Minute Mod: Anti-Sway Bar Bushing Replacement
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| http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/minutemods/swaybar_bushing/ |
Short Cuts |
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By: Mark Griese - 8/2004
After running some challenging four wheel drive trails, I found the anti-sway bar bushings were split and badly in need of replacement. It's no surprise really, since I never disconnect the bar while off-roading. Unlike the earlier models, the 2001 and later Tacomas have very short endlinks, so they don't offer much of an opportunity for fabricating a quick disconnect. That's fine with me, because during my attempts to measure the difference between connected and disconnected, I've never found enough of a difference to worry about. In other words, I could still reach the limits of travel with the bar connected. I have yet to test the flex with the new urethane bushings. If the suspension doesn't flex as well, I'll be visiting the dealer for a new set of rubber bushings. In the meantime, here's the info on the urethane ones!
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| Split Bushing - as I found it... |
...and off the vehicle. |
From the manufacturer's product listing, it appears that two sizes of bars were offered for the 1995 1/2 to 2000 Tacoma, a 26 and 27 mm diameter. The difference between those two sizes is roughly half the diameter of a toothpick, so you'll need a caliper or other fairly precise tool to measure your bar. I used the Energy Suspension 27mm kit, part number 8.5118G. It included bushings and washers for the endlinks, which are not needed for the 2001 and later models.
The replacement is extremely simple. All you will need is a ratchet and 12mm socket. Remove the bolts from the two large 'U' shaped mounts. Pull the old rubber bushings off. Use the supplied urethane grease and fill in the grooves inside the large bushings. It is important that the grooves are completely filled because urethane bushings are notorious for squeaks. Install the new bushing around the bar. Then re-install the 'U' bracket, and tighten the bolts. For the 2001 and later, that's it, you're finished. On the earlier models, go ahead and replace the endlink bushings. For this you will need a wrench to keep the endlink from turning, and possibly a different size socket. It's best to finish the large bushings first, so they support the bar while you work on the endlinks.
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| The 27mm Kit |
The finished installation |
