So I've been reading all the various UBJ R/R threads, still haven't found anything super clear on the best way to go about it for my '97 SR5. Most say its a PITA compared to the LBJs (mine are already replaced).

I have basic mechanic hand tools, but nothing specialized. Was thinking of renting some kits from O'Reilly's but there's disagreement about what is needed. Was thinking of buying a Craftsman grinder with cut-off blade, but it seems like that is also not mandatory. Then there's the whole matter of removing the UPB from the knuckle, and pressing it back in again.

Any advice for a capable novice? My UBJs have never been replaced (221k miles) and were in the SW, so it's pretty clean and dry—no rust, I am thinking nothing will be too hard to knock apart.

Anyone in Chicago west suburbs willing to help me out? Any good YouTube walkthroughs I haven't found yet?

Since I just did this, I'll tell you what I did.

I rented the C-Clamp style press from Oreily along with the 4WD adapter.

Get a 27 mm socket.

Make sure to remove the Retaining ring holding the ball joint to the knuckle.

I ended up grinding the upper post to of the ball joint off, no amount of hammering worked.

After that, I took the big C-Clamp, positioned it around the upper ball joint with the longer catch cup from the 4WD adapter set, then I used a 27 mm socket on top in place of the supplied part from the press, you may have to pull it out from the wheel well to get it positioned right. Then I used a bigass breaker bar and wrenched the hell out of it until it popped loose.

Then used the C-Clamp to press the new one back in.

Hope this makes sense, I'm posting this in a hurry between work tasks, I searched the forum and found the thread about using the 27mm socket as the press tool.

I've used this method as well. I just used the separate 4WD adapters and it worked fine. Also used a pickle fork to separate the UBJ from the UCA. I didn't use an extra socket. I did use a die grinder and it cut through the UBJ shaft in like 2 minutes. Those use quite a bit of air though, angled grinder would work fine. It does take a big breaker bar to get it out, pressing in wasn't to bad as long as you put it in square with the top of the knuckle.

Only use OEM ball joints, they are around $40 each through Camelback.

Since you have the UCA separated from the knuckle, if you havnen't already, replace the UCA bushings. Not much more has to be done to get them out.

Hey that's a great idea, thanks. Looks like for a '97 SR5 it's the same part on both the left and right side: 48632-35080 ($25.09 at ToyotaPartsDeal)

They may be different front and back?

Probably. But I'm only working on the front UBJs, so I'd only need those front UCA bushings.

I'm talking about only the front bushings, back and front of the vehicle. There are 2 bushings per UCA. I think they are a different part number.

Are you gonna put on a lift? You could put on aftermarket UCAs - That would replace the arm, ball joint and bushings all in one shot with less effort (but more money). Are you in the chicago toyota fb group? I might be free Sunday if you're still struggling.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/chitowntoyotas/

The advice on here is how I did it too, minus the 27 mm socket. O'Reilly's has all you need. And don't bother trying to finangle the UBJ, just cut it off and whack that silly thing to oblivion. Don't forget to remove the snap rings!

If you are having trouble getting the new ones in and lined up, freeze them for a few hours and they will go in much easier since they will shrink once cold, allowing just a fraction more space for them to press in.

I love how a single cracked boot can quickly turn into a compete UCA upgrade! You're totally right. I have the 3" Toytec lift but still have my stock UCAs on there. Now I'm thinking I better just get the Camburg UCA kit for the 3rd gen.

And yea ... I'm in the Chicago 4Runner group—I'm the guy that posted the recent poll about tires I might take you up on some help with the install once I figure out what I'm going to do about the UCAs.

I got the SPC ones and really like them. I've heard mixed things about the uniball joints but I have no experience with them.