LBJ Checking Procedure

[Zulch_AW]

Howdy,

New to T4R's and read here the LBJ is a weak point and should be replaced.

Im just did brakes and while lifted and wheels off "checked" the LBJ's by wedging a crow bar gently in between the ball and socket. There was absolutely zero play. None visually and could not feel even a budge. Rubber in like new condition. The T4R is stock with no lift.

I have some suspension planned in February (Tax return:humble and will probably replace then while it's all apart BUT am I probably ok for now? I'll be off-road but not anything extreme, certainly no crawling or catching air!

I was under the impression they tend to show signs of wear before giving out. Anyone ever found them solid and broke them in normal driving shortly thereafter?

Thx

Zulch

 

[SST221]

Jack up on side enough to put a crow-bar between tire and ground. Then with enough leverage try and move the wheel up/down. If the joint is loose you will feel the "play" that is a worn ball joint. Regardless, when you do the suspension you should do the ball joints as well. Its easier to do both at the same time than individually. Also consider the tie rod ends as well.

 

[Zulch_AW]

Jack up on side enough to put a crow-bar between tire and ground. Then with enough leverage try and move the wheel up/down. If the joint is loose you will feel the "play" that is a worn ball joint. Regardless, when you do the suspension you should do the ball joints as well. Its easier to do both at the same time than individually. Also consider the tie rod ends as well.

Thanks,

I put the crow bar right in the joint and tried to get some play and nothing as I said. This was with the wheel off and lifted up so no forces other than the prevailing suspension coil spring.

I wonder if your procedure allows more leverage therefore revealing an issue sooner?

Next lift I'll try that way.

Zulch

 

[opie74]

There are two ways a manufacturer can set up the lower ball joint. How you checked is one way, but with Toyota, you have to do as SST221 suggested.

The Toyota ball joints are not set up in compression, so trying to force it apart to check for play will not yield any results. You have to try to force the ball back into the socket, so a pry bar under the tire is the way to do it.

 

[Zulch_AW]

Found this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqw85L_sMgE

Zulch