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TOTAL CHAOS Suspension Maintenance and Prep

What Parts To Inspect On Your Vehicle

Today we want to show you what to inspect and look for when you get your rig lined up to #prepyourshit.

This 2013 FJ is on the 2nd owner and has the original parts installed from 2013. It has over 70,000 miles on the equipment. This particular FJ owner has been chasing some slop in the steering and an unusual metal on metal noise that they started to hear while driving.

Performing routine inspection and maintenance at home will prevent you from having to grab your tool bag out on the trail.

Prepping your rig with our new TOTAL CHAOS bushings and Hush Butter grease eliminates the creaks and squeaks that were commonly associated with aftermarket suspension.

📢 No more noise – hush up your suspension!

Our new bushings feature a military grade compound and process that is the best and quietest bushing we have ever installed in a suspension system when you also apply our Hush Butter grease.

How do I check if my uni balls are worn out?

One of the first things to check during prep is play in the upper or lower uni balls. Use a pry bar between the flange and the uni ball cup and pry up and down. If you see slop between the ball and the race, it’s time to replace them. (Watch at 0:20–0:41).

What’s another way to test lower uni ball wear?

Place a jack under the lower uni ball bolt while the frame is supported on jack stands. If the ball moves excessively, it’s worn out and needs replacement. (Watch 0:50–1:02).

When should I replace my suspension bushings?

Even if they’re not destroyed, bushings should be replaced when they develop inner sleeve slop or look dry and cracked. Catching them early prevents bigger failures on the trail. (Watch 1:15–1:30).

How do I check shock rod ends for wear?

Inspect the lower shock rod ends. Worn rod ends create a clunking noise that’s hard to trace. If they’re still tight with no slop, they’re fine—but this is a common wear point. (Watch 1:32–1:49).

What are the signs that my suspension bushings are too dry?

Look for grease pushed out or flaking around the bushings. If they look dry and haven’t been greased in a while, service them. (Watch 2:05–2:15).

Why do I need to check CV boot clamps?

If a CV boot clamp comes loose, grease leaks out and can damage the CV joint. Re-clamp it with the proper hardware to prevent failure. (Watch 2:38–2:53).

How do limit straps protect my suspension?

Properly adjusted limit straps prevent uni ball binding and protect the CVs at full droop. Check that your straps are the correct length during prep. (Watch 2:56–3:06).

What should I look for in the rear suspension links?

Rear links need to be removed to inspect properly. Old, dry bushings are common and should be replaced. Grease them with Total Chaos Hush Butter for long-lasting performance. (Watch 3:30–3:49).

Why use Total Chaos Hush Butter grease?

Hush Butter is extra sticky, stays in place, and dramatically reduces squeaks and wear. It keeps the vehicle quiet and extends the life of bushings. (Watch 3:45–3:52).

How long can Total Chaos suspension kits last?

Even with 70,000 miles and 12 years without prep, this FJ Cruiser kit was still functional. Once you replace uni balls, bushings, and service everything with Hush Butter, the kit is literally as good as new. (Watch 4:00–5:03).

HUSH BUTTER - WATERPROOF GREASE

Our new Hush Butter waterproof grease with PTFE is specifically formulated to complement polyurethane bushings, dramatically reducing noise and extending maintenance intervals. The advanced PTFE additive creates an ultra-sticky, long lasing protective barrier that withstands harsh environments, effectively repelling moisture, dirt, and debris. This prevents squeaking, minimizes wear, and significantly lengthens the service life of polyurethane pivots, resulting in quieter operation, fewer reapplications, and superior overall performance.

Hush butter bushing grease

CONTINuOUS IMPRoVEMENT

At TOTAL CHAOS, continuous improvement is the name of our game. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen—continuous, incremental improvement—we constantly refine our suspension systems, materials, and manufacturing techniques. This dedication to steady progress ensures each generation of products surpasses the last, delivering consistent value, innovation, enhanced durability, and unmatched performance to our customers.

This upgraded Gen 2 bushing material has been supplied in all TOTAL CHAOS suspension systems purchased after March 15, 2025.

UCA PREP KIT

Prep your suspension systems the way the crew at TOTAL CHAOS does it! This complete package is designed to provide you all the necessary parts and tools needed to fully prep a set of TC UCA’s.
UCA Prep kit

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Warning WARNING: This product can expose you to a chemical or chemicals such as Talc, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and/or reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

HEADQUARTERS

TOTAL CHAOS FABRICATION INC.
159 NORTH MAPLE STREET
UNIT #J
CORONA, CA 92878
951.737.9682

Hours: M-Th 7am to 5:30pm PST
Closed: Fri, Sat & Sun


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