Simple Question About LCA Ball Joint

[4runherpow]

Hey guys,

Just wanted a definitive answer on whether the stock lower control arm ball joints can be replaced.

I know the stealership tries to sell you the entire unit ($400).

A set of decent bushings and ball joints for both sides would total around $180

My thinking was:

-take off lower control arms this weekend
-take them to a shop to have the bushings and ball joints pressed out.
-have shop press new bushings and ball joints in
-wire brush and rustoleum flat black, said arms, prior to reinstall
-reinstall

Thoughts?

Also, can I do the same process with the upper arms too... Please say yes. I don't deal well with disappointment

Thanks in advance

[kdubz]

When mine went bad I just bought aftermarket part online for around $235 and had it installed at my independent mechanic shop. Much cheaper than the dealership.

[BlackWorksInc]

Technically Toyota's FSM does not show how to replace the LCA BallJoint as it is considered integral to the LCA itself. If I remember right they even mention not to try and replace it because the bore can become oversized and the balljoint could be pushed out.

That being said, people have successfully replaced them with new LBJ and have not had issues as a result. If you are going to change out just the LBJ I would recommend you find a quality LBJ that has a snap ring retention (in case it does slip a little) and/or have the new LBJ tacked in place for redundancy.

[Mikestang]

I know you can replace the lowers, I replaced both my front LBJs a while ago.

I do not know about the uppers, but there are plenty of us with factory upper arms in good condition if you just want to replace the whole thing. I have mine that I took off at around the 45,000 mile mark. It would cost more in shipping than I would charge you for the parts, but if you want them send me a PM.

[4runherpow]

Thanks, Kdubz. Did you buy/install the whole arm or just the ball joint into your existing arm?

Technically Toyota's FSM does not show how to replace the LCA BallJoint as it is considered integral to the LCA itself. If I remember right they even mention not to try and replace it because the bore can become oversized and the balljoint could be pushed out.

That being said, people have successfully replaced them with new LBJ and have not had issues as a result. If you are going to change out just the LBJ I would recommend you find a quality LBJ that has a snap ring retention (in case it does slip a little) and/or have the new LBJ tacked in place for redundancy.

Thanks. What is "Tacked into place"?

This is what I was going with this Moog product. http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200...all_joint.html

Is it just a lot safer to purchase the whole arm??

Ugh, my suspension "refresh" is becoming priceyyyy

[Jeffy]

Originally Posted by 4runherpow

Ugh, my suspension "refresh" is becoming priceyyyy

Which is why we've been saying might as well do the full upgrade now
Keeping XREAS is more trouble than it's worth

[4runherpow]

The logic is wearing me down!

Which is why we've been saying might as well do the full upgrade now
Keeping XREAS is more trouble than it's worth

[BlackWorksInc]

Originally Posted by 4runherpow

Thanks, Kdubz. Did you buy/install the whole arm or just the ball joint into your existing arm?



Thanks. What is "Tacked into place"?

This is what I was going with this Moog product. http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200...all_joint.html

Is it just a lot safer to purchase the whole arm??

Ugh, my suspension "refresh" is becoming priceyyyy

That's about what I am talking about, the large snap-ring is to retain it should it slip. Tack welding (having a couple beads welded on vs. welding the entire component) also serves the same purpose.

[Darklight]

Just going to leave these here. You can either replace the whole lca or replace the bj's and bushings. The later can be a pain though.

http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25766

http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26853

[kdubz]

Originally Posted by 4runherpow

Thanks, Kdubz. Did you buy/install the whole arm or just the ball joint into your existing arm?



Thanks. What is "Tacked into place"?

This is what I was going with this Moog product. http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200...all_joint.html

Is it just a lot safer to purchase the whole arm??

Ugh, my suspension "refresh" is becoming priceyyyy

I believe I got the Moog part but I purchased the whole arm. I did both of mine at same time. I got them from Rock Auto not sure if it was a good deal or not. Next time I will just have my mechanic order the parts he seems to get better deals and fast delivery.

Good luck to you.