lift and ball joints

[theliman]

I did a mild lift a week ago and haven't had any huge problems - one loud clunk on the highway after my alignment, and sometimes an occasional clunk that I used to hear if I accidentally hit full lock still kind of turning the wheel hard.

I noticed today that what I believe is the upper ball joint (below the UCA's) seems to be leaking a little bit. Not too concerned about that (should I be?), but then I noticed my front left (where I heard the first loud sound from) lower ball joint is leaking. Not only is it leaking, there is also grease on the bottom of the LCA (picture). I am guessing it may be exiting the LBJ with velocity and depositing there, but I could be way off.

What can I do? Replace that joint? If I replace it, what can I do to reduce the stress that caused it in the first place (besides eliminating the lift)? Should I worry about causing further damage to something else via normal highway driving in the meantime?

Thanks!

 

[theliman]

After closer inspection, I'm guessing the grease on the LCA is (fortunately) not from the LBJ. I have no idea where it would be from, but I observed some on the right side LCA and the right LBJ isn't leaking.

 

[chaz]

for now, id wipe it clean & see if it shows up again, maybe then you could better tell where its coming from. also, you should grease those steering stops. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/446740-post50.html

 

[theliman]

After closer inspection, I'm guessing the grease on the LCA is (fortunately) not from the LBJ. I have no idea where it would be from, but I observed some on the right side LCA and the right LBJ isn't leaking.

Little slow over here today. The jack had oil on it and was used on lca's during install.

Anyway, still curious about the small leak in LBJ if anyone has thoughts.

 

[ktom3001]

I think it's pretty normal with the new angles. I would clean it with simple green and see if it continues.

 

[theliman]

I think it's pretty normal with the new angles. I would clean it with simple green and see if it continues.

Thanks to all. Noticed some leakage around CV boot today too. Pretty mild, but just wondering if it could indicate I'm stressing the axle or something now (I'm guessing not, since a lot of people lift this amount without issue). It was also after some very mild off-roading this weekend. My buddy just says to tighten the clamp because the boot is probably stretched after the lift.

 

[HokieRunner]

Thanks to all. Noticed some leakage around CV boot today too. Pretty mild, but just wondering if it could indicate I'm stressing the axle or something now (I'm guessing not, since a lot of people lift this amount without issue). It was also after some very mild off-roading this weekend. My buddy just says to tighten the clamp because the boot is probably stretched after the lift.

This is standard fare for most folks when they install a lift. All the rubber boots are used to a 'normal' angle and now that they're operating in a new 'normal' range, they're going to weep a bit. Most folks reclamp the CV boots and problem solved.

As for the LCA's, you can either tolerate it, re-boot them, or install new LBJ's (probably overkill if they aren't worn out). You're probably fine w/ them as is, mine were weeping for quite a while.

If you are interested in re-booting them, I have 2 new OEM boot kits (was going to use them but installed new LBJs). PM me if interested.

 

[theliman]

This is standard fare for most folks when they install a lift. All the rubber boots are used to a 'normal' angle and now that they're operating in a new 'normal' range, they're going to weep a bit. Most folks reclamp the CV boots and problem solved.

As for the LCA's, you can either tolerate it, re-boot them, or install new LBJ's (probably overkill if they aren't worn out). You're probably fine w/ them as is, mine were weeping for quite a while.

If you are interested in re-booting them, I have 2 new OEM boot kits (was going to use them but installed new LBJs). PM me if interested.

Thanks for the reassurance - with 63k on the truck, I'll probably leave things for now.

BTW - I'm a double-Wahoo.

 

[HokieRunner]

Thanks for the reassurance - with 63k on the truck, I'll probably leave things for now.

BTW - I'm a double-Wahoo.

No problem - glad to help. At 63k, she's still a baby!

Some of my best friends are 'Hoos! Definitely jealous of your location, too. I get out there occasionally to hunt and ski and never want to leave....