Normal for for 1 LBJ bad & 1 good??

[4xt4r]

Just ck'd lower ball joints on my '98 limited with 240k miles.
Right side has 1/8" + vertical play , but left side has no play how common is this & what about just changing left bad one only & watch the left& change when play is noticed ??
Thanks!!

 

[LittleCaesar]

When steering components are replaced, replace in pairs unless money is extremely tight.
Ball joints, most definitely.

 

[cashman]

They're not like tires that you'd expect to wear evenly. In fact, I'd be more surprised if both gave out at the same time. Of course, if one's bad and the other side is the same age, don't you think it is also on its last legs? They're relatively inexpensive and easy to replace - I have no mechanical ability but still swapped mine out using the guides on this forum. Might as well just replace both.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

With that many miles on them, or an unknown history, I would swap them both out without a second thought! ...even if neither one had any play. Also, only use OEM for LBJs. Replace the 4 bolts that hold each to the steering knuckle at the same time, ordered separately, and use Blue Loc-tite.

 

[baja1]

after installing my SS 1.2 I had it aligned at a very recommended and reliable shop. they showed me alot of play in the control arm bushings and I had them replace them. recommended repairs was a left lower ball joint down the road. I asked them the same question about replacing both and their reply was NOPE if one is bad no reason to think the other is.
that said, im sure replacing both couldn't hurt! '97 w/180K

 

[gamefreakgc]

They're not like tires that you'd expect to wear evenly. In fact, I'd be more surprised if both gave out at the same time. Of course, if one's bad and the other side is the same age, don't you think it is also on its last legs? They're relatively inexpensive and easy to replace - I have no mechanical ability but still swapped mine out using the guides on this forum. Might as well just replace both.

That's what I was going to say, it's not like they both fail at the exact same time. Just changing one will work in the short term but then you have to wonder about the other. They both had the same stresses on them and one started to go bad, how long will it take until the other one starts to go?

 

[4xt4r]

Thanks everyone for your input, I really appreciate it!

 

[92Pony]

Replace both - easy-peasy

Replacing the LBJ on the 4Runner is pretty dang easy, as mentioned above. Buy both L and R, and buy eight new bolts (4 per side) for installation.

Camelback Toyota is your source for the parts.

 

[Nelsonmd]

I third, or 7th, or whatever that you not only replace both at the same time, but replace the bolts too. And again, only use OEM bolts. They aren't THAT expensive and they are specifically designed with the proper shoulder shape and alloy/properties. I disagree strongly with "upgrading" bolts on chassis components.

For an anecdote, I replaced one of the LBJ's on my pastor's 4runner a while back because only one had any play, other was tight, and he wanted to save the money even though I told him he should replace both, and within a year the other LBJ failed while he was driving his kids to school.

This is the one component that most guys here will say "don't cheap out" pretty much without exception. Replace both, replace the bolts, and go with OEM.

 

[cashmoney]

LBJ's on this thing are so cheap and easy to replace it's worth it to do both. Not sure I agree with changing out the bolts also but whatever floats your goat.