Lower Link installation for GX460, GX470, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, and Land Cruiser

In this detailed tutorial we walk you through the process of installing lower links on a Land Cruiser. This video is particularly useful for GX470 and Prado 120 models, but the techniques apply broadly. Whether you're working in a professional shop or tackling this project in your home garage, this guide has got you covered.
We make lower links for GX460, GX470, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, and Land Cruiser. Metal Tech 4x4 links are made of much thicker material than your factory links and the bushings are also offset. This allows the links to glide over obstacles without getting caught up while also providing additional strength and protection.
Find MT4X4 links here: metaltech4x4.com/metal-tech-2...
#gx460 #installation #gx470

[@donchilders5332]

I've run these on my FJ Cruiser for 10 years. They're bulletproof. Since the grease zerks end up pointing up and fairly inside the mounts (otherwise they could get sheared off when off road), a good tip is to get a 90 degree angle head for your grease gun which can fit in that tight space. I got mine before you started putting the cool MetalTech stickers on them. Need to get a set of those. :)

[@Metaltech4x4]

Don email our [e-mail] address, your address and happy to get you out a set of the stickers for your links. Great feed back and great to hear the links are still rocking it for you!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Very nice adjustable lower control arms Aka Links

[@the_nothing]

Drove down and picked up a set this morning. If I hadn't been caught up watching KoH all day, they'd be installed already.... You guys were awesome with my pre-purchase questions, can't wait for more "needs" from MetalTech

[@JayRheaBBQ]

Love my lift and Lower Links and UCAs let Kris know thanks for getting me setup!

[@boomtownw]

I need to pick up a set of these for my 2008 4runner!

[@Metaltech4x4]

4th Gens are cool, as of right now we do have the links in stock for your truck!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Have you found it sont matter whether the suspension has load on it or not when torquing down the bolts on the lower links?

[@TrailRunn4r]

Are these coming already adjusted to the right length? Does the length of the link need to be adjusted based on the amount of rear lift? What are the main advantages over stock? Thanks!

[@Metaltech4x4]

Links come pre-set but can always be checked against the OME links just by dropping the bolts though one into the other. The link can be adjusted to help correct pinion angle due to a lift. Main advantage over stock, you will not bend these! #2 greater freedom of movement due to the Johnny Joint. This allows the shocks to better control sway and overall performance. #3 they are offset which creates a guard to protect your mount at the axle. Also, the link slides over rocks easily as there is no "bulb" of a bushing shell at the end of the link.

[@rgvxt]

What are some of the advantages to a longer and beefier traiking arm?

[@Seeadler290]

On both the printed instructions and videos, it would be helpful to include a list of tools required (especially wrench sizes). I am new to 4x4 modifications and have had to make several runs to the hardware store for larger tools.

[@Metaltech4x4]

Great idea, we can certainly do that. Any questions on your install, just reach out [e-mail] always happy to help. Thank you for running our gear!

[@txhazmat1]

Queston: How do you get to the grease zert with your grease gun?

[@zaneriggleman2250]

At what hight would you recommend extending the links to center the axle? On a 5th gen 4runner.

[@Metaltech4x4]

Start with stock length. If you have a little vibration in your drive line back the joints out about 3 full turns, lock the jam nut and test drive. You can bring it out more if needed but usually that is all that is needed. (Aside from 6" lift guys, they may need to also install our uppers and adjust them in a little as well)

[@Queeeeeesh]

Would it be better to ratchet strap before taking old links out to make sure rear axle doesn’t get out of alignment?

[@Mark-hx3nd]

It actually helps sometimes to remove the bolt with less stress on the bolt threads to strap it to start. (Mark from Metal-tech 4x4)

[@rdrefuerzo4082]

Hi there, On an adjustable lower link , how do determine the length?

[@Metaltech4x4]

Links are shipped preset. However you can set the two next to each other and make any changes one might want. Usualy a little longer to help point the pinion angle down, however most lifts dont need this. #1 reason for the links is for armor #2 for flex with the spherical joint vs. bushing/bushing like the stock ones. #3 might be to adjust for length but we run them on our truck at the stock length.

[@kleinbiker1]

On the upper links which way do the Johnny joints go? I have them in the forward position on my 80 series and the nuts are hitting the brackets on full compression. Should they then therefore go to the rear?

[@Metaltech4x4]

The uppers can be mounted any direction. In your case if the jam nuts are hitting then yes run the bushing at the frame.

[@alexisarevalo1757]

Hi there, I have a question, why nobody adjust the length of those bars all around KZbin, they just replicate the OEM length

[@tbspringer]

How about the upper links? Factory base model GX460 link has a bracket for the height sensor(used for auto level headlights) but aftermarket does not have them. Are we supposed to delete the height sensor?

[@Metaltech4x4]

You are talking GX460 AFS lighting driven by the sensor links on the upper control arms. This is also only on the Premium and Luxury models of the GX460s. If the 460 has rear suspension Airbags you probably have the AFS system, if coils springs (base package) you do not. For the trucks with the AFS system if you wish to keep that system moving the headlights, keep running the stock upper links. Yes one could weld a tab on aftermarket uppers like MT uppers, but for bolt on applications that is unavailable for these few trucks. (LX570s also use that system). However, 100 Series Landcruisers all MT4x4 uppers are made to support the ACH system that uses the links to the upper arms.

