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3rd gen rear suspension hops sideways

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by DaveB, Jul 8, 2022.

  1. Jul 8, 2022 at 6:33 AM
    #1
    DaveB

    DaveB [OP] New Member

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    My 97 limited has a strange sideways sort of hop in rear over bumps. I am rebuilding all front suspension including rack mount this weekend. Why would the rear hop to the passenger side over normal road bumps.
     
  2. Jul 8, 2022 at 3:28 PM
    #2
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Your rear control arm bushings are SHOT.

    I had this issue that got worse over the 20 years I've had the car. Pressed in new ones...problem completely eliminated.

    I bet she also floats on the highway.

    To get a rear control arm off, jack up the rear OPPOSITE side of the car. That unloads the pressure of the suspension on the control arm. It's like magic. Just unbolt and bolt in the control arm.
     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2022
    corrupt3db0x and SlvrSlug like this.
  3. Jul 21, 2022 at 5:55 PM
    #3
    DaveB

    DaveB [OP] New Member

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    Where did you get the bushings
     
  4. Jul 21, 2022 at 5:58 PM
    #4
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Toyota. I only do oem parts. They are the cheapest per mile.
     
  5. Jul 21, 2022 at 6:03 PM
    #5
    DaveB

    DaveB [OP] New Member

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    . I'm sure. I need a couple other seals and stuff from toyota also. Will have to have ignition rebuilt as well. Key is sticking way to much.
     
  6. Aug 19, 2022 at 8:35 AM
    #6
    3rd Gen Runner1

    3rd Gen Runner1 New Member

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    I have had the same problem with my 99 SR5. Every bump and pothole I hit feels like the entire body is swaying and it is actually scary feeling like I am losing control of the vehicle. It just started one day. Thanks NEGUSM for the shot rear bushings on the control arm.
     
  7. Aug 25, 2022 at 4:10 PM
    #7
    DaveB

    DaveB [OP] New Member

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    Found out I couldn't get the oem bushing so I'm trying another brand. Getting old out was easy. Make sure you tie the rear end from moving a bit forward. So far it cut about 60%. Of the side skip out. Tires next week. Not sure which tires. Want to try the Toyo all terrain. About a grand total
     
  8. Aug 25, 2022 at 6:49 PM
    #8
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Yes, the OEM bushing is available.

    Toyota Part Number: 4870235070

    Still available from TOYOTA.

    Fits 97-2002
     
  9. Aug 26, 2022 at 9:17 AM
    #9
    DaveB

    DaveB [OP] New Member

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    Called local dealer said they couldn't get them. All I know.
     
  10. Aug 26, 2022 at 9:17 AM
    #10
    DaveB

    DaveB [OP] New Member

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    It's OK. I will be adding full lift and all new links front and back next spring
     
  11. Aug 27, 2022 at 12:14 AM
    #11
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    I will say, the OEM bushings, while they do last a long time are not a good design. I feel that TOYOTA probably wanted a softer rear suspension so they made a hollowed out bushing. Quality aftermarket will be solid and may actually be a better bushing.

    Regardless, I replaced mine with OEM.

    If you want OEM, I would take the part number to the dealer. I bet the parts guy didn't know what to look up. I've educated many a parts counter jockey over the years.
     
  12. Aug 27, 2022 at 3:19 PM
    #12
    DaveB

    DaveB [OP] New Member

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    I used whiteline brand. Comes with bushing grease. Went in nice. Test drive was great went off road a bit and hard stops. No more rear end fold or skip. New Toyo tires next week and alignment since I did all bushings, tie rods front and rear and rack bushings. Steering wheel is off a bit. This 3rd gen is like new again.

    20220827_162524.jpg
     

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