n00b question: Which is the correct part?

[dbsoundman]

OK guys, am I looking at the right parts on this page? I'm looking for lower ball joints for a 2000 4runner SR5 4x4:

2000 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Parts - Camelback Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Parts - Free Shipping

The description for the parts I'm looking at say something like "LOWER BALL JOINT 4-Runner; Right 4WD COIL SPRING"...is this correct for a lower ball joint replacement job? Is there anything else I need? Thanks!

 

[shadow247]

You want number 9 in the diagram. They are 85 and 77 each.

 

[dbsoundman]

You want number 9 in the diagram. They are 85 and 77 each.

Interesting...I guess the "2WD" part of that description messed me up.

 

[dbsoundman]

Now I'm confused...I thought the ball joint would look something more like this:

TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2000 - Ball Joints - Lower Ball Joint, Upper Ball Joint | CK642

Is this a different part of the assembly, or is it just a more complete replacement part? I guess I just don't know exactly what the necessary replacement part looks like...that diagram is little to no help.

 

[98OzarksRunner]

You want #13 left and right for 4WD (#9 is for 2WD).

You might contact the dealer and see if they were ever done under the recall. If not, they should do them free (depending on the year - my 2002 was part of the recall).

You will also need to borrow/rent (from a part shop like O'Reilly Auto) a tie rod end press to remove the tie rod end from the ball joint. If you use a pickle fork you'll have to replace the tie rod ends too. You might be able to pound them out (but not likely). The press will make it easier, like this guy is doing:

http://www.brakeandfrontend.com/issue/article.aspx?contentid=69011

You will need a pickle fork or ball joint press to get the ball joints loose (borrow that from O'Reilly's as well), and be sure to put blue locktite on the bottom 4 bolts (not the castle nut).

 

[dbsoundman]

Thanks guys. I'm still a little bit apprehensive about doing this myself, but I suspect once I ask the mechanic how much it would cost to have it done I may increase my determination.

 

[98OzarksRunner]

It's really pretty easy, just allow a couple of hours and get the right tools. Here are a couple of links for ref.

R&R Upper and Lower Ball Joints - TTORA Forum

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...lace-3rd-gen-lower-ball-joints-pic-heavy.html

Just don't use the pickle fork on the tie-rod end (like the 2nd link) or you will probably have to replace those too (more money, more pain, and a front-end alignment).