Check those front balljoints..........

[mnormand]

OP, if you want me to start new thread, just let me know, this all sounds related, but don't want to jack your thread.

hooboy, I knew this would probably happen:

Dealer service writer quotes $200 to change both lbj, but cannot quote parts yet until visual inspection.

Parts department looks up part, and tells me they only sell the entire control arm assembly widget for like $600+ each.

Told them that's not correct, let me get better information than waste both of our time.

So looking at diagram here, can someone please tell me the correct parts needed to simply replace one side lbj, at least that will give me a start. I really don't plan doing this myself (unless really easy), but want to be able to converse properly with any repair shop.

2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Parts - TRD Parts Center

 

[BrianSD_42]

Why is MOOG a bad choice for someone who CAN afford better ?


The answer is simple: The MOOG brand is owned by the same company that owns NAPA. MOOG is a lower quality line than NAPA is and its parts are price positioned to compete with AUTOZONE and other cheapo brands. MOOG is positioned as a product for people who don't have the $$$ to buy OEM or more expensive alternatives. Just walk into a NAPA store and ask them about MOOG vs NAPA.

The funny thing is that you can buy real OEM parts from dealers in TX or AZ for near same prices as NAPA's online store. Those dealers sell true OEM Toyota parts at 30% off dealer retail.

END STORY: MOOG IS FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT KNOW ABOUT BETTER OPTIONS AND DON'T WANT TO PAY FULL DEALER RETAIL.

:drummer: WISE UP ... start buying your parts online from real Toyota dealers who sell cheap parts.

 

[thatgreentruck]

I'm going to replace mine with oem in the spring anyway but checked them today to be safe. They're original 99 parts with 125k. The truck is not lifted and is essentially a grocery getter.
The boots were slightly cracked but not torn. I lifted the wheel and then pried down between the lbj and knuckle. Both sides had zero play. Tie rods had no play either. Was this the right way to check on these cars?

 

[Tim McBride]

MOOG and NAPA are not owned by the same company as far as I know.
MOOG is owned by Federal-Mogul
Napa is owned by Genuine Parts Company

I installed the MOOGs because I already had them, and bought them before I read about the issues that some have had with them. I had bought them so long ago they were not returnable for a refund, not going to just throw money down the drain.

Outside of here, I've not heard anything bad about MOOG, in fact mostly good things.

I installed them, I'll check them at every oil change and see what happens.