Lower Ball Joints Need to Be Replaced....

[Big J]

I took the my 99 runner to have it aligned, but it turns out my lower ball joints need to be replaced, and I have a leaky shock.
Anyone have any experience replacing these yourself, how hard it is, time it takes? Thanks!

 

[JustAnotherT4R]

i bought my 02 4runner under half a year ago. after i bought it, i got a note that it was on a recall list to get the lowball joint changed out. i dont know if it apply for 99 4runner. should check into it, if you havent done so.

 

[Big J]

Its a 99, so Im sure if there was a re-call it would have been years ago. Either way, they are shot and need to be replaced.

Doesn't seem like there are too many knowledgeable people on this forum when it comes to wrenching on your Toyota's!
I posted this same question on a motorcycle forum that Im a member of and had about 10 posts with some useful info within minutes.
Im just surprised that on a 4Runner specific forum, people don't seem to know how to work on your rigs!

 

[pat161]

You need a press, so you probably can't do it yourself.


And to the other poster, you asked what, about lower ball joints on your motorcycle, yeah I'm sure you got some real good advice.

 

[JustAnotherT4R]

And to the other poster, you asked what, about lower ball joints on your motorcycle, yeah I'm sure you got some real good advice.

huh what? motorcycle dont have balljoint.

 

[abisel]

The lower ball joints are part of the steering knuckle that is mounted to the lower A-arm via 4 bolts. That assembly is about 100 bucks from the dealer. The only hard part is disconnecting the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle. That will require a special tool that will press out the tie-rod end without damaging the dust boot. A tool something like this. http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/otc7503.html Then just get a new nut and cotter pin for the tie-rod end. Should take about 15 minutes on each side.

 

[Rocky Mtn High]

Its a 99, so Im sure if there was a re-call it would have been years ago. Either way, they are shot and need to be replaced.

Doesn't seem like there are too many knowledgeable people on this forum when it comes to wrenching on your Toyota's!
I posted this same question on a motorcycle forum that Im a member of and had about 10 posts with some useful info within minutes.
Im just surprised that on a 4Runner specific forum, people don't seem to know how to work on your rigs!

I'm in Lafayette, CO and just got my 4runner. I have the joint removal tool that was linked above and I'm pretty into the DIY thing so maybe we can link up.

 

[Fitz]

Doesn't seem like there are too many knowledgeable people on this forum when it comes to wrenching on your Toyota's!
I posted this same question on a motorcycle forum that Im a member of and had about 10 posts with some useful info within minutes.
Im just surprised that on a 4Runner specific forum, people don't seem to know how to work on your rigs!

I have noticed the same thing. When I need to ask a question, it is usually fairly technical. There are some very helpful folks, but also a lot of "take it to the dealer" and "I want to see pics of a Runner on 20's" and "how do I change the color of my dash lights?" types. Try the forums at http://www.yotatech.com/ .

 

[Big J]

You need a press, so you probably can't do it yourself.


And to the other poster, you asked what, about lower ball joints on your motorcycle, yeah I'm sure you got some real good advice.

Are you serious?? Maybe you should go back and re-read the post genius! I was mearly pointing out that I got more advice about my 4Runner on a motorcycle forum, than an actual 4Runner forum. Learn something about your ride, other than making it shiny, than come talk to me.

Well, I did do it myself and it was pretty simple to tell you the truth. Pat was right about one thing, you do need a balljoint press, I rented one from checker.
abisel pretty much explained what I did actually! Since I had my tires off and what not, I decided to replace the stuts also. That was alos pretty easy, except it was kinf of a pain in the ass to get the lower part of the strut on the bracket on the A-arm to get the bolt in!! I had a spring compress, but you can't have both of them on while its been mounted, just not enough room!! So I had to have a friend guide the strut in the bracket and put the bolt through while I put all my weight on the a-arm!

It was easy enough to do, and I saved about $300 in labor...which is a huge plus!!

 

[Big J]

I'm in Lafayette, CO and just got my 4runner. I have the joint removal tool that was linked above and I'm pretty into the DIY thing so maybe we can link up.

Thanks a lot man, but I got it all taken care of!! We should get together and hit up some 4x4 trails!

 

[Big J]

I have noticed the same thing. When I need to ask a question, it is usually fairly technical. There are some very helpful folks, but also a lot of "take it to the dealer" and "I want to see pics of a Runner on 20's" and "how do I change the color of my dash lights?" types. Try the forums at http://www.yotatech.com/ .

Right on Fitz, Im gonna have to check out those forums!