Epic Fail - Page 6 - Toyota 4Runner Forum

Sarki · 09-16-2019, 07:14 PM

From what i’ve read by doing some google research, the problem with the LBJ on 01-02 4TR’s was a scratched surface on the ball portion of the assembly.
If that was the case I would think/hope the new LBJ installed as part of the recall campaign as a remedy to the problem would not have a scratched surface.
If this is the case It should not be necessary to replace the ball joints every 100K on Runners that had the “defective” joint replaced as part of the recall.
Just thinking out loud here as I have a pair of new OEM LBJ’s on my work bench waiting to install......wondering if it’s really necessary though.
I did check suspension and all appears tight and in order. I have documentation that both LBJ’s were replaced by prior owner under the recall.

Brian. · 09-16-2019, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gamefreakgc

Wow, lots of paranoia in here!

1. LBJ failure is rare on a stock height, stock sized tire 4Runner. In fact, most don't even replace them. I have a 356k and 240k mileage 4Runners, neither with any evidence or documentation of LBJ replacement. I don't qualify one part that rarely fails after 200K+ miles on a stock vehicle to be a major design flaw. Have you ever owned a Ford before? Or Chevy? Or Mini? Then you'll know what a problem really looks like. To continue this, Mini's have issues with rear axles that sag and over time do literally snap in half while driving and can lose both tires. That's a design flaw.

2. If you lift or put larger tires on any vehicle it puts more stress on the steering and drivetrain, that's just reality. Even more so if you off road frequently and you'll find yourself replacing the inner tie rods much more frequently than LBJ's. So if you put huge oversized tires on your 4Runner and lift it 3"+, don't be shocked when parts fail.

3. If you are going to "inspect" your LBJ's pay attention to the grease boot. If the boot is intact and full of grease you are good to go. It's only when the grease has leaked out (again, see point #2) then you should be concerned. If you just drive your 4Runner on paved roads and off-road infrequently don't lose sleep over it.

4. LBJ failure tends to happen most on slow, sharp turn. Like pulling out of a driveway or making a sharp right hand turn, for example. It's not going to explode going 70 MPH in a straightaway on the interstate.

This all speaks more about your Risk Tolerance than anything else. It's a know, documented and recalled failure point. You don't get into recall status for "rare" occurrence.

I just replaced mine, 194k miles on a totally stock vehicle, driven by "grandma" (in her 70's now, none of the vehicles looked abused and this was a 1-owner truck).

It needed to be replaced. Yes, the boot was torn, but that wasn't obvious with everything assembled. The rusted nature was completely hidden.

For the cost of the parts, limited labor and potential for damage, it's like putting on a seatbelt. Nearly no cost, all reward. But hey, I know folks who don't wear those either.... fits right in with their personal level of risk tolerance and doesn't impact me in the least (well, it might as my dad is a no-seatbelt guy and his driving sucks now that he's pushing 80).

Ripper238 · 09-16-2019, 07:39 PM

Lower Ball Joint! Makes much better sense then Lyndon B Johnson

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

brillo_76 · 09-16-2019, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gamefreakgc

Wow, lots of paranoia in here!

1. LBJ failure is rare on a stock height, stock sized tire 4Runner. In fact, most don't even replace them. I have a 356k and 240k mileage 4Runners, neither with any evidence or documentation of LBJ replacement. I don't qualify one part that rarely fails after 200K+ miles on a stock vehicle to be a major design flaw. Have you ever owned a Ford before? Or Chevy? Or Mini? Then you'll know what a problem really looks like. To continue this, Mini's have issues with rear axles that sag and over time do literally snap in half while driving and can lose both tires. That's a design flaw.

2. If you lift or put larger tires on any vehicle it puts more stress on the steering and drivetrain, that's just reality. Even more so if you off road frequently and you'll find yourself replacing the inner tie rods much more frequently than LBJ's. So if you put huge oversized tires on your 4Runner and lift it 3"+, don't be shocked when parts fail.

3. If you are going to "inspect" your LBJ's pay attention to the grease boot. If the boot is intact and full of grease you are good to go. It's only when the grease has leaked out (again, see point #2) then you should be concerned. If you just drive your 4Runner on paved roads and off-road infrequently don't lose sleep over it.

4. LBJ failure tends to happen most on slow, sharp turn. Like pulling out of a driveway or making a sharp right hand turn, for example. It's not going to explode going 70 MPH in a straightaway on the interstate.

My point exactly. Great points. We can check them via procedures and my moogs have been on my my tentanus 1 for way over 50K miles. However, I run stock tires, rims and stock height.. Folks can check them every oil change if they wish. I am not detecting any play and just greased mine at the last oil change. All the boots area looked great no play and the steering still feels tight at 255K.

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