UA-cam channel is the people you reach across the World. Happy Wrenching my Hong Kong Brother!
This video saved me a lot of frustration and headache. After a lower ball joint broke 4 bolts and we nearly had a horrible accident then trying to repair the damage in order to get the car back on the road ... I tried to get the lower control arm off only to find the cam adjuster seized.Thank you for explaining this so well. I cut the old one and ordered a new one.
Hey Robert, glad our video helped you out. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I was able to change mine by myself yesterday thanks to your video 🙌🏽. Only took me around 6 1/2 hours 😂
That’s awesome! Thanks for coming back to the video and leaving a comment!
Very nice videos that you make. They are very helpful thank you for sharing them with us stay well.
Thanks Juan. Great to hear you're finding our videos helpful. You're very welcome and Happy Wrenching!
Haven't done this job yet, but have watched your videos on lower ball joints and outer tie rods, they were IMMENSELY helpful. Considering my lower ball joint broke in my work car park and I had little mechanical experience. Your videos helped me fix it myself, right then and there in the car park. You've inspired me to do much bigger jobs on my truck myself and I'm a lot more confident due to videos like this. Keep these up! Absolutely life saving!!
Really awesome to hear our videos are helping you out and they are inspiring you to tackle jobs you otherwise wouldn't have done. Thanks for the comment. We appreciate it!
@@TimmyTheToolman just did it by myself over the weekend! Worked a treat and the truck works heaps better. Thank you again mate 🤘 Love these Vids
@@Melos-Media Good to hear. Great job getting it done. Happy Wrenching!
Love those clean California runners. I'm going to bathe my Ohio runner in PB Blaster for a week and hope for the best! Thanks for another fantastic tutorial Timmy!
We feel for you Justin. Good luck with the job.
Nice! I see some CaliFab rear links! He's a great Fabricator and has great products!
I never noticed when working on Fred's truck. I'll have to ask him about them and see about getting some for my rig.
Great video! Very funny at the end🤣
Glad you liked it Oscar.
What an excellent video. Thanks so much for this video TTT.
If not to help me fix this myself, it has helped me decide not to try it myself :D
Great work guys
Attila Shepard You're welcome and we're glad you like the video. You can definitely do this job but it does have its challenges if one or more of the cam adjusters are rusted into the bushing sleeves.
Should have a million views cheers from oz
luke 90series Thanks Luke. We’re steadily gaining subscribers but I think we’d have to expand our realm of models we work on to attract a larger audience. We’re having fun doing it and we know we’re helping people out so that’s what’s important to us.
Just got done doing this repair over the weekend. Thanks Tim for all the good information in this video it helped out a lot. I do want to say that I think the Amazon links are not correct in clicking on them it takes you to parts that do not seem correct. The part numbers are correct but the Amazon links seem to be taking you to incorrect parts one was listed as a windshield washer bolt. Luckily I was able to pick up all the correct parts from a local Toyota dealer. I did this work on a 03 Tacoma I don’t believe it’s too much different if it all done on the 4 Runners. Un lucky for me I did have to cut out two of the cam sleeves the other two came out OK I followed Tim’s lead and bought the Diablo carbide blade they seem to cut through them fairly easily. After being able to get out my lower control arms I unfortunately found out that my bushings were so bad that despite following the instructions in the video placing it in a vice using a bottle jack and applying enough heat to where we almost caught the garage on fire they still would not come out not wanting to risk damaging the control arms I looked into what a local shop around me would charge me to press them out not having access to a press myself. Long story short the amount of money that local shops around me wanted to charge would be more than if I just went and bought new lower control arms myself. This was a bummer because I had purchased the white line bushings like they use in this video I ended up not being able to use them and just buying new lower control arms but like I said it was cheaper way out than having a shop press out the old bushings or me risk damaging the Toyota lower control arms. All in all I still believe that the bottle jack message would work I just feel my bushings were so shot that this method was not working.
Yeah, I checked the links and they are a bit funky. I'll see if I can generate some better ones. Thanks for the heads up on that. Sorry to hear the repair didn't work for you and you had to resort to buying new control arms. But, you got the job done and that's what counts. Happy Wrenching!
