I'm going to be taking apart the front end of my truck to do the brakes and lower it. The truck has 200,000 miles on it, and was curious about a list of parts that typically wear out and need replaced on an 85 2wd. The steering is getting sloppy and there are rattles and shimmys every now and then. Thanks in advance for your help.

Also, are there any special tools required for this job?

 

Has any one had any experience with the polyurethane bushing kits on these trucks?

 

Center link, Steering dampener, all 4 tie rod ends, Idler arm, both lower control arm bushings, all 4 ball joints.

This was a list a parts I got from a member in the original posting. In searching for these parts I've noticed some have just bushing kits or you can buy the whole piece. Any suggestions on which is better?

 

I did all mine as well (except the steering components).

I used POLY strut rod and LCA bushings and I wouldnt do it any other way. Rubber would have deflected and been beat up with the stresses Ive put on my suspension already.

They are an EPIC PITA to put in, so just be prepared. Or have a shop do it for you.

I had to torch, air hammer, AND press those suckers out. But the rest of the stuff is easy peasy.

 

i'll be doing the poly bushings and the center link and idler arm to my 86 soon.......the ball joints are tight and i added grease fittings and the tie rod ends are tight and still have grease.

 

i would go ahead and replace them man. for another like 60 buck you have new parts and a piece of mind.

 

My 1986 2wd ball joints and UCA bushings lasted around 375,000 miles. Toyota rule is if not broken don't fix it.

 

I had to make a press/punch tool to get the LCA bushings out. The center sleeve was a B***H to remove. Would recommend to anyone to save time, knuckles and money to just get the Energy Suspension LCA bushings and leave the old sleeves in and press the new bushings and center sleeve in.