Hey guys, I guess I am convinced to go OEM with the Lower Ball joints... I see no signs of fatigue in mine, but after diving into some research.. I will definitely be changing my lowers with OEM bits...

I am seeing people using Tacoma Lower Ball joints on 4runners for a slight upgrade. I see that my truck has new outer tie rod ends on it, very new. I also just ordered an OEM Toyota Steering Rack for it. I figured I would do the lower ball joints at the same time, and once I dove into research, WOW!!!

anyway.. If I use Tacoma Lower Ball Joints, will I need to change the Outer Tie rod ends or will the ones on my 4runner work?

Also, do you have to purchase the 8 bolts to secure the LBJ separately, or are they included with the Lower ball joints?

I planned on ordering OEM 4runner LBJ's until I saw the Tacoma Upgrade.
part numbers
43340-39465
43330-39585

What is the correct part number for the 8 Securing Bolts? I am seeing conflicting information on this part number.

ALSO

If I were to do Tacoma Lower Ball Joints, what is the correct part number for each side? I am also seeing conflicting information for this, some saying it is the same side to side (like the upper BJ). I would REALLY hate to buy new Outer Tie Rod ends knowing that mine are new...... Not to mention I have already spent $530 on a steering rack, $220 on new shocks, $40 on some spacers to fix sag... and now am planning on spending $160 on Lower Ball Joints plus whatever the securing bolts cost...... and an alignment... blah..

Any help is greatly appreciated.. I want to get this stuff ordered ASAP.

You can reuse the bolts on the LBJ's... just uses loctite.

As for the LBJ/OTRE question...make sure you research... it effects your turning radius by switching out to the Tacoma parts. If i remember what I read, it really wasn't worth it.

Not sure where you are getting parts from but Camelback Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Parts - Free Shipping

has really good prices and free shipping over $150

TheeMikeB: Thanks man. I think I will likely just order new OEM 4Runner LBJs... I just crawled under the 4runner to look, the OTREs are brand new.. and are stamped "555", in the name of saving money, I'd prefer not to replace those.

I'm ordering parts from Boch Toyota, or toyotaparts.bochtoyotasouth.com

Steering rack was about $15 cheaper shipped than Camelback. Lower Ball Joints are within $5 total, shipped as well.

Looks like Boch Toyota was about 13$ cheaper shipped on the steering rack, and Camelback is about $5 cheaper shipped on the Lower Ball Joints... Guess it wont hurt to order from two places to save a few bucks... $20 bucks saved pays for my Poly Steering rack bushing kit

So no need to order the 8 bolts?????

I replaced my LBJ bolts but that being said, they were pretty old. I personally think sticking with 4runner parts is better since you lose turning radius switching to taco parts. I used to have a first gen taco and my rubber is much more nimble it seems like.

I don't have any room to talk, but if you see no signs of fatigue or play in the lower ball joints, why change them?

I basically scared of a failure. I haul my Daughter, my pup, my (now pregnant) wife, etc... precious cargo is worth more than the $160 it will cost me for the new parts to change it while I am in there.

I figure I will go on and change the LBJ since they are so prone to disaster and I will already be working on the front end replacing the steering rack, shocks, rack bushings, etc.... Indeed, I don't have any play in them, but I can tell they have never been replaced and my T4R has 151,000 on it now.

Im just trying to decide whether I should order new bolts with them... I think I will save that 8 bucks... they are only torqued to 50-60ft/lbs... I don't really see high grade hardware stretching at that level of torque... ill just make sure and use some good lock tight.

There have been one or two times where a bolt has sheared. #90080-10066 is the part number for new bolts.

Blue loctite and you are good to go.