So I picked up my 2002 4Runner Limited last year with 137k miles on it. Currently I have 152k, and I’ve been going overboard on getting this vehicle in tip top shape, since it’s my daily driver. Here’s all the maintenance I’ve currently done:

- Valve Cover Gaskets
- Front Struts
- Spark Plugs
- Power steering flush
- Brake fluid flush
- Rear Shocks
- Front & Rear Springs
- Oil Pan & Transmission Pan gasket
- New Battery
- Radiator replace (Denso)

I asked the shop if there was anything else I can be proactive about and just do now. They recommended replacing my lower ball joint, and also the control arms while we’re down there. (Now they didn’t force it, but said if I wanted to be OCD and be super proactive then I could do those items. But they did say it wasn’t absolutely necessary, and the car would be fine for a while). They quoted about $2,100 for parts and labor on the lower ball joint and control arms.


So my question is, should I do this now? If not, when should I? I’ve already spent nearly $5k in just maintenance and repairs, and don’t want to continue sinking money into this. Thanks for any advice and recommendations!

def replace lower ball joints. LCA might be fine if the bushings aren't worn.

Is this something that needs to be done ASAP? I called the Toyota dealership, and they confirmed the LBJ recall was done in 2009. The repair shop inspected the LCA and said the bushing were worn…

LBJ should be done ASAP as that’s a common fail on these parts. I’ve never really heard of LCA’s failing but the bushings are a common replacement item. Most people go with white line poly bushings because they are cheaper than OEM


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Do it your self and save the money for mods or tools.

lbj
Lower Ball Joint Replacement Tutorial - YouTube

lca
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Replacement (Part 1) - YouTube

Good man. You did my work for me.

Unless your bushings are shot or the welds on the LCAs themselves have cracked then there's no reason to replace them. It's actually much more tedious than it sounds since our steering rack has to either be removed or fenagled around to get two of the adjustment bolts out
I imagine the bulk of the $2100 comes from OEM arms but no matter what it's a rip off for what they're doing, realistically. Just go for it yourself, I bumbled my way through my LBJs with no experience + following Timmy's video and it took me like 3-4 hours working very slowly and comfortably. Probably 75% of that time was on the first side I did
There are plenty of videos out there on how to both visually and physically inspect your LCA bushings. Even then it's a debate if you want to replace your arms or just do the bushings. Some are on a budget and prefer to buy+install a pack of bushings from Whiteline - some find the whole process to be a pain, skip all the BS and replace the arms outright. If your bushings are indeed dead, perhaps look at Timmy's video on the replacement to get an idea of what it entails and make a decision from there on how to tackle it

Yeah, unfortunately I don’t have the tools to do these myself. I’ve taken my car to the same shop since I’ve had it, and they’ve done a great job with everything. Very honest and helpful team.

My question is, how long can I go before doing this? The shop said they tested and inspected, and there wasn’t any play or signs of needing to replace immediately. They just know how OCD I’ve been with my car, and having everything in tip top shape. So they simply recommended doing the LBJ and control arms together since it would be cost effective to do both at once. But they said I could wait 6 months if I really wanted to.

* A little backstory about this car. I mainly got this car to have something reliable while paying off debt, and eliminating a car payment. So I don’t want to be plunging a ton of money into this right now if I don’t have to. Thanks again for all the insight!

I mean sooner is better than later if not for the peace of mind, but since they personally inspected them I would feel they would know better than anyone. 6 months is an oddly short window though, and I can't decide if I feel that might be cause they're showing signs of wear to some degree or perhaps their way of saying/emphasizing "don't worry about it right now but keep it in your mind". That alone makes me lean towards doing them preemptively, but given your situation I suppose it's all about how much you trust their word. Though I suppose a good way to look at it is replacing them will definitely prevent a larger bill from unexpectedly happening, if they were to fail
Just an FYI the only tools you'd need is a hammer, a torque wrench, some sockets and a pickle fork. Pickle forks cost nothing and you should definitely invest in a torque wrench regardless - absolutely gonna need it even if you just plan to do basic things like rotate tires

CJ, what plugs did u use as replacement? Double electrode or single? Iridium or standard? Brand?

I use the standard Denso double electrode plugs. I replace them every 2 years, about a month before CA smog test time.