I love the "um" reel at the end...
Yeah, it's pretty damn funny. I've showed it to a bunch of guys at work and it always gets good laughs.
Thanks for all the great videos and tutorials for the 3rd gen! BTW - I just removed bushing from my LCA. I purchased a 20ton press, the bearing separator, and bushing removal sleeves from harbor freight. TIP, I sprayed a generous amount of Blaster around the lips of the old bearings and allowed them to soak in overnight. When I put this in the press, to my surprise it only took approx 4 pumps on the press and the bushing popped right out no issues! I too bought new cam bolts and setup for mine.
You're very welcome. Glad the job went smooth for you. Happy Wrenching!
How well did the press work for the removal and installation of the bushings? I have a HF 20 ton and am hoping the control arms will fit into the press far enough so I don't have to resort to this bottle jack rigging. Even though it does seem to get the job done.
@@bigsmallblock9480 The press works great. Check out Part 2: ua-cam.com/video/6FzEHygizoI/v-deo.html
Thanks brother. I appreciate it.
You're welcome.
The uh/um blooper reel starting at 49:30 was epic!!! Great video Tim and Sean, probably should've done this while I was doing my tie rods/ball joints/steering rack-sway bar bushings. Oh well, next time!
I just did this job on my 98 4runner. I had to cut out 2 of my cam sleeves because they were rusted into the LCA bushings. We're going to be coming out with a Part 2 to show the cutting of the cam sleeves and also show a different option for the bushing replacement by using a hydraulic press as opposed to the bottle jack technique.
Sweet. Thank you. When is the next meetup for the bay area T4R forum crew? (if you are planning on having another one)
Great Video Timmy!
At the end, when the camber was suddenly way off toward positive, I'm thinking this would only be immediately upon setting the truck back down on its own tires. It would normalize after a bit of driving.
When the suspension fully extends/ articulates, the lower end of the hubs/wheels tuck in (probably due to the difference in length of the upper and lower control arms, and maybe their default angles to the ground which might not be the same.)
When the suspension fully articulates, the wheels don't just drop down and stay parallel with each other, they tend to move in a bit of an arc and the lower end of the wheels tuck in. So I imagine, at point of first contact with the ground as you lower the truck, the wheels will have their bottoms tucked in since the suspension will still be quite articulated. The tires will grip and resist being dragged across the ground.
As the weight of the truck rests back on the suspension, the suspension system will want to push the bottom of the tires back out, but friction will keep the bottom of the tires in pretty much the same place they first touched the ground.
If one would drive the truck back and forth a bit and weave the steering a bit, the tension in the suspension would soon push the bottom of the wheels back out and eliminate the sudden positive camber.
Thanks and you're may be right.
Bradah Timmy. Mahalo for sharing
Is 5/23 and ready to tackle this project on my taco 98
Good luck our Hawaiian Brother! You should watch Part 2 as well for a second technique to get the bushings out and to also learn how to cut out the cam adjusters if you unfortunately find one of more of them frozen into the bushing sleeve. ua-cam.com/video/6FzEHygizoI/v-deo.html
I just did this on my 04 Tacoma prerunner, and I would recommend disconnecting the steering shaft from the top of the steering rack, this way you have more than enough room and don’t have to remove the boot from the steering rack. Also I did this with bushings from Energy Suspension which made me reuse the old metal sleeves, which added 12 hours to the job, would recommend the Whiteline ones.
You actually can get enough movement out of the steering rack without removing the steering shaft from the steering rack. Take a look at the comment I pinned and look at the note dated 12/31/16.
And Yes, Energy Suspension bushings are a huge mistake for this application.
I think Siberian Bushing is the only one now that makes a 1-piece poly bushing for these. I just installed them on my Tundra.
This video is great cheers guys
Thanks Dave. We're glad you like it.
These videos are just outstanding!
Thanks for the compliment. We appreciate it!
