Moog Lower Ball Joints Loose - has this happened to anyone else?

[randy88fj62]

I installed Moog greaseable lower ball joints about 2.5 years ago. I recently installed some OME 2886 heavy springs and OME extra firm strut to hold up my arb bumper and winch.

While I was in there I noticed the lower ball joint was loose. I could jiggle it and move it around a bit in the lower control arm. I personally pressed these suckers in using the correct ball joint kit I own and I'm horrified that this has happened so fast.

I am not nice to my truck and I do wheel it hard so I can see that this could just be the life of the ball joint. I'm glad I found it and I will be putting in new OEM arms to keep the truck safe.

Has anyone else come across aftermarket ball joints coming loose in their arm?

 

[shiftmx]

I come from the 3rd gen world and it was always advised to go OEM for lower ball joints. What happened to you has been seen may times and I would especially stay away from moog.

 

[gimlithepirate]

I installed Moog greaseable lower ball joints about 2.5 years ago. I recently installed some OME 2886 heavy springs and OME extra firm strut to hold up my arb bumper and winch.

While I was in there I noticed the lower ball joint was loose. I could jiggle it and move it around a bit in the lower control arm. I personally pressed these suckers in using the correct ball joint kit I own and I'm horrified that this has happened so fast.

I am not nice to my truck and I do wheel it hard so I can see that this could just be the life of the ball joint. I'm glad I found it and I will be putting in new OEM arms to keep the truck safe.

Has anyone else come across aftermarket ball joints coming loose in their arm?

This is unfortunately a well known issue. I don't believe OEM will sell you just the ball joints though.

Maybe try the SuperPro ones?

 

[aemravan]

2.5 years along with some decent off road time would be bout what i would expect for a low-cost non-oem replacement balljoint.

I am currently in a what I think is a ball joint situation, but with the JBA UCA balljoint.. I am having some pretty significant creaking after about a year of use with also some decent beating on them. I MAY be wrong and it could be the lower ball joints creaking and popping but I am about 90% sure its the uppers.

I did go ahead and order non oem (Detroit axle) LCA's to throw in temporarily as well just to freshen things up until I go long travel in a year or so.

 

[shiftmx]

This is unfortunately a well known issue. I don't believe OEM will sell you just the ball joints though.

Maybe try the SuperPro ones?

You appear to be correct.

I would also look into these. Always hear good things about Japanese made sankei 555.

Advance Auto Parts - Down for Maintenance

 

[aemravan]

You appear to be correct.

I would also look into these. Always hear good things about Japanese made sankei 555.

Advance Auto Parts - Down for Maintenance

yea toyota doens't sell the balljoint separate from the LCA. Depending on the condition of the LCA a lot of people had issues pressing out the OEM balljoint anyway so from what I've seen a lot of members have elected to go aftermarket route for the complete LCA. Ive done a LCA bushing job on my Supra and GS400 and it was far from fun, even though both cars were from the south with 0 rush and decently low mileage so I definitely see the appeal in a direct swap over with no work in between. You just have to settle on the fact that you'll be doing it again a lot sooner than the first time around.

 

[shiftmx]

yea toyota doens't sell the balljoint separate from the LCA. Depending on the condition of the LCA a lot of people had issues pressing out the OEM balljoint anyway so from what I've seen a lot of members have elected to go aftermarket route for the complete LCA. Ive done a LCA bushing job on my Supra and GS400 and it was far from fun, even though both cars were from the south with 0 rush and decently low mileage so I definitely see the appeal in a direct swap over with no work in between. You just have to settle on the fact that you'll be doing it again a lot sooner than the first time around.

Good to know. The 3rd gens were so easy to swap out. I haven't done my 4th gen yet, but hoping it will be a while before it comes to that.

 

[randy88fj62]

ShiftMX,
Good find on those 555 ball joints. 555 is OEM for tie rod ends on my FJ62 Landcruiser. I believe you've found what look to be the OEM ball joints.

Given that mine are loose and may have damaged the arm I'll have to replace the whole arm this time. But next time I'll throw these in. Removing the OEM ball joint was not hard and should be easy on non rusted vehicles.

I am still curious if anyone has had their after market ones come loose. Moog used to be a good brand years back but I've been starting to loose faith in their stuff.

 

[shiftmx]

ShiftMX,
Good find on those 555 ball joints. 555 is OEM for tie rod ends on my FJ62 Landcruiser. I believe you've found what look to be the OEM ball joints.

Given that mine are loose and may have damaged the arm I'll have to replace the whole arm this time. But next time I'll throw these in. Removing the OEM ball joint was not hard and should be easy on non rusted vehicles.

I am still curious if anyone has had their after market ones come loose. Moog used to be a good brand years back but I've been starting to loose faith in their stuff.

Moog used to be good. At one point they had lower ball joints for my 01 4runner that were just repackaged sankei 555. Then over the years it became hit or miss to as if you'd get them again when you purchased.

They are just a repackager of parts and I'm guessing they continuously look for suppliers that meet their "spec" and do it at the lowest cost. It's the reason I avoid them if possible since you never really know what you're getting.

 

[Drcoffee]

I replaced mine with ProForged LBJ which are made in NJ and have a million mile warranty. They seem well built, whereas Moog is now made in China. If you enjoy swapping LBJs, buy Chinese parts. Nuf said