Lower Ball Joint Question related to build date...

[89FourRunner]

Hey,

So I am ordering lower ball joints and I see moog (and every other company) has two part #s listed for the lowers. The first part # is for 3/89 and older vehicles, and the second part # is for 4/89 and newer vehicles.

My 89 4runner door panel build date is 10/88, so is MOOG Part # K9587 the correct part number for my 4Runner?

Thanks guys.

 

[Iroke17]

I don't see how they would change but it should work

 

[Iroke17]

Also possible its the 2ed Gen 4runners beginning to be built

 

[ToyoTech]

the lower control arms are different depending on year. its not much of a difference and depends on how much droop you have.

image from here BlazeN8's 1986 4Runner Build-Up Thread - Page 12 - YotaTech Forums

 

[89FourRunner]

After crawling under the truck it would seem that I have the shorter necked lower ball joints, so the March of 1989 or older version...I think.

The part numbers list the dates, but am I supposed to use the build date inside the door panel as a reference?

 

[ToyoTech]

the build date will be on the door panel. i would use the link i posted to determine which bj to get instead of whats on the door.

 

[89FourRunner]

the build date will be on the door panel. i would use the link i posted to determine which bj to get instead of whats on the door.

Thanks for all the help ToyoTech, I have the old style control arms and old style ball joints. I was able to pick them up locally.

I am going to tackle the job this weekend. I hear no ball joint tools are required, is that correct? Most pop the lowers out (after unbolting them) with a flat head screw driver or vibration with a hammer?

Thanks,

Rob

 

[rbuchmann]

I use the hammer technique myself. Works well. Keep the nut on the stud until you get it broke lose just so nothing goes flying.

 

[ToyoTech]

i use a tool cuz i have one. if no tool. you can loosen the nut and leave it on there and smash it with a hammer. if you dont want to do that. remove the nut complete and hitting the side of the spindle where the bj is, the quick hit should make the bj fall out

tool looks like this. works great, i love it. can be used for just about any joint like tie rod ends.

 

[89FourRunner]

Okay, job is done. It was pretty easy. I didn't have a puller but vibration worked just as well. New ball joints are in and greased up. I noticed they are a bit tough to grease in the future once installed, but whatever.

I also cut my spare tire down as it has been seized up there for a long time. I'd rather have it in the back anyway, its a PITA when it is under the truck, IMO.

Thanks all! Great Forum!