Another thread about ball joints

[Mendoncyclesmith]

Hey folks, so I know the consensus is to replace them, and I'm going to get this done this Spring once she comes out from her winter slumber.

Perusing several threads here, a few things seem to gel.

Go OEM, not aftermarket.

Replace the bolts, don't reuse the old ones, (I'm unclear on this here) 4 on the lower, another 4 on the upper, or 4 total?

Questions.

- Is there any value in a "high performance" upper that's greaseable, such as this one I found? Or still go OEM?

More Information for MEVOTECH TXMS86563


- Do the bolts come with each kit, or are they a separate order item, and some folks just don't bother to use them?

Putting on some new wheels and 32's, so getting a bit of lift work done too, unsure if that'll be just spacers, or whole new parts, so it seemed like a good time to get the joints done.

1996, V6 SR5, 139K, 4WD, no real off road use/abuse, for what that may matter.

Thanks all!

 

[shadow247]

Hey folks, so I know the consensus is to replace them, and I'm going to get this done this Spring once she comes out from her winter slumber.

Perusing several threads here, a few things seem to gel.

Go OEM, not aftermarket.

Replace the bolts, don't reuse the old ones, (I'm unclear on this here) 4 on the lower, another 4 on the upper, or 4 total? 4 bolts per Ball Joint - OEM Bolts are just fine for Daily Use. Get the right ones for your year - You also need new Castle Nuts and Cotter pin X 2

Questions.

- Is there any value in a "high performance" upper that's greaseable, such as this one I found? Or still go OEM? - OEM only for Upper Ball Joints. My buddy has a set for sale for 60 bucks per side if you are interested

More Information for MEVOTECH TXMS86563


- Do the bolts come with each kit, or are they a separate order item, and some folks just don't bother to use them? There is a recall kit Part # 04005-02235 that contains both ball joints. You will need to purchase the Castle Nuts and Cotter Pins separately.

 

[Mendoncyclesmith]

Thanks!

I found the castle nut/pin kit, one per ordered unit. Listing says 4 are needed for the vehicle.

Castle Nut - Toyota Ball Joint Castle Nut and Cotter Pin KIT-1099

But 4 bolts per lower, and 4 per upper, adds up to 8, not 4. So only some of the bolts get those specialty retainer nuts, per assembly?

I haven't done this job, nor am I doing it, so I just don't want to come up short, or buy extras that I don't need.

As for your buddies uppers? Sure, got a link or an email for them?

 

[phattyduck]

But 4 bolts per lower, and 4 per upper, adds up to 8, not 4.

4 bolts per LOWER ball joint. 8 per vehicle. Upper is a c-clip (included) and nut/cotter pin only.

Uppers are much less critical and less stressed - they don't hold up the truck in tension...

-Charlie