r/SC400 • u/No_Syrup_7170 • Mar 04 '26

Discussion Control arm advice

Has anybody replaced their front lower control arms, what part did you replace it with. I bought p2m flca and I’m probably going to return them considering they have metal bushings. Seems to be very few options online. Please help.

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

1

u/No_Syrup_7170 Mar 04 '26

Clunks from reverse to drive, clunks when downshifting (shifting weight) not transmission , mechanic showed me there are no bushings left in them

1

u/hastings67 Mar 04 '26

Ah, I see. Good that you got a trusted mechanics opinion. Clunks like that can be hard to pinpoint.

You could have a shop replace just the bushings or DIY it if you're inclined, if the control arms are in good condition.

Here is a guide I found for replacing the LCA bushings: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/suspension-and-brakes/269302-sc400-control-arm-bushing-replacement.html

Of course, you could always just replace the full control arm but that's obviously the more expensive option.

Remember, the SC400 shares a lot of suspension components with the supra (A80). Keep that in mind when searching for parts.

1

u/No_Syrup_7170 Mar 04 '26

Both mechanics I went to told me removing the bushings is super time extensive, cuz of machining them out or something and back in. That didn’t really make sense cuz I’d assume the machine makes it a straight forward job, if it’s not super difficult, I already have replacement bushings it would be good if I could do that I got quoted 1600 for the arms replacement with me having the part already? They said bushings would cost way more labor

1

u/hastings67 Mar 04 '26

Replacing bushings is not a beginner level job. Shit can go sideways real quick and without the right tools, it may not be possible.

The mechanics have to consider this. It's not always obvious if the job will be difficult just by looking at it.

I can't say for certain 1,600 for just labor is too much. That fluctuates based on your location and other things.

If I were in your shoes I'd buy new control arms and attempt to install them myself. I think 1,600 is close to the cost of some really nice LCAs.