poly vs rubber control arm bushings

I am looking for reviews on poly vs rubber control arm bushings.

What do you like or dislike?

Also, looking for good not super expensive ball joints.

 

I’ve seen a few go-pro videos showing the lower control arms moving while going over bumps. They move a lot!!! This is probably due to the control arm bushings being very soft, which is what gives the 4runner the very comfortable and smooth suspension. I personally love how smooth it is over jarring roads.

Any poly bushing will completely change the character of the 4runner. So if you decide on poly, make sure you’re ok with that. It might ride like an ox cart though lol. I’ve also generally heard that poly bushings can be noisy/squeaky.

Edit: have your ball joints failed on your 21 4r? Usually OE replacements are the best bet. Other aftermarket ball joints, especially “performance” oriented replacements, tend to need more maintainance, are noisier, and fail more often, generally speaking, unless they use OE style ball joints.

 

From my research most aftermarket suspension parts use poly bushings which apparently squeak if not regreased on a regular basis. OEM bushings are typically rubber which do not require servicing and are quieter?

I believe Iron Man UCA’s use rubber rather than poly which IMHO sounds more desirable. But they are currently under a recall for possible ball joint failures. There’s a thread on it.

This is one of many reasons why I shy’ed away from an aftermarket suspension.

 

This is the question. @arileighflo91 - why are you replacing suspension parts on a 2-year old 4R?

I can attest to ride harshness with poly bushings in the lower control arms. I replaced the lca bushings in my 2003 Tacoma with Whiteline bushings, and hated the ride afterward. I ended up putting in new oem control arms with the rubber bushings, and the ride quality difference was night and day.

 

I have JBA UCA's, and while they advertise them as not poly, they are not rubber and are much firmer. This translates into a stiffer ride, plus they do require more maintenance. Unless you absolutely need something like this for serious off road driving, sticking with OEM rubber is a much better choice.

 

I agree with what the others have said. I prefer the rubber bushings for comfort and being noise free. Also, I think of all the suspension and body mounts as a complete system so I choose to keep them all a similar material. Poly is firmer/harsher and requires regular lubricating to keep the squeaking away.

I've always had good luck with Moog replacement ball joints.

 

Dobinson uses rubber bushings.

 

Rubber-the right way.

 

I have been having noises from the front end since I got my 4Runner new, took it to the dealership 5+ times over the course of ownership. They said they couldn't find anything wrong. We took it to a local front end shop and they said my control arm bushings are shot and my rack and pinion is going out. I only drive on the highway, never been offroading in it except driving through the sand at the beach once.

 

The front hood latch and catch will make a squeak/honking/clunking noise when it’s dry. It sound just like a crappy suspension. Look at the latch carefully and find where there is bright shiny metal from rubbing. Smear a tiny bit grease only on that area.

As the great Hanz and franz used to say: Do it now, and believe me later!!

Also, use zip ties to tighten down the splash shields in the front wheel wells. These little shields are full of evil intent, and are responsible for all sorts of replaced suspension parts due to the noises they can make.