Topic: Energy Polyurethane Bushing master kits any good?

[FjordWarrden]

Hi, I have been taking apart the front end of the 4runner, and thinking that after 215k it may be time to replace the suspension and body mount bushings, any way I was wondering if anyone has used the Energy suspension hyperflex master bushing kit. Particularly the control arm bushings? Im concerned about the increased harshness of the ride and about the compatibility of PU for contolarm bushings.

[Snowtoy]

Used energy suspension mounts on both the '90 and '91 X-cabs, and experienced no harshess in the ride or increased vibration in the cabs.  Also used the bushing kit on teh conttrol arms on the '90, nop issues there either.  The control arms are a PITA to do, found torching the bushings out was the easiset/best way to get them out, and freezing the new bushings is the easiest way of getting them back in.

[FjordWarrden [OP]]

Wow, Thank you so much for the info on the Energy suspension bushings. Ill go ahead and add them to the list. The control arms do look pretty terrible to deal with but they can't be worse than the ball joints I just dealt with. I had to literally use a jackhammer to get them to release. It was small jack hammer,as jack hammers go, but non the less ridiculous.

[Snowtoy]

Never had that issues with ball joints, but having done that, you are prepared for the amount of work for the contol arm bushings.  When I replaced the ones on my '90, I did teh lowers, then a few months, maybe it was a year later, did the uppers.  When you do the upper control arms, you will want to have new torsion bolts and nuts on hand, even in CA w/o a rust issue, I had one strip on me.

[FjordWarrden [OP]]

good to know. Yes the ball joints were very suborn. I think it was because the truck ha been sitting for 6 years before I rescued it. I imagine that driving keeps the ball joints from getting to stuck because of the constant changes in pressure, heat and vibration. Having looked at my lower bushings, the ends seem to be soft still and un-cracked. I'm not sure exactly how to check them but they seem fine for now.

[RUGER]

while were on the topic of bushings what do yall think of prothane.

RUGER

[FjordWarrden [OP]]

Wish I could say, but I have no experience with Prothane.

[RUGER]

me neither. that's why I was asking since its cheaper then energy

RUGER

[Snowtoy]

me neither. that's why I was asking since its cheaper then energy.

At nearly a $60 difference and both claimed to be made in the USA, I would give them a try.

[FjordWarrden [OP]]

I read during my research that the Prothane is much stiffer than Polyurethane, and probably way stiffer than the energy hyperflex bushings.

[Gnarly4X]

https://www.rodauthority.com/news/five-questions-with-the-polyurethane-suspension-experts/

Gnarls.

[FjordWarrden [OP]]

Excellent article, good information presented in a easy to understand format. I took a look at my bushings and the control arm bushings appear to be fine, no cracking or excessive play or stiffness. my anti sway bar end links are another story, as are my body mounts .

[RUGER]

good article gnarls.
that you fer the info on prothane.

RUGER

[Jaymz11]

ive used them on all my vehicles both sport and 4x4.
they are unmatched regarding handling and control of you rrde