You need to do a video on clutch replacement on a 3.4 manual. Lol. Jk. I’m also having a weird issue of very notchy shifting. It does not grind at all. Clutch actually feels ok. Just got this 4x4 on the cheap. Definitely wasn’t well taking care of
excellent video Timmy
Sicmods Warren!!
4th generation 4runner has the ball joints as an integral part of the assembly so if the bushings are compromised you can be certain the ball joints move like a joy stick. Such is the case with mine after 246k miles.
My only cost effective option is to go with MOOG L.C.A.’s at $180.00 per L.C.A. inclusive of bushings and ball joint.
I was a bit confused about the adjustments but I see now it’s more of an oblong Front/back adjustment and not the up/down of control arm. At least I think that’s what it is.
I may just let my local shop install the parts, although I don’t like it when customers ask me to install appliance parts because let’s face it, parts mark up is how businesses make $$$.
You wouldn’t bring a steak to a restaurant and ask the chef to cook it.
This is one case my mechanic will make an exception.
Thanks for the video.
Man I wish I had you around to just help me work on mine to make a cool video! Awesome..
Well, you could move to the overpriced California Bay Area. Glad you like the video.
Very helpful video! Thanks, guys. I'll be doing this work soon. Actually, I'm doing pretty much everything in the front end of my 2000 4Runner 4x4: replacing all the bushings and ball joints (UCAs and LCAs), tie rods, steering rack bushings. It’s at 210K miles, and it’s not holding an alignment, so it’s time.
Those look like Durobumps bump stops installed on the LCAs in this video...or at least they look just like them. I have those, and the instructions say they should *only* be installed on the rear arm of the LCA. It appears in the video these are installed on the front. Just wanted to point that out. Perhaps let the vehicle owner know.
Thanks again for the videos. Keep up the great work!
Raleigh Moody we wish you luck in all the work you’re about to embark on! If you take your time, and have the right tools handy you will be fine.
The filming of this video was a couple years before Durobumps existed, but you’re right, he has super bumps in the front and Durobumps instructs to install them on the rear of the lower control arm.
Next on the list! Hopefully this week, mine won't hold an alignment worth crap.. and feel it shimmy when backing up on a hill. Feel it jerk out of spot
Hey Jose, hope the repair goes smooth for you and it fixes your alignment issues. From your description, it does sound like the LCA bushings will fix your problem. Happy Wrenching!
The uh, compilation had me at what? Lol. Thanks for the great video!
It is pretty damn funny. Glad you like the video.
Haha that was great
Legit video. Thanks 🎉
Thanks and you're welcome Jeff. Check out Part 2 as well. ua-cam.com/video/6FzEHygizoI/v-deo.html
Omg, I got an O'Reillys commercial during the "uhh" compilation. The "uhh"s turned into "ohs" and I was dying.
That is pretty funny. I guess the advertisements are a good thing.
Thanks for this! It's not exactly what I'm doing but it's close enough. My 4thGen needs to have the LBJs replaced soon because of leaking boots and instead of only replacing the ball joints I'll replace the whole control arm and put in grease-able eccentrics. My 4Runner spent a lot of time in Florida's salty air in its previous life and the last alignment was tough on the guy who did it but he got it done right. I'm not happy about having to r/r the balljoints so soon (86k) but they are ten years old and even the best rubber wears out. I'll take my OEMs and have Moog grease-able ball joints and new bushings put in so I have a set ready to go in another 100k.
Maybe video the repair and upload it to UA-cam. I'm sure your DIY 4th Gen Brothers would appreciate it.
merci beaucoup pour cette vidéo et conseil.
You're very welcome Max. We have a Part 2 video too, that shows a different technique to remove the bushings and also covers how to cut out the arms if you unfortunately find one of more of the cam adjusters is frozen inside the bushing sleeve. ua-cam.com/video/6FzEHygizoI/v-deo.html
Whiching your video is something anyone can do. I already know how to do. But your video is good to watch and to see how another person redo the same thing I've already know or done. Ever wonder if these friends or others ever paid you to work on the SUV. One thing is you actually take the time to go over every little step and it take a lot of time from doing and getting parts off and on
Glad you like the video. The people we help usually treat us to lunch and beers. We don't charge people if it means we get a new video out of it to share on our channel. There have been local people who have hit me up for common jobs like the rear axle seals and I have done it for them at a price much much less than a shop would charge.
