Left side of the 4runner is squeaking pretty hard when driving, I'm assuming lower ball Joint.

Just wondering which you guys would purchase, an ACDelco Professional ball joint or one made by Moog?

Thank you!

I personally opted for the moog replacement since I tend get their stuff when gates isn't available...

Here are some pics from my build thread. https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3158395-post188.html

I have a brand new set of Moog lower control arms for sale. They are brand new, still in the box.

Send me a PM if you are interested.

Any issues with it so far? It's $10 more than the ACDelco, the price isn't the issue it's more about the reliability. Might just take my chances with Moog.

@2000t4r4wd unfortunately I'm in Canada, the shipping fee alone would be too much haha.

Any issues with it so far? It's $10 more than the ACDelco, the price isn't the issue it's more about the reliability. Might just take my chances with Moog.

@2000t4r4wd unfortunately I'm in Canada, the shipping fee alone would be too much haha.

If you can swing it, go with the full control arms. I've heard of people having the ball joints fail after pressing new ones in because the hole gets ever so slightly larger.

I'm installing my upper control arms tonight and installed lower control arms a few weeks ago (it's been sitting due to a bunch of complications involving the upper control arms). The control arms are painless as long as nothing is seized. If it is, go buy a sawzall and all new hardware and cut em out. Then just pop the new arm in and you have new bushings and ball joints.

I've put on about 2.5k miles on them so far, and have not had issues with them so far. Hard to say how they'll be down the line, but so far, so good. For the $30 I paid. Definitely worth it.

Either there is an issue with the hole getting slightly larger, or people just don't clean the hole very well before installing the new ball joint, or don't install the LBJ completely inline with the hole and force it in.

One thing I noticed upon installing my lbj, is that grit goes down into the gap as you press out the lbj, between the lbj and lca. I took some brake cleaner and a steel brush to clean the surface. If I didn't or just took brake cleaner and a rag to wipe it down, there would still be grit left over, which could definitely cause the hole to get enlarged.

Furthermore, it took a few attempts to get the lbj to align completely straight into the hole. I could definitely see someone pressing the lbj at a slight angle, causing the hole to get enlarged too.

You might want to try NAPA's Altrom line. It's OEM parts so most likely it would be a 555 ball joint. That is the Japanese manufacturer who makes it for Toyota. Moog is really good and lifetime warranty. TRW is also good as is NAPA's premium chassis parts line.

Hey ~

First time posting...really appreciate u guys posting ur years of experience here. My question: 2 days ago I had Midas Muffler in Connecticut replace both control arms w/ ball "JT" + front sway bar bushings & links. $1000 all-in. 202k on the truck, 5k or so miles off-road - champion machine!

My issue: On road, the truck is riding better than ever, but now when I go over a speed bump, I'm hearing a hard squeaking noise coming from the front end. Sounds like springs.

Any idea what this problem could be? I called Midas & they said "we installed everything properly & it's not anything we did. If the noise continues, take it to Toyota service..." Toyota quote for the same job was $1,600.

From watching youtube vids, it seemed like a straight forward repair, but beyond what I felt capable to take on. Ok, well any thoughts or input would be HUGELY appreciated. Onward!

Ken

Could possibly be bushings? Could be anything really...

Are you able to post a video of the squeaking noise?

Do you only hear the squeaking sound when you hit a speed bump?
Can you hear it while going through a turn?
If you can hear it while going through a turn, does it make a squeak sound on when turning one way and not the other?

I have this exact same squeeking/crunching noise when going over speed bumps/dips in the road. Sounds just like dry coil springs, but my lift springs don't even have 3k on them yet. Everything on the front end of my truck is brand new with the exception of LBJ, Inner and outer tie rods and LCA bushings.

I never hear it unless there is a bump taken at ~8+ mph. Turning or straight. Did the LBJ make any significant difference? That was going to be my next step.

Bushings can squeak if they are not properly lubricated.

Same here. If I go thru dips or speed bumps over a few mph and I get this metallic sound. Like metal on metal but no scratch marks. Every bolts are tight minus links and lower ball joint boots are bad.

Outback - The only time I hear the squeak/grinding noise is when i go over a speed bump...no noise w/ turns. Really sounds like dry/rubbing frontend springs. I'll record & post the noise tomorrow. Weird...maybe the front sway bar bushings or control arm w/ ball joint OEM part(s) they installed were bad....no clue. Ty!