If you’ve owned a 4Runner or Tacoma long enough, you’ve probably experienced worn-out lower control arm bushings. It’s one of those maintenance issues that presents itself over time, and on our portal build, we started hearing the familiar clicking/clunking sound coming from the lower control arm sleeve inside the bushings. The same thing happened on my 2016 TEP with a mid-travel setup but it happened much faster on the 2023 portal build due to the extra weight at the hub. The bushings had worn so badly that the sleeve was loose enough to clank against the cam bolts, and the overall movement in the lower control arms was so excessive, that it repeatedly threw off my alignment.
I had the dealer look at it while the truck was in for service and they wanted to charge $2000 for repair or replacement. They gave me two options.
- Press out the old bushings and press in new ones: the cost was nearly the same as swapping in entirely new arms, so I had them quote the new arms.
- Install new arms: $700 for two new arms and $1300 for labor, that’s before alignment. $2300 all in with parts, labor, and alignment.
While the bushings were still capable of handling the truck’s weight and could’ve lasted another 40k+ miles, the weight of the portals and all the mods on the 4Runner was causing additional strain on the bushings/joints so I wanted to address it before making it worse. Plus, the constant clanking noise every time I hit the brakes was driving me crazy.
Because the cost was so high on the OEM side, I decided to swap in stronger, more reliable arms with stronger bushings that could withstand the abuse I put my 4Runner through off-road. Since I was already running the Dirt King heim uppers and their new DCA coilovers, I decided to keep it in the family and install their performance, factory-length lower control arms with Delrin bushings and heavy-duty Mevotech ball joints.
Let’s dive in.
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Table Of Contents
Design & Durability
Like most high-end LCAs, the Dirt King Performance arms are internally ribbed for strength during big hits. They provide more ground clearance over the OEM LCAs and provide an integrated 1/8″ aluminum slanted front skid plate that covers the entire underside of the arm and wraps around the sides. One of the highlights of this arm is that you can install a new LCA skid at any time. Whether you’re looking to sell your build or give the arms a fresh look, being able to swap in new skids is a huge benefit.
In addition to the general design & build, the materials are all high quality. Provided zerk fittings make servicing easy, and zinc-plated components (bushing sleeves, and hardware) for protection against corrosion. The arms have integrated bump stop plates and are designed to accommodate limit straps with limit strap tabs and provided hardware. A pretty well-rounded set of lowers here. They are really designed to scale with your build as you progress in your IFS build-out.
All DKs arms are professionally MIG welded in San Diego, CA, and go through an intense level of QC before making it into a box.
The level of OCD this company has is really impressive.
Ball Joints Comparison & Performance
Dirt King chose heavy-duty Mevotech ball joints which are known for long-lasting durability and improved performance over OEM.
When DK compared back-to-back testing against traditional 1-inch uniballs, Mevotech ball joints excelled in controlled testing, offering superior on-road tracking for improved handling and stability. We have not experienced any issues with the Mevotech joints over a handful of off-road trips so far.
I usually prefer uniballs for their improved articulation, especially since I live in a mild climate. However, Mevotech joints are a better option for those in harsher climates where corrosion is a concern. If you’re in regions like Canada, the Midwest, or the East Coast, these joints will outperform uniballs in durability and reliability.
The sealed joint design minimizes noise, keeps contaminants out, and extends their lifespan, making them ideal for both off-road abuse and daily driving. Additionally, replacements are readily available at most auto parts stores – unlike uniballs which can be hard to find out on the road away from home. Just expect a little more peace of mind with the Mevotech joints.
Bushing Selection & Performance
The DK LCAs run Delrin bushings for the inner pivots, offering both strength and improved articulation performance. The vulcanized rubber bushings found on the OEM lowers tend to restrict articulation and limit suspension flex. Delrin bushings allow for greater movement without compromising durability.
Other popular arms on the market run polyurethane because of their initial strength, however, poly bushings tend to wear prematurely and produce noise. Delrin provides superior longevity and quieter operation.
Features
Dirt King has an impressive feature list built into these arms. After all, DK is known for its upper and lower control arm quality. That’s how they got their start and they’re still manufacturing these arms in sunny San Diego to this day.
Just look at the list below and tell me this isn’t one hell of a design.
- CAD Designed: Ensures precision fit and optimal performance
- Slanted Front Plate: Deflects obstacles on trails
- Internally Ribbed with Extrusions: Reduces weight while maintaining strength
- Preassembled: Speeds up installation
- Grease Fitting Ports: Convenient for easy servicing
- Zinc Plated Components: Protects against corrosion
- Bump Stop Plating & Limit Strap Tabbing: Enhances compatibility with additional suspension components
- Professionally MIG Welded: Delivers exceptional structural integrity
- Made in the USA: Proudly crafted for superior quality
Installation Overview
I was able to install these arms in my driveway solo. It’s really not that hard of an install if you have experience working on suspension components. However, if you’re not familiar with alignment cams then you may want to have a shop perform the installation for you.
I am running a JD Fab Lower Arm Pivot kit and reinstalling the cam bolts was a royal pain in the ass. With factory pivots, this would have been a breeze, but the JD Fab cam bolts are not fun to adjust on the ground in your driveway. At the end of the day, you will 100% need an alignment after installing these arms so it might not be a bad idea to have your local shop perform the installation.
Coating & Longevity
Dirt King prioritizes longevity and durability across their product lineup, including their new coilovers and rear shocks, all designed with corrosion resistance in mind. While Total Chaos stays true to its uniball race heritage and polyurethane bushings, Dirt King focuses on creating products built to last through gnarly climates. Nothing against TC, I love their products, and again, I’m a huge fan uniballs in general but both companies are just taking a different approach to the market which is awesome. It’s nice to have choices. Features like durable black powder coating, zinc-plated parts, Delrin bushings, Mevotech joints, and replaceable wearable components ensure their parts can withstand heavy use and offer a lifetime of reliable performance.
On-Road & Off-Road Performance
After upgrading from the OEM arms with vulcanized rubber bushings to the DK performance arms, the difference in stability was instantly noticeable. The lower arms no longer pivot back and forth, and they’re incredibly silent. Overall suspension feels significantly more stable. Both on-road handling and off-road performance have improved greatly.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading or replacing lower control arms isn’t a decision to take lightly, especially when faced with a hefty dealer quote for OEM parts.
In my case, the $2300 price tag for OEM arms and labor didn’t make sense when I could install stronger, more durable aftermarket arms for less. While there are other options out there, DK continues to have one of (if not the) best price point and longevity in mind.
The Dirt King LCAs with Delrin bushings and Mevotech ball joints offer better performance, increased stability, and superior longevity, especially for off-road use. The arms instantly made a difference in both road handling and off-road capability, eliminating the constant clanking and improving suspension stability.
If you’re dealing with worn bushings and considering a replacement, upgrading to high-quality aftermarket arms like these is a smart, cost-effective solution that can save you money in the long run while enhancing your vehicle’s performance.
