Failed Ball Joint

[tbryanh]

The ball joint failed on the 1997 3rd gen 4Runner I picked up a couple of weeks ago. It has about 180,00 miles on it.

What all might I need to do to fix this car?

Could an inspection have been done to reveal the problem so a repair could have been made to avoid a breakdown on the freeway like this?

 

[mtbtim]

Here's what I got:

1) Upper balljoint
2) Lower balljoint
3) CV Axle
4) End link
5) Brake line(s)
6) Rim
6) Maybe Lower Control Arm
7) Maybe the knuckle

 

[ThorInc]

Suggest you use search feature in 3rd gen section and there are current multi page threads on this subject. Also, Google 3rd gen 4runner+LBJ failure for tons of relevant hits.

Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk

 

[frodiesel]

Or if you bought a new to you car or truck you can always google common problems, or a buyer guide.

 

[tbryanh]

Thanks for the quick responses. Thanks for the list of parts mtbtim. This is the second 4R 3rd gen. The first one I picked up about 6 months ago.

I am a little familiar with this forum already, and I will check the places recommended in this thread. Thanks.

 

[Pekoe1111]

Inspection

They will fail you.

 

[tbryanh]

Any recommendations on which brands might be good for the parts?

 

[4Runner4TW]

Any recommendations on which brands might be good for the parts?

OEM only for the LBJ. Everyone will agree. Camelback Toyota always has good prices. So does Dallas of Toyota.

Parts.CamelbackToyota.com

 

[99problems]

I'm in the process of ordering parts to prevent this scenario. Can anyone suggest anything I've missed here:

 

[noxor]

OEM only for the LBJ. Everyone will agree. Camelback Toyota always has good prices. So does Dallas of Toyota.

Parts.CamelbackToyota.com

I just got a new to me 3rd gen and my dad unbeknownst to me did some work on it and changed by LBJ, however he used moog ones since he didnt know about the rec to use OEM only.

It has already been aligned etc. Do you think I can get away with the moogs for 20k miles or so then go for OEM?? Or should i put them on sooner? I am planning on using vehicle for wheeling with highway driving to get to the spots...

Thanks!!

 

[Scramble]

I just got a new to me 3rd gen and my dad unbeknownst to me did some work on it and changed by LBJ, however he used moog ones since he didnt know about the rec to use OEM only.

It has already been aligned etc. Do you think I can get away with the moogs for 20k miles or so then go for OEM?? Or should i put them on sooner? I am planning on using vehicle for wheeling with highway driving to get to the spots...

Thanks!!

I would change them right away. They have more of a chance of sheering off road then the freeway. You wont need an alignment after changing them. Just dont move the adjustment nut on the OTRE.

 

[4Runner4TW]

I just got a new to me 3rd gen and my dad unbeknownst to me did some work on it and changed by LBJ, however he used moog ones since he didnt know about the rec to use OEM only.

It has already been aligned etc. Do you think I can get away with the moogs for 20k miles or so then go for OEM?? Or should i put them on sooner? I am planning on using vehicle for wheeling with highway driving to get to the spots...

Thanks!!

I'm sure you'll be fine for a while. Just keep an eye on the rubber boots for the joint. Once it rips dirt and moister can get into it and wreck it quick.

 

[Rock_Rat]

I just got a new to me 3rd gen and my dad unbeknownst to me did some work on it and changed by LBJ, however he used moog ones since he didnt know about the rec to use OEM only.

It has already been aligned etc. Do you think I can get away with the moogs for 20k miles or so then go for OEM?? Or should i put them on sooner? I am planning on using vehicle for wheeling with highway driving to get to the spots...

Thanks!!

It's up to you, but I wouldn't want to be stranded off road wheeling and have something happen. Some like To take higher risks.

 

[stir_fry_boy]

I'm in the process of ordering parts to prevent this scenario. Can anyone suggest anything I've missed here:

The ball joints I had got from the dealer had the wire, snap ring, dust cap, etc included. Do you know what you are in for replacing the bushings?

 

[GangsterOfLove]

I've already done mine so it's a moot point, but does anyone know if ball joint failure is an issue with 2wd trucks?

 

[99problems]

The ball joints I had got from the dealer had the wire, snap ring, dust cap, etc included. Do you know what you are in for replacing the bushings?

Haha, yes I've read all about the "sizzle" to listen for when changing the bushings, etc. and decided I'm not THAT much of a glutton for punishment, so I'm admittedly going to let the shop down the road handle that one (I just bring them beer afterwards, write a check, and it feels like we all win a little that way).

If the ball joints do come with the extra snap ring/dust cap/ wire, I'll probably have an extra set for sale for cheap or trade to whoever might need it; the diagram wasn't entirely clear and I had a bit of a hard tîme believing that Toyota would actually include "extras" at that price.