I just got a '97 SR5 - 4x4 - 5 speed with 222,000 miles. I'm noticing a popping or thumping sound coming from the front when I brake. I've read quite a bit on here and I'm curious if this is the dreaded lower ball joint or possibly something else. Here's a video of the sound. It sounds to me like it's loudest on the passenger side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyPnWbjSKaU

I jacked it up and roughly checked the play in each wheel. Below is a video of how much it moved on the drivers side. The passenger side had much less flex. I rotated the wheels also and it felt pretty smooth and I didn't notice any inconsistency.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN_ObElUG_s

I'm no mechanic but trying to do as much research as possible before I take it into the shop. Plus I don't have a place I trust so there's that problem as well.

Is your steering wheel bouncing up and down?

No I'm not getting any unexpected movement in the steering wheel. It doesn't happen every time I stop but most of the time. Also it only seems to happen when I apply the brakes. If I roll to a stop it's fine.

Looks like you have some play from the 2nd video. Are your tie rods and ball joints all originals? If so definitely replace your ball joints, you don't wanna end up on the side of the road with your wheel off in the ditch. Very dangerous! Don't replace with aftermarket junk either.

It's tough to say without inspecting it in person. If everything is original at 222k, it certainly wouldn't be a bad idea to go through the front-end inspecting and replacing parts.

I just went through my '97 4runner with 125k, and installed new LBJ's, ITRE, OTRE, steering rack bushings, and new brakes, springs, and shocks all around.

I'm the original owner, and I thought it didn't drive too bad for 18 years of age. But after the new parts, it drives and rides much better now.

Preemptively replacing my LBJ's, is what prompted my refresh of the chassis. To my surprise they were in much worse shape than was obvious while they were still on the vehicle.

Thanks everyone. I know the previous owner didn't replace them but not sure about before him. I would guess they are original and definitely don't want to take chances with the LBJ. I understand to use OEM for the LBJ but what about the other parts? Specifically for shocks and springs would it be a good idea to upgrade them to quality aftermarket stuff? Otherwise I had considered doing the tall springs (highlander) anyway so this might be an opportunity for that.

Also I should mention that I will have to take this to a shop as this is well beyond my skill level and tool possession level. I still need to find a place or dealership that I can trust.

Shocks and springs is a never ending discussion. It depends on how you use your rig, daily driver vs off-roading or both, etc... Do some searches on the forum here and you will find hundreds of related threads and setups.

Good point. I've been looking into it but was planning on changing them out later. I'm guessing it would be good to do everything at once to save on labor costs though.

I had a slightly new development and now it's occasionally making the sound when I pull forward from a stop. I'm putting some calls into some dealerships and shops but if anyone has recommendation in Los Angeles (preferably the valley) please let me know.

This is something similar to what I have experienced before. I had upper control arm bushings that were popping out of the control arm causing a very heavy pop. Try putting the vehicle up on four Jack stands and watch the control arms while someone else puts it in gear and simulates you driving, applying the brake, shifting in and out of drive and reverse. This will hopefully help narrow things down.

Thanks. I'll check that out. The sound went away over the last couple of days. I have no idea why but I'm still going to get it checked out. The LBJs are a big concern for me.

I second the upper and lower control arm bushings. I'm getting a ton of noise from my lowers and an occasional pop. So far I've replaced the LBJ, sway bar bushings and end links, and lower shock mount bushings. I just ordered upper ball joints, upper and lower control arm bushings. I have 205,000 miles so it's time to bring the truck up to spec and in AZ our rubber dries and fails. But hey no rust!!

My 96 is also making an occasional pop on the passenger front. I think I've narrowed it down to the upper ball joint. I'm redoing all suspension, bushings, and brakes now. I still need to order all of the ubj, lbj, and control arm bushings.