Giving the viewer extra detail is what makes us different than many other automotive UA-cam channels. The downside to offering this extra detail is our videos are longer than most. Some people don't like long videos but it's my opinion if somebody wants to know how to do something, they'll sit through the video if it means they will be successful with the job. And, people can always skip around through the video if they just need to see one part that they are stuck on. When people complain about the video length, I just tell them nobody is forcing them to watch the whole thing. Skip through it and watch the parts you need help with. It's pretty simple.
Managed to do this job today with the bottlejack method. Fortunately I got a spare set of LCAs that lived most of their life in SoCal so with a little bit of heat and a 12 ton bottlejack they popped out without too much force. I did find out that using a balljoint press and the 4wd press kit you can easily press in new whiteline bushings and probably OEM bushings as well without the use of a vice as a pressing tool.
Good job getting the job done Aaron. Thanks for sharing that a balljoint press with the 4wd sleeves worked to get the Whiteline bushings installed. Press work is one of those things that you can usually fine multiple ways to accomplish.
@@TimmyTheToolman Absolutely. Just wanted to make a note of it so if anyone else is tackling this moderately difficult job knows the multiple ways to accomplish it.
@@Phelps1111 Yeah, the more the ways the better. Some dudes come up with some pretty ingenious ways to get the job done.
Great video give me the confidence to get done
That's great to hear Kevin. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
@@TimmyTheToolman I've done ball joints injectors lower control arms bushings shocks in the back fuel filter have clean the throttle body ball joints thanks to your videos I love my 97 limited edition with 300,000 k have owned it for about 18 years
@@kevindamaso4338 That's great to hear you've made good use of our videos. Sean and I love hearing this.
I did the lower control arm with the toyota bottle jack between the lower control arm but used under the jack bottom a piece of square stock steel and used it as a sleeve over the end of the control arm that the bottom of the jack would be and then put it in a vice so no force is on the arm,And the control arm was under the square stock in the same vice.I seen people on youtube do that and the control arm bends.Good work on the back left side lower control arm bolt,I just loosened the bolts on the rack in the middle (Took one out and only kept one in the middle to swivel the rack)and took out the bolts on the ends and the rack swivels on the center loosened bolt,It pulled down enough for me,Did not need to removed the boot,Cheers.Joe P.E.
Good job getting it done Joe. There's more the one way to skin a cat. Thanks for sharing your techniques.
Awesome video!!
Thanks Jake. Does anyone ever call you Jake the Snake?
HaHa, I've heard: Jake the Cake, Jake Bake, Fake Jake, and Sssshake!
I have a friend named Jack but his nickname is Jake. Then it became Jake the Snake.
Very very good video , how could we have any questions with this nice video , realy helped me alot.
Thanks for the kind words. It's good to hear our video helped you out.
Excellent video - fellow TW member
We're glad you like it. Stay tuned and we'll keep them coming.
Subbed for the bloopers
Welcome to the circus.
Thanks guys
You're very welcome!
Very good
We're glad you like Virgil. Good luck with the job and Happy Wrenching! If you unfortunately find one or more of your cam adjusters are rusted in place, be sure to check out Part 2: ua-cam.com/video/6FzEHygizoI/v-deo.html
Thanks!
You're very welcome. We appreciate the Super Thanks!
I'm currently rebuilding the engine on my 97 4Runner. Fortunately, this gives me under hood access and time while I wait on the machine shop. Going to order sway bar, steering, LCA (Whiteline) and UCA ES poly bushings. Your video say's good time to replace lower ball joints. Does anyone know if upper ball joints are prone to failure as well? Not a fun project but these are not disposable vehicles like so many other crappy cars on the road today.
The upper balljoints are not known to fail. I'd only replace them if there's detectable play in the joint or the boot is torn and you've been driving it with a torn boot for a long time allowing road contaminants to get into the joint and cause wear. If it's just a torn boot, you can purchase a reboot kit that comes with the boot, grease, and the wire to secure the boot to the balljoint.
