Polyurethane Bushings? 2003 QX4

[Triggz]

Just wondering which Poly bushings are worth the extra money and which ones can be left off the shopping list. My mechanic recommended doing the rear control arms so I was definitely going to order that "kit" for sure. I live in Canada and the shipping is not going to be cheap. Should I be ordering the fronts as well? Pan Hard? Here is whats available from 4x4parts :

REAR
- Complete trailing arm bushing kit (includes all 8 bushings, new hardware) $242
- Rear center sway bar bushing $19.50
- Rear pan hard rod bushing $66.50

Front
- Front lower control arm front bushings $82.50
- Front lower control arm rear bushings $49.95
- Front lower control arm bolts $37.00
- Front center sway bar bushing kit $22.50
- power steering rack bushings $32.00
- Tie rod end boots $7.50

__________________________TOTAL:$559.45

Shipping is quoted at $109 for USPS. UPS is $65 but horrible with fees when cross border shipping.

My mechanic is a "if it's not broke, don't fix it kind of man", but I don't think he realizes how much shipping will ding me if I have to order again in the next 12 months or so. Anyone spent the extra cash and done them all? Or done the rear set and wished they did more? Appreciate any advice

[AlanAZ]

I put in poly split bushings into my existing arms front and back. If I had to do it over, I'd only do the back in poly, and replace the front arms. The front bushing on the front arms was an absolute bear to put in, and I'm not happy with the harsh front ride quality.

Also, use the best poly grease you can find, and grease them well, every sq mm. I'll be de-installing the rear bushing and redoing the grease. It squeaks like mad in the rain (which is not often here), and beginning to squeak in the dry. I'll be using this grease:

http://www.polybushings.com/pages/bushinglube.html

[Triggz]

Hey thanks Alan. I think I will just stick with the rear "kit". It will keep my mechanic happy and my wallet too. Thanks for the tip on the grease! Did you order your bushings there as well? Or off 4x4?
Cheers!

[AlanAZ]

No, I bought these rear bushings on Ebay, and were a well-made, good fitting product. But they did not come with grease, and the "Super-Lube" Synthetic Grease that was well-spoken about on the forums for this use did not held up well. The front bushings I bought off 4x4parts, as they were the only place I found to carry them, those came with their own grease, and are not squeaking as of yet.

[Triggz]

Ok also good to know thanks. The rear kit doesn't show grease in the photo so I will make sure to order some with it. I will also pass the info onto my mechanic and make sure he greases the hell out of them. We don't get much rain either but they will see a lot of snow/slop in the winter months. Cheers!

[heavy hitter]

Definitely do the rear trailing arms. Next would be steering rack, and then sway bars

[Triggz]

Thanks for the info. For the extra $50 I added the steering rack and 2 sway bar bushings. Cant wait to get those trailing arms done!

[heavy hitter]

You’ll be very happy you did