Major Suspension Refresh

[silver02accord]

I am in the midst of a major suspension refresh on my well maintained 2006 lx 470 w./ 241k miles. I have recently done the following w/ oem parts. New steering rack, outer tie rods, front and rear sway bar bushings, new landtank rear lower control arms(w/ oem bushings), new oem rear upper control arms.

I intend on replacing the front ram ahc bushings and panhard bar bushings. I have also ordered new OEM front upper and lower control arms which I will have installed by a mechanic along with the #2? bushing in the frame.

I am considering new cv axles with the mileage that I am at and because someone will already be in there removing the control arms etc and figure I mine as well have that done now. What else would you consider replacing while I am having this front end work done?

Along with the cv axles it looks like I will need the differential seals and drive flange gasket? I am leaning on the post by @Malleus here: Suspension Kit for 2004 LC - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/suspension-kit-for-2004-lc.1353910/#post-15787445.

 

[Just a Ninja]

I am in the midst of a major suspension refresh on my well maintained 2006 lx 470 w./ 241k miles. I have recently done the following w/ oem parts. New steering rack, outer tie rods, front and rear sway bar bushings, new landtank rear lower control arms(w/ oem bushings), new oem rear upper control arms.

I intend on replacing the front ram ahc bushings and panhard bar bushings. I have also ordered new OEM front upper and lower control arms which I will have installed by a mechanic along with the #2? bushing in the frame.

I am considering new cv axles with the mileage that I am at and because someone will already be in there removing the control arms etc and figure I mine as well have that done now. What else would you consider replacing while I am having this front end work done?

Along with the cv axles it looks like I will need the differential seals and drive flange gasket? I am leaning on the post by @Malleus here: Suspension Kit for 2004 LC - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/suspension-kit-for-2004-lc.1353910/#post-15787445.

I'm far from an expert but since no one else has chimed in and I didn't see them mentioned, the other things that immediately come to mind are shocks and springs, engine mounts / body mounts that can all contribute to suspension/steering feel in some way so might wanna hit those too.
Good luck if you haven't already tackled it!

 

[Coin]

No shocks needed on a LX, but engine, transmission, and front Differential mounts can all make a substantial difference to the feel of the truck as well.

 

[SWCruiser]

when you say diff seals were you talking about only the axles seals? might want to do all of them. have the bearings been done? rotors?

 

[ClassyJalopy]

If your CVs are OEM and are not leaking then no need to throw money on replacing them. Similarly, if your diff seals are not leaking AND you are not replacing the CVs then they can stay too.

If you do replace the axles, then replace the drie flange as well - not very expensive and it would avoid any clunking issues.
Also, get new bearing, flanges, spindle nuts and drive flange seal. @cruiseroutfit sells a good comprehensive kit for that.

Your front and rear, upper and lower control arms/bushings will transform your ride! Next, the diff bushings will make quite a bit of difference if they are worn.
For AHC rams, the top cushions (4 per corner) are a good idea to replace. Also consider replacing the bushings on the lower end of rams - those are pressed in.

Finally, check body mount bushings - they might be falling apart and would cause vibrations to transfer into the cabin.

Here's how it went for me: Build - The Story of Blue - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/the-story-of-blue.1244337/page-18#post-14119325

 

[dealmaker]

I imagine I will be doing the same at some point on my '06 LX w/160k miles. Are you doing the work yourself, or a shop?
If a shop, which one?