Swapped my arms this weekend. It was a nightmare, two out of the 4 cam bolts were frozen. One had to be cut out with grinder and sawzall. And even with rack unhooked, it was still very difficult getting bolt and cam removed on driver side. Bravo on making it look easy.
For the driver side cam bolt, did you release the power steering line bracket on the inside of the driver side frame rail? When you release that bracket, you can easily pull the rack back far enough to remove the bolt and cam adjuster. I mention this in a comment I pinned.
@@TimmyTheToolman dang. I missed that! I didn't do that. You guys in California have nice clean vehicles. Colorado winters are tough on bolts after 20 years, haha.
First off thanks for the videos. I replaced the bushings over the weekend on a 3rd gen. The worst part of the whole project was getting the washers to fit between the outer side of the bushings. You mentioned it was hard around 31:50. How hard was it!? I had to hammer and wedge the washer to get it in and caused a bit of damage to the poly bushing. My theory is the frame has been squeezed together by the Cam bolts from the factory LCA install.
Yeah, we didn't have as much of a struggle as you did. Our install required no pounding or bushing damage. Glad our video helped you out and we appreciate you taking the time to comment. Happy Wrenching!
Hey Timmy, I think I've watched about all your videos They are great! I am fixing to replace inner and outer tie rods, the lower control arm bushing, the sway bar bushings, rack and pinion bushings, and lower ball joints on a 1999 Toyota Prerunner with 215,000 miles. The lower ball joints are bad and I have a shimmy above 60mph. I was hoping you could give me some order to do this when I rip it all apart. Would you do one side at a time, or inner then outer, then rack and pinion, then ball joints, then sway bar. I was looking for the best plan of attack. I can rebuild an engine, but not as good on suspension components, although I have installed several ball joints, coil springs ,shocks etc. on old 65 to 72 Chevy muscle cars before. Thanks for any help!
Good to hear you like the videos we've been making.
Here's the order I would do:
1) Jack up front end and support on frame rails with jack stands.
2) Remove the wheels.
3) Do Inner and Outer Tie Rods, one side at a time
4) Remove the sway bar
5) Disconnect steering rack like we show in our video. If you release that power steering bracket on the driver side frame you'll be able to pull back the rack far enough so you can get the rear LCA bolts out. You might have to support the rack with something like bailing wire.
6) Remove the LBJs
7) Remove the LCAs
8) Replace LCA bushings
9)Reinstall LCAs and LBJs
10)Replace Steering Rack Bushings
11)Reinstall Steering Rack
12)Reinstall Sway bar with new bushings
Hope this helps.
Tim. Thank you for the awesome videos. I just recently did this same repair on my 01 4x4. I used the Whiteline bushings. One things that I thought about after the fact was if I needed to grease the outside face of the poly bushing. The part where it meets the washer. I didn’t notice that you did this in your video, so I am hoping that it isn’t necessary. I did buy the cam adjusters that have grease fittings, so Hopefully that will be sufficient. Thanks
Hey John, it's actually good to lubricate the outside face of the bushing that the washer meets up with. I can't even remember if we did lubricate it or not in this video but I've now done this job 4 times and I know I've lubricated the bushings faces on those other repairs. If you haven't gotten the vehicle aligned yet, it might be good to go back in and lubricate them. If you've gotten an alignment already, I wouldn't bother then. There is a chance you'll get some squeaking but hopefully not.
Timmy The Toolman I have already gotten it aligned, but I may go ahead and tear it back down and grease them. I would hate for them to tear up from not doing so.
Timmy The Toolman I appreciate the response!
I don't think they would tear up but there's a chance they would make noise over time. When the bolts are tightened down, the washer gets sandwiched between the frame member and the bushing. I think the metal sleeve inside the poly bushing is what's doing most of the pivoting. If that was greased, I think you're good to go. It's just with some flexing I think the bushings could end up squeaking against the washers and sometimes even though you've lubricated everything really well, it happens eventually. It happened with my sway bar bushings. They started making noise and once I took the bar off and greased everything really well again, the noise went away. It's probably the main downside to using polyurethane bushings.
