LBJs - anything else at the same time?

[lpittman]

Hey everyone,

Just spent about 30 minutes searching trying to find some answers (that made sense to me) and haven't had much luck.

I picked up LBJs to install - but then started wondering if there is anything attached to it that I should replace at the same time (that is affordable).

Truck is a 1998 4Runner SR5 v6 4x4, 200,000k with very little maintenance done (other than oil changes). I don't know too much about this, so when I search for information I get names of parts, but I don't know exactly which ones they are.

A little guidance to get a noob on track would be awesome. I'm going to continue doing my searching/research in the mean time, but I'm trying to get the job done today and any quick advice would be appreciated!

Cheers from BC!

Luke

 

[lpittman]

Okay, finally made some sense of how this all works, I think. From what I can see the only other things to do would be the Inner and Outer tie-rod ends.

Please excuse my ignorance, but could someone explain how these parts interact and what their role is? Not that its crucially important, but I'd like to understand what I'm replacing and why!

Cheers!

 

[white_n_slow]

I would agree that the inner and outer tie-rod ends are a good "while you're in there" replacement. The issue with mine was that the inners and outers were fused together by rust, making the front toe alignment impossible to do. My truck has 185k and has lived in CO it's whole life.

The tie rods just connect the suspension knuckle to the steering rack allowing you to steer the front wheels. If they are worn out, the steering will feel sloppy and your tires will wear faster. If you do some serious wheeling they can bend or break, potentially stranding you.

 

[fish0281]

^ Agreed. You'll have to disconnect the Outer Tie Rod from the LBJ anyway, and you'll know right away if it's shot because it'll be all loosey-goosey (limp) when you take it off.

It's worth it to replace all that now, primarily because then you can get the truck re-aligned once vs multiple times.

 

[lpittman]

Thanks for the tips. I decided to do the outer tie rod as well. Got the job 90% done, just can't remove the jam nut from one of the tie rod ends. Have to wait to find one tomorrow so I can put it all back together!

 

[sooner02r1]

I had the same problem, had to order a Toyota one. Good call doing those while it's apart. Easy, cheap insurance.