Gen 3 spindle removal

[knothead]

After reading all the nightmares on removing the upper ball joint I am going to take your advise and remove the spindles and take them to the shop. Only problem is that I have never removed a spindle before. I am replacing the upper, lower, tie rod outers and inners. It is a 2001 4runner. Any direction to previous posts or advise would be helpful.
Thanks, Tom

 

[nobb]

Did you try renting a ball joint press to remove the uppers? Or is that easier said than done?

Just curious as Im about to do mine too.

 

[cdrewferd]

Easiest way is to disconnect the lower ball joint, then lossen the bolt holding g the upper control arm. The arm and spindle will droop. Now smack the upper ball joint with a BFH. It'll take a couple hits, but it'll come out.

 

[knothead]

Easiest way is to disconnect the lower ball joint, then lossen the bolt holding g the upper control arm. The arm and spindle will droop. Now smack the upper ball joint with a BFH. It'll take a couple hits, but it'll come out.

Guess I am calling it the wrong thing. It should be the steering knuckle that I need to remove that holds the upper ball joint.

 

[BigSlim]

If I read correctly the spindle nut that you will need to remove is a 35mm. If the axles are aftermarket, I heard those could be 36mm. I am getting ready to do the complete same thing this coming week to my 97. Spent most of the day today picking up items we'll need. I suggest 8 new bolts from Toyota for the LBJ mounts. Mine were about a $1 a piece. I am going to try getting the UBJ out myself, but if we can't get them out, I have located a local garage than can do the change out for me.

This link might help you:
http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53032

And this link if you want to try and remove the UBJ's youself:
http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/upballjointout/balljoint.htm

 

[jmildoc]

sounds like fun, something I am looking to do to, in order to change out the wheel bearing, just gonna pull the whole thing and take it to the dealer to have pressed out and back in.