Quote:
Originally Posted by Colorado buff
My first question is how long do OEM lower ball joints last?
Second Question, roughly what should I be spending at a mechanic to repair right and left LBJ?
any commentary would be great. Trying to attach photos but attachment doesnt seem to work.
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50k is short, most think that 100k Miles is a very conservative time to replace, and 200k Miles is more normal (with actual life well past that). That's assuming you're at Stock ride height... lifts and bigger tires both reduce this number. Similarly, hardcore wheeling will also shorten life.
Curious, was the actual ball joint that failed or the BOLTS that hold the balljoint that failed? Lots of mechanics/people will re-use the bolts and those have been noted as a failure prone area. Mostly OEM Toyota LBJ's have been well documented to last Way longer than aftermarkets... some have killed aftermarkets in 10k miles, but they were lifted and wheeling.
Sorry it happened, glad it's pretty much limited to slow speed situations (tight turns) in general and hope there's not really any other damage you need to repair. Make sure to do both sides, not just the failed side... unless you're itching for a repeat in a month. And cost will be highly variable depending on location and number of mechanics in the area, this is an easy DIY job... probably $250 in parts and ~$300 in labor (USD, not sure where CAD is right now).
Note there IS a "kit" part number for both L and R, I think it's minus the bolts, but saves you about 10% over buying separate.
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'99 Limited 4x4, Millenium Silver ~
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