[@tbspringer]

@@Metaltech4x4 mine is definitely a 2016 base model that did not have airbags and I have your uppers already. Unfortunately the base also has the height sensor but only for the headlights. I guess I can try turning off the auto level headlight function then just disconnect the mechanics of the sensor and leave it plugged in so I don’t get warnings.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

How does these compare to the Apoc I Industries Upper and lowers and the Panhard Bar? I'm looking at these or apoc @Metal Tech 4x4

[@Mark-hx3nd]

MT links #1 feature a full spherical bearing with the Johnny Joints, vr. Lower cost bushings. This yields the suspension flexing easier and sooner vs. Having to twist two bushings. Also MT links are made with all DOM tubing and 100% in the USA.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

@@Mark-hx3nd what is the Diameter of the tubing for the MT?

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

@@Mark-hx3nd is there a benefit from the Johnny joints that is better then say the heim joint on a total chaos set?

[@Mark-hx3nd]

@@AntonioClaudioMichael heims = are not best for street use. Great for racing applications where you know you are replacing $120 joints every other race. Johnny's joints are rebuildable with a $21 kit. Johnny joints by design with the rubber washer take up ware over time, heims do not. TC is a great company, and they make great things. But their focus is racing and dry desert running, all good for Heims. But get them into wet, road silt etc and the grit will ware the plastic liner in the Heims, then they have slop and squeak.

[@Mark-hx3nd]

@@AntonioClaudioMichael US Made 1.75" DOM X 0.290 Wall tubing that is CNC machined for the threads, no weld in bungs. Also, the Metal-tech 4x4 links are offset at the bushing shell to clear the underside of the Toyota axles. Any larger tubing can bind at full droop with the axle housing. It's 100% that larger tubing will bind if you ever put long travel rear shocks on.

[@derricksaephanh7659]

Will these links cause noise issues compare to regular bushing?

[@Mark-hx3nd]

They will not create noise, they run silent.

[@kleinbiker1]

What exactly is the difference between the left and right sides? Seems they are interchangeable as long as the off-set bushing is up.

[@Metaltech4x4]

You are correct. As long as the offset bushing is set with the bushing shell down, each side is the same since the bracket that holds the e-brake line is universal and bolts into a threaded hole machined into the top of the link.

[@kleinbiker1]

@@Metaltech4x4 ah, I don’t have a need for e brake retainment.

[@Mark-hx3nd]

@@kleinbiker1 Not a problem, the included bolts go into the threaded hole that is not needed for your application of the links. However, if for any reason in the future, like reselling them, they are more universal as they will fit all the Prado 120 and 150 platform trucks from Toyota/Lexus. Links for the 100 or 80 series Landcruiser for example do not have the mounts as those links are spacific to those trucks.

[@hammeral4446]

How do I set up the Johnny Joint? You don't explain this on this video. I received a sticker that says turn nut out for 1 turn then tighten...please explain. Your directions do not mention anything on this detail either. Thanks in advance.

[@markhawley326]

The Johnny Joint comes all set up. Install the link with the joint to the frame and the bushing at the axle. Once the links are installed, come back and tighten the large jam nut down. The Patch you received with the links is to go in your truck, it will stick to your head liner, as a reminder to occasionally (like every other oil change) to check the jam nuts. When you check them you are doing two things, 1. The nut is independent of the threads and not corroded to the threads, thus the back off one turn. 2. Then tighten, you are making sure your have the jam nut locked tight up against the main body of the link. This will ensure the 3” of thread on the johnny joint are locked in place of the machined threads in the link.

[@Metaltech4x4]

Also, here is a video on how to check your Lower Link Nuts: kzbin.infouH2zxnkldFU?feature=share

[@Queeeeeesh]

Are these compatible with 1st gen sequoia??

[@Metaltech4x4]

No the sequoia has a different spacing.

[@noobasdfjkl]

Why do you not have to torque the bolts when the wheels are on the ground?

[@Metaltech4x4]

Torquing the STOCK link mounting bolts on the ground is absolutely necessary so you don't twist the bonded rubber bushings at ride height. Our links are not bonded rubber at either end. The Metal-tech 4x4 Offset lower links end at the axle, is poly with a greased center sleeve designed to pivot; the other is the Johnny Joint, which is a spherical bearing that is also designed to rotate. Torqueing on the ground is not necessary for our performance links as the centers of each end are intended to allow easy rotation of the links. That added freedom of motion is what make our links "open up" a rear suspension as it will flex, move even with the smallest inputs. This is key as it transfers this motion to your shocks to allow controlled movement vrs. the OEM bonded to the steel rubber bushing being ridged, not allowing the shocks to take on those small motions. Bonded rubber bushing has no compression/rebound control; your shocks do. So, let's move as much motion control to the shocks as we can.

[@aarondietz8329]

Why no uppers? The stock uppers are like the diameter of pencils on most of these rigs.

[@Metaltech4x4]

Agreed, stock uppers are tiny. We build replacementsmetaltech4x4.com/metal-tech-fj-cruiser-4runner-rear-upper-links/