I have a 98 limited 3.4L. I have a busted lower ball joint and am thinking about FIY. I have some experience; Replaced a front diff a few weeks ago and that went fine. My question is how difficult would the LBJ be to replace and while I have the tire rod end freed-up should I replace that as well? Any thoughts?
LBJ and tire rod end
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IsaiahC
New member
If you replaced your front diff, I doubt you'll have trouble with the LBJ. It's a good idea to replace the tie rod end but not required unless you bust the boot on the outer tie rod end. In the past, it's been a pain to try to separate the outer tie rod end from the LBJ. I guess it depends how much you want to spend. There's a write-up on here that covers the process thoroughly
yota_addict
New member
Rcastle
New member
I did both my lbj, and inner and outer tie rod ends in a couple hours. I suggest getting a ball joint separator, not the pickle fork style. You can rent them if you don't want to spend the money.
If you did a dif swap this is no problem. There is a great writeup on this site if you search it out.
If you did a dif swap this is no problem. There is a great writeup on this site if you search it out.
I replaced LBJs on my son's '98 limited a couple of months ago out of precaution. I was already replacing inner tie rods as well, as they were shot. The outers gave me some grief in trying to get them loose from the LBJ, so, for as relatively inexpensive as they were, I opted to change them out too!
It was all pretty simple - take parts off; put parts on. As others have said above, if you can swap a diff, you should certainly be able to do LBJs.
LBJ's on this vehicle are by far the easiest ones I have ever changed out in my life. I love the design of these things. 4 bolts, pop the tie rod out, pop the ball joint out, done. No trying to press the joint in and out and having to make adapters or figuring out in which order to make them work. PIA.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
I echo what everyone else is saying, it's probably the easiest job I've ever done. Even changing spark plugs and wires is more complicated than a new lower ball joint.
X2 on renting the puller. You'll most likely never use it again so might as well rent it for free. Oriellys or Autozone usually has one, just make sure it fits between the dust shield behind the rotor ok, if it's too big it won't work. Also, this is a good time to check the outer and inner tie rods. If the outers are very stiff or really loose or the rubber boots are destroyed then replace. If the inners have any play in them or are super loose/droopy, replace. Then you only have to get an alignment once.
Don't forget to get new cotter pins! A simple thing but they play a bigger role than it seems.
Have yourself a couple of big wrenches (or more a$$ than I have - LOL!) - my inners were on there tight!
lbj and tire rod end links
Here's the links to what I found. They're not perfect but they help. Good luck
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/103217-lower-ball-joint-removal-installation.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVQHgcXEhpE
Here's the links to what I found. They're not perfect but they help. Good luck
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/103217-lower-ball-joint-removal-installation.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVQHgcXEhpE
4RUNNERTMAN
New member
Doing this now and here is some insight to what I had happen so far.
1. Could not get the cotter pins out on the OTRE or LBJ (nothing to grab and was unable to use pointed awl to insert into the eye of he cotter to get it out) So what I did is break off the ends and then use a small allen wrench and tapped it through the backside of the hole and pushed the cotter pin out enough to grab it. It was the only way I could get it and was easy once I tried.
LBJ and OTRE where easy enough to get off and I just used a hammer to shock the joint on both the OTRE and the LBJ and they both popped right out after a dozen hits of so. I was however not able to get the Jam nut loose on the OTRE that connects to the ITRE so I am removing both still attached together. Need to get some big wrenches and or a pipe wrench for the ITRE.
Will be back at it tomorrow as I started late tonight so if I experience anything new that may be helpful I will post it and other then working from underneath the truck and lack of leverage in certain spots and limited space its not too bad.
Take your time and be safe, jack stands are a must in my opinion. No doubt with a lift this would be so much easier and faster.
1. Could not get the cotter pins out on the OTRE or LBJ (nothing to grab and was unable to use pointed awl to insert into the eye of he cotter to get it out) So what I did is break off the ends and then use a small allen wrench and tapped it through the backside of the hole and pushed the cotter pin out enough to grab it. It was the only way I could get it and was easy once I tried.
LBJ and OTRE where easy enough to get off and I just used a hammer to shock the joint on both the OTRE and the LBJ and they both popped right out after a dozen hits of so. I was however not able to get the Jam nut loose on the OTRE that connects to the ITRE so I am removing both still attached together. Need to get some big wrenches and or a pipe wrench for the ITRE.
Will be back at it tomorrow as I started late tonight so if I experience anything new that may be helpful I will post it and other then working from underneath the truck and lack of leverage in certain spots and limited space its not too bad.
Take your time and be safe, jack stands are a must in my opinion. No doubt with a lift this would be so much easier and faster.
I get mine from 78-85 mph
