How to Check Lower Balljoint Play with a Dial Indicator

[mtbtim]

3rd Gen 4runners and 1st Gen Tacomas are known for lower balljoint failures due to the front suspension design. It was an inherently bad design by the Toyota Engineers. Most people just use a certain mileage interval, like every 100k miles, to replace their lower balljoints as preventative maintenance, but balljoint wear is directly related to how you use your vehicle. Those that off road their rigs are going to put way more strain on their balljoints compared to the people who drive strictly on paved roads and thus will wear out their balljoints quicker.

So, instead of guessing when it's time to replace your balljoints, this method using a dial indicator will accurately let you know if you've exceeded the maximum allowable play.


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[Sarki]

Another excellent instructional video from the legend!

 

[gamefreakgc]

Tim, I admire your tenacity to do things the right way. Makes me look like a hack-job compared to the attention to detail you provide.

 

[clearock]

I assume most have already seen this:

Toyota Tacoma Lower Uniball LBJ Conversion - Anonymous Fabrication

If u prefer not to clutter up ur thread let me know and I'll delete and start a new one but seemed a good place with the topic

 

[MelodyRad]

Thanks for sharing. great video! I actually have a dial indicator but not magnetic and vice grip version from Charbor Freight.

 

[brillo_76]

The stash is back.... like your skids.. Thanks for the video..

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

 

[mtbtim]

I assume most have already seen this:

Toyota Tacoma Lower Uniball LBJ Conversion - Anonymous Fabrication

If u prefer not to clutter up ur thread let me know and I'll delete and start a new one but seemed a good place with the topic

Interesting. I wonder if they're worth it.

 

[PackFan1983]

Gotta love ole Timmy. One of my ball joints was squeaking for months. They were the original parts. Finally just went ahead and had them replaced.

 

[clearock]

Interesting. I wonder if they're worth it.

Probably depend upon what type of activities ones taco/4runner engage.... once some feed back starts coming in it will be interesting to read more up on.