S p a r k y
New member
Your horror stories are probably 3rd gen lbj's
LCA ball joint boot
- Thread starter jonb2
- Start date
Your horror stories are probably 3rd gen lbj's
DisguisedRope
New member
I've read some horror stories on here about replacing the bushings on the LCAs, but haven't heard anything about the ball joints.
He's not saying they are hard to swap out. The horror stories that he's talking about are instances where the lower ball joint failed catastrophically while the vehicle was in motion. That was possible with the 3rd generation design, but not with the 4th generation models.
Like this:
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o200/milowilli/bj4run.jpg
Like this:
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o200/milowilli/bj4run.jpg
Last edited:
Runner4ever
New member
Two weeks ago, I changed the boot by myself. My 4runner is 2004 V6 2WD.
I ordered the boot here. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R97XQY4?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00
Surely you'd better prepare a pitman puller. I tried to loan the tool, but three stores didn't have it and I just bought it. It's less than $20.
It took around 1 hour to install the new boot. You don't have to separate a tie rod. Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the lower ball joint and use a pitman puller. That's it. After then, the most time consuming and difficult part is to put the ring correctly. I found out the easiest way to install it; first, put the grease into the boot. I bought this grease. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GAN3I0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00
I saw some bad reviews for Mobil 1 grease and I selected Valvoline one.
Second, install the boot without the ring. Third, push the ring upward from the bottom. To make it easier, you'd better spread the grease on the outside of the boot. To locate the ring into the correct position, I used two needle nose pliers to push both ends of the ring. Be careful not to tear the boot again.
English is my second language. Thus, some expression would not be clear. If you're not sure, send me the message, I'll explain it again.
I ordered the boot here. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R97XQY4?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00
Surely you'd better prepare a pitman puller. I tried to loan the tool, but three stores didn't have it and I just bought it. It's less than $20.
It took around 1 hour to install the new boot. You don't have to separate a tie rod. Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the lower ball joint and use a pitman puller. That's it. After then, the most time consuming and difficult part is to put the ring correctly. I found out the easiest way to install it; first, put the grease into the boot. I bought this grease. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GAN3I0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00
I saw some bad reviews for Mobil 1 grease and I selected Valvoline one.
Second, install the boot without the ring. Third, push the ring upward from the bottom. To make it easier, you'd better spread the grease on the outside of the boot. To locate the ring into the correct position, I used two needle nose pliers to push both ends of the ring. Be careful not to tear the boot again.
English is my second language. Thus, some expression would not be clear. If you're not sure, send me the message, I'll explain it again.
S p a r k y
New member
The stock bushings aren't the problem necessarily, its the stock camber bolt that is the problem, when it freezes and locks up it also locks up the stock bushing. It is a PITA to get the bolt and bushing out after it has seized. I had to do it on passenger front.
Great. Thanks !
Well finally did it this weekend and all worked out fine. Noticed there was not much grease in the boot once I got everything removed. Worst part was actually installing the boot retainer clip and getting it to seat properly.
This was an OEM boot kit but looks a little different than the stock boot on the other side. Fits fine but seems to bulge out more at the sides. Anyways other side lbj boot looks fine but was thinking about removal and checking/adding grease to it.
Would that be a waste of time or are these basically maintenance free unless the boot leaks?
This was an OEM boot kit but looks a little different than the stock boot on the other side. Fits fine but seems to bulge out more at the sides. Anyways other side lbj boot looks fine but was thinking about removal and checking/adding grease to it.
Would that be a waste of time or are these basically maintenance free unless the boot leaks?