You said you bought cam adjusters with grease fittings. Do you have a link you could share?
Timmy The Toolman I actually decided to take go ahead and take it back apart and grease them. Thanks!
I just did this job on my 4 runner. I found that the thing to do is to cut the bushing flange off and thin press the bushing guts out this way you don't put excessive force on the Controle arm. pressing the guts out. Then use a sharp punch to peal the bushing steel sleve in and then press the sleve out.
Sure, whatever works. You got it done and that's all that counts. We also show another way in Part 2 using a press. ua-cam.com/video/6FzEHygizoI/v-deo.html
At the end, we are here with timmy the uh? man hah. Great video guys.
Yep, we have a sense of humor and I obviously need to go to public speaking school.
Hi Timmy what generation 4 runner are you working on in the video. I replaced my 4 runner bushings with the white line ones but they look different from yours and didn’t need to be pressed in
Just wondering....my 98 4runner hasnt had any steerng/suspension bushings ever replaced. Ive started experincing significant sway at highway speeds. Just wondering what other bushings I should replace and what order I should replace them in. Thanks for the great info!
Steering rack bushings. Front and rear sway bar bushings. Upper and lower rear control arm bushings. Maybe the front upper control arm bushings as well. We have videos for all these bushing replacements. If you have questions, just ask.
awesome video tim! can the jack that is included with the truck fit in that same spot as the bottle jack you used?
Yes, it can. I read posts on Toyota forums saying they used the stock bottle jack and it worked.
Tim your channel has helped me modify both of my gx 470's (2004) I never turned a wrench prior to this year and have been able to do everything from Lift, LCA, UCA, brakes rooters and pads, oil changes you name it. I am just wondering if I will still have to loosen the rack if I am gonna cut out pins because I have the super pro LCA, I figured maybe the toyota you are workingh on has KDSS and Mine does not. Also I have seen videos of guys taking the knuckle bracket off and some do not. Any recomendations?
The video we did this on is a 3rd Gen 4runner and I haven't done this on an LX470. I'm not sure about all the particulars to get the LCAs off on your rig.
It's great to hear you've been doing all your own wrenching. That has to feel good.
very good
Thanks.
Great video. Should the process be the same for a 2001 Tacoma 4x4?
Yes, it would be the same. Your sway bar end links attach differently to the LCA but that's pretty much it. The 3rd Gen 4runner and 1st Gen Tacomas pretty much have identical front ends.
Hey Tim, thanks again for another great video! I have used your videos in the gradual restoration of my 3rd gen 4Runner.
I have a quick question I haven't seen answered. Can you tell me how big of a vice I will need for pressing the control arm bushings and bushing sleeves into place? I will need a larger vice to complete this project, and I want to make sure I don't get one that's too small.
mishmasta Read the video description. I list what size vise I think would be the minimum opening width to do this job. The video description also has a bunch more helpful information so it's worth reading.
Timmy The Toolman, it would help if I clicked the "read more" button. Thanks for answering even the stupid questions.
Looks like I'll need to use an alternate method to press the bushing in. I found this thread, which you may have referenced in the video: www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/front-suspension-rebuild-3rd-gen-265072/
A forum member used a threaded rod and ball joint press cups in the above thread, but I wonder if a c-clamp style ball joint press would fit the pressing tool stack. IIRC they have a pretty big gap.
You that best Timmy
Thanks Ronaldo.
+1 to using a bucket, mine turned into a projectile!! Wish I had it on video. It definitely would have hit the neighbors car
Smart man James. You avoided an interesting conversation with your neighbor. Good job getting it done!
"projectile" lol that was funny good job btw
Glad you appreciate the humor. Thanks!
Do you know if a 2003 Tacoma 4x4/Prerunner 6 lug models use the same parts?
I just went on the Whiteline website and it doesn't look like they sell the LCA bushings for a Tacoma. But, if I were you, I'd ask a Toyota parts person if the LCA's on a 3rd Gen 4runner are the same as your year Tacoma. If so, the same bushings will work then.
