Rookie questions

[erichclimb]

Long time expo stalker here looking to gain some knowledge.

I own a 2000 tundra 4x4 V8, a truck I have always wanted. It is in need of repairs but luckily they are minor ones. I will be installing new ball joints next week but have had some trouble choosing which ones to buy.

The background: I am a flat broke college student that enjoys hunting and fishing (towing a boat) in Montana. As you might guess this leads me to some offroad situations. I have done no up grades except for tires. The last owner put a small lift on it and it sits nice. I would love to build it up to some of the rigs I see here but this is not feasible for me at this time and the truck preforms fine for my use.

I want to better understand why I shouldn't buy the $28 lower ball joints. I see the prices can be over $100 but relative to other parts this is cheap. My big question is why should I spend $60 on a part when I can get one for half that. Again money is a huge factor for me and saving $30 is a big deal.

Thanks for the help and I am in awe of some of the other tundra's on here.


cheers

erich

 

[washington taco]

I like factory parts aka expensive. The factory parts last longer but if you dont plan on driving this truck for 5 or more years buy the cheap parts.

 

[deadbeat son]

I like factory parts aka expensive. The factory parts last longer but if you dont plan on driving this truck for 5 or more years buy the cheap parts.

+1

OEM parts are typically engineered better and manufactured with higher quality materials and better quality control. The aftermarket part may be cheaper, but you'll have to replace it more frequently, possibly at a greater expense in the long run (especially if you factor in the cost of labor to R&R and align afterward).

If you don't have it in your budget to buy OEM parts, you don't have it in your budget. There's no way around that. However, realize the short-term savings will be offset in the long-term. As mentioned, if this truck is a tempory solution and not a long-haul keeper, it's a moot point.

 

[grotto]

ToyotaPartsExpress has a 5% off promo through the end of March.

http://www.toyotapartsexpress.com/index.html

Promo Code: Madness5

Its not much but every little bit helps.

 

[Milo902]

I understand it can be tough on a broke college student's budget, but ball joints are not an area I would skimp on, especially on a lifted vehicle. If I recall correctly, the 1st Gen tundras have the same ball joint design as 1st gen Tacomas & 3rd Gen 4Runners. If so, they have reputation for failing, especially on higher mileage lifted vehicles. A failure means a very expensive tow bill & lots of collateral damage, just something to think about.

But that being said, if they are in bad shape, even the cheapest aftermarket ball joint is most likely better than a worn set, but you may be replacing them again very soon...

 

[erichclimb]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

This is the info I need!

High miles (221,000) but I want it to last. I can muster the $60 part but just wanted to save some money. Weighing the possible tow bill and places I find myself I will take the advice of people in the know. A failure would be a worse situation then having to spend an extra $30 now. Short-Term vs Long-Term, I don't want a break down 50 miles in the mountains.

That being said what are your thoughts on a part from a local store (NAPA, O'Reiliy, etc). Am I getting ripped off on a $40 part from them?

Any budget brands you guys would suggest?

Thank you O great world of EXPO knowledge!!!

 

[erichclimb]

Moog brand ball joints? Is this brand decent?

 

[hilux30]

Stay away from Mevotech control arms, not Tundra but I put these on last summer on my 07 Taco, now ball-joints and bushings completely ruined, alignment was never right. Just installed factory Toyota lower arms, back to almost new ride and alignment was a breeze even with a lift...

 

[Wainiha]

Have you seen the pics of LBJs failing at highway speeds? This is what got me sold on OEM. People have rolled their trucks on the freeway beacause of LBJ failure.

Check Toyota of Dallas. That's where I got my OEMs. They give discount to lots of the forums.