3rd Gen 4Runner, time to replace the lower ball joints...

[4RunAmok]

I'm looking at replacing the lower ball joints on the 4runner, and I'm seeing several brands out there... Any particular I should look at, or stay away from?

I'm seeing stuff from Moog, Mevotech, IMC, MAS Industries, Ingalls, even AC/Delco!

 

[amocaT]

I'm not sure if you're aware...But, Toyota had a recall for LBJ. I had mine done for free at the dealer.

 

[tanglefoot]

It looks like only the 2001 and 2002 model years had the LBJ recall.

Here's some discussion about the replacement:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/suspension/76423-lower-ball-joint-replacement-tips.html

I don't have any insight on brand, but the guy in the how-to example in that thread used Moog.

 

[amocaT]

Check your vin here:

http://www.toyota.com/owners/web/pages/resources/recalls

 

[MidnightRider]

I just did my uppers and lowers with the MOOG greaseable Ball-Joints. From the research I did, they were the best quality I could get other than OEM from Toyota.

The best deal I found on them was from rockauto. They are actually marked " 555 " made in japan. What I read is that they are manufactured by " 555 " for MOOG to thier specs. I also put 90* zerks on the lowers to make greasing them easier.

Be carefull when torqing them down. Mine called for 59 ft lbs, and one of the lower bolts stripped at about 50 lbs. I was lucky and it was just the bolt that stripped. The new bolts supplied with the balljoints were slightly shorter than the stock ones, which may have contributed to the stripping of the treads.

 

[one80auto]

No personal experience, just passing along the link below that I was reading recently. It is a good thread.... they talk about the LBJ replacement in the 3rd post. The Moog seem to get a bad rap from this link and the stronger Tacoma LBJ option is probably the way I will go soon. I've just got burned too many times recently by non-OEM parts. Good luck with it and please let us know what way you end up going.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyer-s-guide.html

 

[KODIAK]

In my opinion, the only way to go is OEM Toyota.
The lower ball joints are NOT a part that you want to cut corners with. The way that Toyota designed them on these trucks is just stupid. Its the one weakness on the invincible 4Runner. Take a look at this thread and decide for yourself if you want to take a gamble...
http://www.yotatech.com/f2/toyota-truck-4runner-tundra-balljoint-failures-244804/

 

[seanz0rz]

OEM toyota or don't bother. the newer lowers include a metal shield for the boot i believe.

The job is super easy, unlike the uppers!

 

[4RunAmok]

Yup, I get it, which is exactly why I'm asking.

I'm going to hit up the dealer and see if I can't get in on the Recall.

 

[troyboy162]

moog with the 555 stamp are the OEM, but mine did not come with the new shield for the rubber boot. Check price against a online OEM parts store and weight the option.

 

[KODIAK]

Better option---Replace with Tacoma LBJ and Outer Tie Rods. A little more strength isn't a bad thing on these parts, especially if you are spending any time in the dirt. Not to mention bigger tires, lift, higher speeds...

Here is a link if anyone wants to read about it. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/92427-ball-joints.html

Part numbers:
OEM Taco Parts
43330-39815 - RLBJ - Qty 1
43340-39585 - LLBJ - Qty 1
45046-39295 - ROTRE - Qty 1
45047-39175 - LOTRE - Qty 1
45503-39075 - ITRE - Qty 2

 

[rickashay]

moog with the 555 stamp are the OEM

Not sure what you mean here? Moog or 555 are definitely NOT OEM parts, maybe you mean OEM-replacement parts? Sorry just trying to clarify.

I'll pitch my 0.02 here:

I replaced my LBJ's early last summer as a preventative maintenance measure. If you search there are quite a few LBJ failures which cause the ball joint stud to shear right off or the ball joint bolts (4x) sheer off and sent the vehicle plummeting into the pavement. It seems to usually fail at lower speeds and "appears" to be more frequent on lifted vehicles. They say these should always be replaced every 120K miles regardless of how good or bad the condition of them seems to be.

Anyways, back on topic, I initially cheaped out and bought the "555" brand parts after hearing they were made in Japan and doing some research. I liked the idea of the grease zerk and chose the "555" over the MOOG brand part. I replaced both at once as well as the outer and inner TRE's, got an alignment, and continued wheeling and exploring. About 2 months later, I found I was getting some play in the front end. Checked all front end components despite them being "new" 2 months prior. Sure enough, both ball joints were having issues. One side the rubber boot had un-seated itself and had been allowing debris into the joint for who knows how long. The other side just had play in the joint. I removed both to get them replaced under warranty. After getting two new replacements, I opened the box and moved the ball joint stud around. It was like they were binding and not free to articulate, straight out of the box. At that point I turned around, got my money back, went to toyotapartsales.com and ordered OEM units. Lesson learned - still trouble free after a year and a half of hard use and I don't expect to replace the OEM units for another 120K miles. Do it once, do it right and get the OEM ones. After seeing the quality of the 555 units, I really would not trust their components on such an integral piece of our front suspension, especially one prone to failure on lifted applications.

 

[CYi5]

I just went OEM, kept the decision easy. Most of the failures I read about happened around 150,000, so I replaced them around that time.

 

[MCObray]

Lower Ball Joint(s) Toyota OEM Parts #:
43330-39585 Right LBJ.
43340-39465 Left LBJ.

$164.10 from Camelback Toyota Parts.

I'm getting ready to order a set on mine, since I do not have any records of them being replaced on my Runner (178k miles). OEM Toyota, IMO, is the only way to go when it comes to maintenance items.

 

[4RunAmok]

I'm at 240,000 miles on mine, I've owned the vehicle since 61K miles...

Looking at toyotapartsales.com