OEM LBJ Mileage

[NegroTundra]

What are your guys thoughts on safe mileage interval to replace OEM LBJ's and bolts? I have a 98 that I replaced with OEM at 225k, now has 275k. One of those things that always has me thinking.

Thanks

 

[phattyduck]

This is highly dependent on usage...

My factory ball joints were still snug at 270k miles - but that was with 15' wheels, stock height and only fire roads for offroading.

Large lifts, large tires and more serious offroading (higher loads at large angles) will seriously shorten life. I don't expect the new ones to last anywhere close to that long.

-Charlie

 

[NegroTundra]

That's an impressive interval no matter the usage; I'd be scared. This rig is my 'beater' for work, I typically drive 2-300 miles of pavement to use it for 50 miles of dirt, sometimes pretty rough (in the forestry industry). I think I will push them to the 75k interval. Here's hoping at least!

 

[96RedRunner]

Hope but verify. Check mine every 3-6k tire rotation with a pry bar.
FSM quick check see movement with naked eye passed limit. Like phattyduck doubt
new ones last like pre 2k manufacture.

96 OE hi 200k's 16x8 33" E tires 80#, lift DD & OR.
01 OE stock 200k Professor Steve's DD, bought it 30k on new ones.

 

[phattyduck]

Hope but verify. Check mine every 3-6k tire rotation with a pry bar.
FSM quick check see movement with naked eye passed limit. Like phattyduck doubt
new ones last like pre 2k manufacture.

Mine are up to ~50k on the new replacements - I should probably start routinely checking for any play. You have to check with the front end off the ground with a pry bar and a dial indicator - it isn't the easiest thing.

-Charlie

 

[96RedRunner]

[MENTION=139000]phattyduck[/MENTION] Do it often enough becomes old hat. lol

 

[MaineRunna]

I replaced uppers, lowers, inners and outers on my 97 when I put a 98 body on it a few years ago at 230k. Everything was original and none of it was worn out. I replaced it all with 555 stuff from NAPA. I know it will not last as long as original equipment. Senkei Industries 555 is the OE manufacturer, but it's not as good as buying them right from Toyota and new Toyota ones are not as good as the ones originally installed on the assembly line. I have bought Moog LBJ's that were actually 555 brand in a Moog box. I just replaced both lowers on a customer's gen 1 Tundra and the original one was less worn out than the 555 replacement on the other side.

 

[audiness]

I had the 555 made in Japan ones on my mildly lifted 2000. They were junk after less than 30k miles. OEM or nothing on the ball joints. I will probably replace my OEMs every 50k miles at least

 

[jgue467]

I think our stickies have a group suggestion to replace only with OEM every 100K - you know to avoid the catastrophic failure potential - its a Toyota feature

 

[FD7683]

Wow, this webpage is super glitched but my 243k ball joints I just replaced not too long ago (upper and lowers) were still tight after 24 years of use. Replaced with OEM everything including Toyota black bolts and noticed it improved the suspension drivability wise. Make sure you really test your upper ball joints for play before buying parts because my city truck did not need them at all and I wasted time removing my knuckle and everything to press the joint with a shop press.