Rubber suspension parts: When to replace?

For the rear suspension specifically check for any movement or play where the the rear control arms and panhard bar attach to the axle housing and where they attach to the frame. Each of these attachment points have a bushing that can go bad. If you are able to wiggle them at all that would mean the bushing is loose and needs to be replaced. Should be no movement

When they deteriorate and crack. That will add slop in them.

Appreciate the input as well as pics!

Has anyone replaced their rubber bushings with urethane? Energy Suspension makes a bunch of replacement which will last much longer than rubber and should help stiffen things up.

Increased noise if not lubed properly. Also will loose some articulation.

thane said:

Yep, loose in the rear with worn bushings. Just did my upper links at 160K. Hard to inspect because the flanges cover the rubber bushing. Tightened up rear end considerably, tracking suffered under braking and throttle. Lots of OEM rubber bushings that are wear items; upper and lower front arms, rear upper and lower links... View attachment 1231151

Click to expand...

What part is that a picture of? Thank you.

Hoden said:

What part is that a picture of? Thank you.

Click to expand...

Looks like one of the upper links.

thane said:

Yep rear upper link with worn out OEM rubber bushings, they all had this much wear. Original and replacement.
View attachment 1231237

Click to expand...

Is that an easy R/R two bolts/nuts or it more complicated than that? Thank you for the information/guidance!

You are correct, just a bolt at each end. Support the vehicle on jack stands and then lift the rear axle slightly with a floor jack.

If you are replacing all 5 links be sure to only do one side at a time so the whole axle assembly doesn't fall out of position.

When putting things back together, a spud wrench can save a lot of time (what steel workers use), available at most good hardware stores.
(darn, the forum is acting up and won't allow to attach a photo now)

If you live in a rusty environment it is a good idea to add a layer of paint over the black primer new links come in.

Note the links are expensive and its really only the bushings that have worn out. Unfortunately, modern bushings have super thin outer steel jackets so Toyota doesn't offer them as service parts separately from the links. Aftermarket bushings are cheap and easy to get. Their affect to ride and handling though, is a factor to consider.

Spud wrench? Thanks.

thane said:

Yep, loose in the rear with worn bushings. Just did my upper links at 160K. Hard to inspect because the flanges cover the rubber bushing. Tightened up rear end considerably, tracking suffered under braking and throttle. Lots of OEM rubber bushings that are wear items; upper and lower front arms, rear upper and lower links... View attachment 1231151

Click to expand...

That will be added to the list to replace in the incoming 2012 FJC project. My uncle is also looking to get new rotors and method or vision wheels, along with bigger tires.

Moog or Toyota oem for various links?