LCA Longevity

[kusok]

My 2003 Land Cruiser has 240k km (around 150k miles) on the clock and a clunk has been bothering me for quite a while. I have read threads about the infamous clunk related to drive shafts, however mine are in good condition and the dealer swears there is no play in them.

My clunk happens when I let go of the accelerator pedal in the range of 35-60mph and then gently step on it again (maybe 20-40% throttle). It doesn't happen on lower speed and on higher speeds. So basically when the transmission is wound up, there is no clunk.

I have already replaced the front axle shafts and the clunk is reduced, but not completely gone. So at the moment there are 2 suggestions for fixed that I have from 2 different mechanics. The dealership say the lower control arms on the rear axle have worn bushings and need a replacement. Basically they allow the axle to move too much and cause the clunk.
Another mechanic says its play in the transfer case that's causing the clunk.

So I am wondering what is the expected life of the LCA bushings and the transfer case? Bare in mind, that when I got the car about 10k miles ago it was not driven off-road at all, only paved roads.

 

[hoser]

I'd say 150k would be about the time to replace the LCA bushings on a mostly street driven LC. I would replace the UCA's at the same time. Remember to tighten both pairs when at ride height, not when the suspension is fully extended.

 

[RobRed]

I just replied to the other thread - rear control arms and or the bushings will make a world of difference in the thunk.

 

[kusok]

Thanks for the confirmation, very good to know it very well could be the bushings. Strange that I do not have any noise coming from the rear when going over unpaved roads. But I'll look into getting new bushings for all the control arms, not only the lower ones.