Update Living with Poly steering bushings, the best update I have ever done!

[4FLATS]

All,
Just wanted to give an update to my install of poly bushings in my rack.

At 140,000 miles my LX was sketchy driving at speed on any road with a grade, incline or a rut from heavy trucks.

I installed this kit http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BED6AB0 and honestly it totally changed the way the vehicle drives.

If you have a cruiser or LX do this now. I have put 3,000 miles on since the install and couldn't be more pleased. Even if your bushings "Look" good they are soggy and sloppy.

Mac

 

[CappyKD]

I have these same bushings sitting in the back of my LX waiting to be installed. Good to hear! Thanks.

 

[ntsaint]

How tough a job was this? Did you use a writeup from anywhere else on the site as a guide?

 

[blackberrycubed]

Need DIY instructions! Ordered the same set.

 

[ponytl]

I did the poly bushings off ebay the blue ones for $38 did mine while the engine was out so it was super simple to do but here is a picture of the bad bushing the big split round one that wraps around your rack really just kinda holds it... but the 2 small ones are what actually keeps your rack in ONE place and lets the rack move the wheels... like god intended... with the small ones worn the rack moves up to 1/4 before it ever starts to move the wheels... this is bad... stationary rack good yeah I know I have a lot of junk in my shop....

 

[4FLATS]

Wow, Ponytl those are toast! Mine were just squishy!

 

[4FLATS]

Need DIY instructions! Ordered the same set.

I'll post my link, I did some things the hard way. There are a few better DYI posts out there.

 

[yotasavg]

I think I really need to do this...

 

[adrenalinefjz80]

Great bang for the buck!

 

[virafp]

I did mine at 200K - what a difference!

 

[ntsaint]

Write up!

 

[4FLATS]

Write up!

Well here is how I did it. It wasn't pretty but I got it done. Some of the pros here had some great tips about installing the sleeve in the lower bushing 1st then pushing in the top bushing. I would even go 1/4" inch high so the top bushing could track down true.

Read and enjoy. I could do the job in 2 hours now that I know what I did wrong.

One thing!!! Wear safety glasses when you work on your back under a car, I learned this when I was 20 and can't stand crap & dirt dropping in my eyes.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/rack-is-moving-around-squiffy-steering-lx470.859561/#post-9773020

 

[4FLATS]

I think I really need to do this...

Do it! It is worth it. I was going to sell the LX as I lost confidence in driving on the mountain roads out here over 50mph till I did the install.

 

[Kigiin]

How many hours would a independent mechanic likely charge for this?

 

[Drogon]

Will installing these provide relief for symptoms including extra play in the steering wheel, and body role?

 

[re_guderian]

Will installing these provide relief for symptoms including extra play in the steering wheel, and body role?

Body roll is usually controlled by shocks and functioning sway bars and links. These bushing should fix the bulk of the steering wheel play issues. But keep in mind that if the rack is shot, there might still be a little play, though the bulk of people on here, including me, have seen massively positive results from these bushings. If per chance your rack is shot (how many miles are on it?) you'll want poly bushings to go in the new one from the get-go.

 

[YardPig]

Just ordered Whitelines on Ebay. Will update, although lots of suspension/steering changes will be all at once.

 

[Drogon]

Body roll is usually controlled by shocks and functioning sway bars and links. These bushing should fix the bulk of the steering wheel play issues. But keep in mind that if the rack is shot, there might still be a little play, though the bulk of people on here, including me, have seen massively positive results from these bushings. If per chance your rack is shot (how many miles are on it?) you'll want poly bushings to go in the new one from the get-go.

Body roll is usually controlled by shocks and functioning sway bars and links. These bushing should fix the bulk of the steering wheel play issues. But keep in mind that if the rack is shot, there might still be a little play, though the bulk of people on here, including me, have seen massively positive results from these bushings. If per chance your rack is shot (how many miles are on it?) you'll want poly bushings to go in the new one from the get-go.

I have a 2000 lx with about 93,000mi

 

[4FLATS]

Will installing these provide relief for symptoms including extra play in the steering wheel, and body role?

My truck was scaring me on fast twisty mountain roads. The vague feeling was hard to pinpoint, I thought I had a much more serious problem. I was going to dump it. If you have play, the over corrections to the wheel are going to feel like roll. The bushing kit made it way more drivable. A good mechanic would hit you for hourly rate figure 2-3 hours. With a lift and air I could knock it out faster but the first time always takes more time. He will want to get you for an alignment and a brake job. They always want to do a brake job when you have the tires off. Easy money.

 

[pavieSD]

How many hours would a independent mechanic likely charge for this?

I was quoted 2.5 hours to have this done by an independent mechanic I trust. He went by the book rate hours on his computer to get the rack on and off the truck, which is mostly the hours needed.