Lx470 road vibrations - body mount questions

[ClassyJalopy]

My 98 LX470 (245k gentle miles) is just too happy to convey the minor road imperfections, cracks and expansion joints straight to its occupants with no attempt at dampening them.

The larger pot holes, bumps etc. are smoothed out rather admirably by the new OEM shocks, OEM TBs and OME 2865 springs.

The other day I drove first the left and then the right side wheels over rumble strips and noticed the right side shook the truck much less the left side (perhaps it's just my perception since I was sitting on the left side !)

Question: This low speed, low intensity bumps are being felt because of deteriorated body to frame mounts? Is that even a thing (like some unibody cars

 

[guerasfj60]

Ball joints/arm bushings, swaybar/links bushings all in good shape?

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Ball joints look great
Sway bar bushings are knackered
Control arm bushings I cant see

 

[128keaton]

I am curious about this as well, but I doubt it would be the body bushings. At the same time, not sure what else it could be, especially in your case with the new suspension setup. Post back if you find out.

 

[Cola]

My 98 LX470 (245k gentle miles) is just too happy to convey the minor road imperfections, cracks and expansion joints straight to its occupants with no attempt at dampening them.

The larger pot holes, bumps etc. are smoothed out rather admirably by the new OEM shocks, OEM TBs and OME 2865 springs.

The other day I drove first the left and then the right side wheels over rumble strips and noticed the right side shook the truck much less the left side (perhaps it's just my perception since I was sitting on the left side !)

Question: This low speed, low intensity bumps are being felt because of deteriorated body to frame mounts? Is that even a thing (like some unibody cars

I noticed the swaybar made a big difference. With s lift you increase the vertical angle of the sway bars as well as increase "preload" on them. Adding extended links made a big difference in how my OME absorbed the smaller stuff. It was always great with the larger stuff. Just something to consider. With the one 265 you prob only got a 1.5 to 2 inch lift. The sway bar links I purchased through trail tailor were longer than the stock ones by about 2 inches. The biggest benefit prob came from the front but I did the rear as well and it helped as well.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

I noticed the swaybar made a big difference. With s lift you increase the vertical angle of the sway bars as well as increase "preload" on them. Adding extended links made a big difference in how my OME absorbed the smaller stuff. It was always great with the larger stuff. Just something to consider. With the one 265 you prob only got a 1.5 to 2 inch lift. The sway bar links I purchased through trail tailor were longer than the stock ones by about 2 inches. The biggest benefit prob came from the front but I did the rear as well and it helped as well.

It definitely sound like worth a shot. I have new OEM front sway bar bushings and links sitting on the shelf, I guess those will have to go to the classifieds now.

 

[Cola]

It definitely sound like worth a shot. I have new OEM front sway bar bushings and links sitting on the shelf, I guess those will have to go to the classifieds now.

Someone will use them. I have my set as well but I'm holding them for spares just incase

 

[DirtDawg]

My lower ball joints at 130k did not show much play when I inspected, but upon removal it was clear they were on their way out. Replacing LBJ solved a lot of the minor road imperfections I felt.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

My lower ball joints at 130k did not show much play when I inspected, but upon removal it was clear they were on their way out. Replacing LBJ solved a lot of the minor road imperfections I felt.

Thanks bud, I appreciate the reply. I have followed your progress from AHC lift to removal to Iron Man lift, on and off. While getting the LBJ done, should I think about replacing the bushings for LCAs too? May be repack the bearings as well?

 

[DirtDawg]

Thanks bud, I appreciate the reply. I have followed your progress from AHC lift to removal to Iron Man lift, on and off. While getting the LBJ done, should I think about replacing the bushings for LCAs too? May be repack the bearings as well?

Definitely service your bearings if you haven't. At your age and mileage I'm gonna guess that most the bushings on your vehicle have hardened or worn. So if you have the time and budget, I would swap out the LCA bushings while in there.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Hot off the press, looks like my upper ball joints have cracks in the boots. Looks like my money pit needs new UCAs and lower ball joints.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Ordered all 4 ball joints from @cruiseroutfit . Hopefully between new ball joints and extended sway bar links, I will have a more compliant ride.

I am still on the fence about replacing the bushings. At $60 each arm, they are rather expensive but much cheaper than getting 4 new control arms at about $1400

 

[MongooseGA]

Eventually you're probably going to want adjustable UCAs like an SPC set. If that's even remotely on your radar, I wouldn't do the UBJs or UCA bushings, IMO.

The LCA bushings on your truck are most likely shot at a quarter million miles. Right now, they are the only rubber I haven't replaced on my truck (220k) since purchasing and they're on the list to be done. Ideally I'd be able to buy an old arm, swap the new parts and just throw it in the truck. Unfortunately, one of the LCA bushings is actually mounted on the truck side, so no matter how prepped you are, it can't be just a straight swap over.

I wish I'd caught this thread earlier, I have a set of 555 UBJs from Cruiser Outfitters that I could make a deal on.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

UBJs were only $50 add on when I bought the LBJs.
The plan is to replace the ball joints in situ first and see if I can get away without having to spring for bushings. And, I hear ya on SPCs but I want to stick with just 1.5" lift with 33"s and just flipping stop upgrading stuff already. I might have to stop lurking around this forum - it makes it so hard to stop!

 

[68W65D]

Following. I am curious to see how this plays out for you

 

[Biga27110]

in

 

[neoworm]

Could be you're just getting soft?? lol.

 

[Qtonic]

I'm in the same boat replacing everything. Will do bearings too.

On the topic of LCA bushings, does anyone know if the spacers in the picture are reusable? My FSM doesn't even mention them.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Could be you're just getting soft?? lol.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

@cruiseroutfit has all the bushings, ready to pop in for $240. That is a very good price in my book.
Are you planning to replace body mount bushings too?

I'm in the same boat replacing everything. Will do bearings too.

On the topic of LCA bushings, does anyone know if the spacers in the picture are reusable? My FSM doesn't even mention them.