What causes this - Shock bushing

[Tom]

These are from the left and right front shocks. They are the top upper bushings. Noticed some clicking today and found the upper stems loose because these failed.

[Haku]

I suspect its just wear and tear rather then there being anything particularly wrong. I suppose if the shock body was too long and/or the shock is too short and the shock was limiting travel in either direction it might accelerate the wear on those bushings. Most shocks aren't designed for that kind of duty, so having other means of limiting travel like bump stops and limit straps is important when you are maxing out your suspension all the time.

Otherwise, it seems like par for the course on a vehicle the gets wheeled as often as you seem to take yours out. I'm sure someone makes a poly bushing for it, which should last quite a bit longer. You might have a harsher ride with them though, since they tend to be a bit stiffer (which is why they last longer).

[Tom]

Should have mentioned only about 15k on the shocks. They do likely limit down travel when I disconnect my sway bars.

[Haku]

If you are "3wheeling" likey our avitar a lot and maxing out the downtravel of your shocks and they limit them, then busting rubber bushings every 15k isn't out of the realm of reality. I see you have a superlift, but not sure if they came with new shocks. If they didn't, you may be majorly limiting your travel with the stock shocks.

I have a feeling just going to poly bushings will solve the bushing problem, but if you want to help it out, you could install limit straps too. I can't guarantee that it will solve the bushing problem, but it will certainly help limit wear on your shocks/mounts.

You can either run a slightly shorter strap between the shock bolts (they stretch, so maybe an 1" shorter strap) like so...

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/4Runner/tech/suspension/steve9.jpg

or you mount them between the frame and axle with welded on tabs like so

http://image.fourwheeler.com/f/38649583+w600+re0/1209-4wd-16%2B2012-jeep-wrangler-jk%2Blimiting-straps.jpg

It looks like there are a few kits out there both bolt and weld on and should install in an hour or two.

[Tom]

The shocks came with the lift kit. Just ordered poly bushings. Will look into straps. Thanks a bunch.

[Hypoid]

Good a time as any, to measure for your next set of shocks...