Better Late Than Never Build Thread

[Speedy]

Since my originals lasted about 18 years before having issues in cold weather I figured I'd use them again. They were $51 each from McGeorge Toyota. Had great customer service too. I originally had the warm weather ones on order and they did a vin lookup and notified me original spec was cold so I asked them to switch the order.

 

[brillo_76]

Since my originals lasted about 18 years before having issues in cold weather I figured I'd use them again. They were $51 each from McGeorge Toyota. Had great customer service too. I originally had the warm weather ones on order and they did a vin lookup and notified me original spec was cold so I asked them to switch the order.

I would suspect that the cold weather specs may hold up better especially in cooler weather. I am just observing as when it gets really cold mine go super weak. As it's looking more and more like the strong arms are not lasting as long as the OEM ones do. That's a shame but it is what it is if this is the case..

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[arrrdubb]

Your YouTube video is excellent. I just ordered LBJs and plan to install when it warms up.

 

[Speedy]

Your YouTube video is excellent. I just ordered LBJs and plan to install when it warms up.

Thanks they were super easy. How many think an alignment is needed after LBJ replacement?

 

[Spiker Engineering]

I would suspect that the cold weather specs may hold up better especially in cooler weather. I am just observing as when it gets really cold mine go super weak. As it's looking more and more like the strong arms are not lasting as long as the OEM ones do. That's a shame but it is what it is if this is the case..

My US made 6815's finally crapped out after 5 years. Sadly Strongarms are now made in China, so I ordered the OEM cold weather spec ones. The OEM supports come with all new pivots and brackets.

I bought them from Village Toyota - about $53 each, but they give you free shipping for orders over $75, so it's a killer deal.

 

[Bad Luck]

My US made 6815's finally crapped out after 5 years. Sadly Strongarms are now made in China, so I ordered the OEM cold weather spec ones. The OEM supports come with all new pivots and brackets.

I bought them from Village Toyota - about $53 each, but they give you free shipping for orders over $75, so it's a killer deal.

Would you be so kind as to share the part numbers you ordered with me please?

 

[Spiker Engineering]

Would you be so kind as to share the part numbers you ordered with me please?

Of course!

Left 68908-35020: 6890835020 - Toyota Stay sub-assembly, back door damper, left | Village Toyota Parts, Homosassa FL

Right 68907-35020: 6890735020 - Toyota Stay sub-assembly, back door damper, right | Village Toyota Parts, Homosassa FL

 

[brillo_76]

Just like other things. Strong arm ruined their products by doing that.

That's pretty much cements me to use oem rear door struts.

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[JoeT4R]

Wish I would've known about this in December... lol. Oh well. I'll ride out the Strongarm struts until failure. Hopefully that will be years down the road from now.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Thanks they were super easy. How many think an alignment is needed after LBJ replacement?

Almost assured you will need one. My tires were so out of whack they squealed as I drove down the driveway. Was an interesting drive to the dealership to get them aligned!

 

[Speedy]

Almost assured you will need one. My tires were so out of whack they squealed as I drove down the driveway. Was an interesting drive to the dealership to get them aligned!

I agree will find out shortly.

 

[brillo_76]

I am kinda surprised the rigs would need to be realigned after changing ball joints but come to think of it. I almost always have mine aligned after that project or new tires installed. As the pot holes around here make daily driving, sometimes an off-road experience. :/

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[Bad Luck]

I am kinda surprised the rigs would need to be realigned after changing ball joints but come to think of it. I almost always have mine aligned after that project or new tires installed. As the pot holes around here make daily driving, sometimes an off-road experience. :/

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I had to unbolt my LBJ's from the knuckle to change axle shafts and that alone caused my steering wheel to be off center now. I'm sure my toe is out too, but I really don't want to have to break out the fire wrench again.

 

[brillo_76]

I had to unbolt my LBJ's from the knuckle to change axle shafts and that alone caused my steering wheel to be off center now. I'm sure my toe is out too, but I really don't want to have to break out the fire wrench again.

I keep it in mind, I actually end up doing it like 95% of the time. and its great to know that its you mess with the ball joints and tie rods its a great idea to get an alignment done.
Even though, you don't change the parts Naturally, changing the tie rod ends you need alignment. I just did think taking off loose a lower ball joint and bolts that were torqued
to spec. to change a CV joint. Then new lower ball joint bolts I would need to have the alignment checked.

 

[JoeT4R]

I am kinda surprised the rigs would need to be realigned after changing ball joints but come to think of it. I almost always have mine aligned after that project or new tires installed. As the pot holes around here make daily driving, sometimes an off-road experience. :/

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Heh, Jon you should come visit northern Virginia then, lol! Pot hole city over here buddy.

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[brillo_76]

Heh, Jon you should come visit northern Virginia then, lol! Pot hole city over here buddy.

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Same environment. Doesn't surprise me..

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[Speedy]

I guess Toyota valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals are still the go to? My originals lasted about 18 years and 130K miles before they started to have any sort of leak so that's pretty good.

I need to get that ordered.

 

[JoeT4R]

I guess Toyota valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals are still the go to? My originals lasted about 18 years and 130K miles before they started to have any sort of leak so that's pretty good.

I need to get that ordered.

I'd say so. I wouldn't feel comfortable using anything other than OEM components for that job in particular. And any price variation for something aftermarket I don't think would give me peace of mind.

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[Speedy]

Book time on the valve cover gaskets is 3 hours. Why do people say it takes them 8 or 12?

I typically take my time and goof off when I'm working so I'm sure it'll take me longer than 3 hours, plus I'm super anal about cleaning stuff up so that'll probably slow me down too. I plan to paint the valve covers with some silver (or red?) engine enamel to clean them up.

 

[JoeT4R]

Also, something I want to add that I forgot to mention. Those half moons are something to do as well during the VCG job. I don't recall doing mine when I did that job. Which was back in 2014.

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