Timmy! Can I use the torch and jack method for the uppers? U didn’t in your video but I don’t have a press. Thanks!
Hey Mike, the distance between the upper control arm is too tight to fit a jack between. If you like turning wrenches and doing your own repairs, I highly suggest getting a Harbor Freight 20 ton press. If you catch it on sale, you can get them for a really affordable price. I use my press all the time. It's money well-spent.
Hey Timmy !! thanks a lot for all the videos! You teach me plenty!
I'd replace valve covers and injectors in my Tacoma 2000 3.4 4x4 manual, and now runs like new and CEL-less
Now I need to replace LCAs ,and because of Caltrans and the brine they use to remove snow in winters, I know I will need to cut the Cam Adjusters....Amazon filter says, that the parts you used to replace yours will not fit In my Tacoma. Is that right? Or I should not pay attention to it and get it anyways?
many thanks
German from Tahoe
The parts for the cam adjusters should be the same as your Tacoma. The arms themselves are different because you have a different type of sway bar connection than a 3rd Gen 4runner. I bet Toyota used different part numbers for the same cam adjuster parts and that's why Amazon is saying they're not compatible.
I changed my dome light once. I probably wont do this though 😅
Whitey Willoby hey everyone has to start somewhere, and with our instructions anyone can do it!
Great video! What size is the receiving cup? Is it a socket? Every heard of oblonging the arms where the bushing goes ? My friend/mechanic said to be prepared to buy the whole arm if that happens. Tha ks
Don't remember the size of the receiving cup. You could just take some measuring calipers and measure the diameter on the ends of the arm to know what size you'll need. Never heard of oblonging the arm. Unless these arms are rusted to shit or you make a mistake and use to much force to remove the bushing causing the arm to bend outward, I think these arms are pretty bullet proof.
Thank you so much for this and all of your videos. I'd rather pay for tools and do the work myself than the shop and cross fingers.
For what it is worth, my symptoms are pulling after a bit of hesitation to the drivers side when braking. Turns out it is the passenger side LCA bushings being shot.
Jon Rabeneck You're welcome Jon. I use to take my vehicles to shops for things I thought were more than I could handle with my level of knowledge and available tools but now I'd rather invest in the tools like you're doing and do most everything myself. I doubt I'll be rebuilding engines or transmissions but I'll do most other things. Happy Wrenching!
After watching some of your videos I'm confident you would have no troubles building an engine or transmission.
Out of curiosity do you think I would still need to take of the steering rack if I was replace inner and outer tie rods. LCA and lbj. I should have more than enough clearance with the tie rods out to remove and replace the LCA
You have to disconnect the steering rack and pull it back far enough so you can remove the rear bolts that attach the LCA to the frame. That's the reason for it. Even with the inner and outer tie rods disconnected, the shaft of the steering rack would still impede with the bolt coming out. But, if you took the inner and outer tie rods out and then cranked the steering wheel all the way one way, you might be able to sneak one bolt out and then crank the steering wheel all the way the other way and sneak the other bolt out. That might work.
Hey guys! Great video. I’m having troubling getting my 88 4runner aligned within spec. With that said it’s pulling super hard to the right. I’m going to dive into it sometime next week and check out those bushings. The alignment shop was saying it’s potential a bent lower control arm or frame. Although there isn’t any visible damage and I didn’t take a big hit. Do you think it could be just the bushings are totally shot? Thanks
Also it has a high frequency shake around 20mph I figured it was just from the alignment being off.
It could be worn bushings throwing off your alignment. If you've had your rig for quite some time, it drove fine before and you know you didn't take any hard hits, that pretty much rules out a bent control arm or frame. Control arms and frames don't bend from normal driving. Now, they could rust out and break if you live in an area where they salt the roads due to ice.
I'd take a good look at all your front end suspension components - shocks, springs, upper and lower control arms and bushings, upper and lower balljoints, tie rods, and steering rack bushings. Make sure your tire pressure is equal on both front tires. Check your front wheel bearings for play. Hope this helps Austin. Good Luck!