Squeaky suspension

Since my 86 has over 230k miles on stock bushings, control arms, and ball joints, I figured the front suspension was due for some rework. When I weighed my options, I decided to just replace everything. I went to rockauto.com and purchased all 4 control arms (uppers & lowers) for ~$300 (reference: Moog #RK621261, RK621260, RK641388, & RK641387). This way I won't need to mess with pressing bushings. The uppers already have ball joints too, so it's pretty much unbolt the old and bolt on the new. Until I get around to it I'll just put-up with the squeeky squawky front suspension. Tim

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Originally Posted by timsrv

Since my 86 has over 230k miles on stock bushings, control arms, and ball joints, I figured the front suspension was due for some rework. When I weighed my options, I decided to just replace everything. I went to rockauto.com and purchased all 4 control arms (uppers & lowers) for ~$300 (reference: Moog #RK621261, RK621260, RK641388, & RK641387). This way I won't need to mess with pressing bushings. The uppers already have ball joints too, so it's pretty much unbolt the old and bolt on the new. Until I get around to it I'll just put-up with the squeeky squawky front suspension. Tim

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Any luck getting these parts installed? I am looking at doing the same, but was wondering how hard it was do this project? Any special tools required?

No, I'm still listening to the "squeaky squawky" front suspension. One of these days :yes:. Other than a pickle fork you shouldn't need any special tools. You will likely need to pull the radiator so you can get the upper A-arm bolts. After it's done you'll need an alignment. Tim

You know what seems to quiet my van down, as counter intuitive as it seems? Loading it to the brim with camping gear. For some reason the extra weight just puts a damper on the noises. I just did a 3-day 500+ mile trip fully loaded and it was a joy to drive. Ran great, no issues. :thmbup:

Hey Tim:

I am having the same issue with squeaks with my rubber bushings. They are tight just dried out.
I had a local guy tell me to saturate the rubber with AT 205 rubber sealant. He said it is used to penetrate the rubber and swell the rubber. He said it would last a long time and will not collect dirt and rejects water.
You hear anything about that?

I know there are things that will make rubber swell-up. They do that by chemically attacking the rubber. It is actually making it weaker, but if it's contained (as it is inside the bushings) it might be okay. If the rubber is already worn out, then I guess you don't have much to lose. I'm sure there's varying degrees you can affect the rubber and some products that offer this might be more acceptable then others. I'm not a chemist, so I don't know what you can expect from that particular product. If you use it, please let us know your results. Tim

regarding stabilizer bar bushings---you can get great Rock Auto deals on bushings and end links......pay attention to 2WD vs. 4WD ...additionally, use cooking oil in the bushings not motor oil ... the fit should be nice and snug, and, when the frame bushings are worn out, ... it can be a source of "clunking".Attachment 6770

Hello everyone, I’m getting this squeaky sound on my van as well. I have an ‘84 van and I have replaced all the ball joints, lower control arms, stabilizer bar and my shocks are less than 8 months years old.. is there a way I can replace only my bushings in my upper arm?


Are these the right bushing in AutoRock? Front upper professional (#88912549)


Attachment 10125




also I’m looking to replace these bushings. Does any know where can I find them?
Attachment 10126

Yes but it's a big job and if you're going to dig that deep, might as well replace ALL the bushings along the way. I think the thing with the arms is you'll have to press the new bushings in, which I understand to be.... 'challenging'? Maybe not, I could be wrong.

I've been spraying one of my lower bushings that's been noisy with Deep Creep, and it seems to work for a handful of months before it starts acting up again. It's been like this for 4 years now.

Fastcanoe thank you very much for your quick reply! First I will try adding some WD-40 silicon grease or Deep Creep, to see if it’s does the job.

Are the bushings for the upper control arm all the same for both sides? So I need 2 for each side, right?

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Originally Posted by timsrv

As for stopping the squeaks completely, unfortunately Toyota didn't see fit to provide grease zerks in these locations for the 2wd vans. About all you can do is get under there with a can of penetrating oil and try to work it in there...
The 4wd people have an advantage here because Toyota saw fit to put grease zerks on the 4wd

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Darn, well I would've thought the 2WDs would've had some too and from the owner's manual it looked like they did have some on either drive choice, but apparently its lumped in with the 4WDs only I suppose thanks to the slip yoke inclusion. Good information though, guess I'll be reserving my grease gun for my pickup truck once it's back from the shop because I'm positive it does have zerks on it. Should put this in the Vans section too so nobody else gets confused! :thmbup: