Quality of napa lbj's

[IanB]

I agree with Brian. Wouldn't a worn LBJ qualify for replacement under the lifetime warranty? If you detect play in the joint, I would think that a replacement under their warranty is justified. If it seems tight and in good shape, then I don't think one would be, nor do I think the good folks at Napa would be particularly enthused about replacing a perfectly good joint.

But that's the thing with these, they don't really show signs of wear, they just fail. That's why people recommend replacing after a certain amount of miles, or when they are X years old, there isn't much heads up that a failure is coming.

Opi just had a failure, and said his steering started to feel loose about a week beforehand. IMO, if you wait until the LBJ shows signs of wear, you are already too late to be safely driving on it.

 

[econhonda]

But that's the thing with these, they don't really show signs of wear, they just fail. That's why people recommend replacing after a certain amount of miles, or when they are X years old, there isn't much heads up that a failure is coming.

Opi just had a failure, and said his steering started to feel loose about a week beforehand. IMO, if you wait until the LBJ shows signs of wear, you are already too late to be safely driving on it.

I think sometimes there are signs of wear that can be detected, but you're right. One thing that makes me think the Napa's might have a better longevity is that they are a serviceable ball joint. The idea that fresh grease can be loaded into the joint on a regular basis makes me think it could last longer. It seems as though all the failed LBJ stories show ball joints that look bone dry or rusted. This is because after 150,000 all of the grease has escaped the non serviceable boot, and that's when things start going wrong. I don't have any proof to back up that idea, but it's worth considering.

 

[WHORERUNNER]

so when you hear a lbj clunking is that due to a worn spring in the casing, causing it to just smack against the housing. Eventually causing it to break through and separate.

 

[WHORERUNNER]

or also lack of lube will cause the ball inside to just rub metal against metal causing extra wear. After excessive heat build up, the casing gets weak and the ball just seperates.

 

[econhonda]

I'm not an expert on the subject, but that sounds logical to me.

 

[bikerjosh]

LR UCAs

how are the upper control arms? i was checking into those because i can't get the caster set right on my stockers with the lift and tires i'm running, i'm like 1-.5 degrees out on both sides.

i'm curious what made you decide to do the UCA's?, seems the only real reason people state is better tire clearance....but for that price i was thinking there's got to be more to it then tire clearance.....

Yep, needed more adjustment after the lift caster and camber were at limit.
josh

 

[brian2sun]

How do you exchange used, not failed, LBJ's for new under warranty? If you are waiting for them to fail, then you have the resultant damages to pay for yourself (fenders, axles, brake lines, etc), and you'd be better off buying new yourself pre-failure than waiting for a failure so you can warranty the part. In my experience, preventative maintenance is not grounds for a warranty exchange on a used auto part with a lifetime warranty.

I agree with Brian. Wouldn't a worn LBJ qualify for replacement under the lifetime warranty? If you detect play in the joint, I would think that a replacement under their warranty is justified. If it seems tight and in good shape, then I don't think one would be, nor do I think the good folks at Napa would be particularly enthused about replacing a perfectly good joint.

But that's the thing with these, they don't really show signs of wear, they just fail. That's why people recommend replacing after a certain amount of miles, or when they are X years old, there isn't much heads up that a failure is coming.

Opi just had a failure, and said his steering started to feel loose about a week beforehand. IMO, if you wait until the LBJ shows signs of wear, you are already too late to be safely driving on it.

I think sometimes there are signs of wear that can be detected, but you're right. One thing that makes me think the Napa's might have a better longevity is that they are a serviceable ball joint. The idea that fresh grease can be loaded into the joint on a regular basis makes me think it could last longer. It seems as though all the failed LBJ stories show ball joints that look bone dry or rusted. This is because after 150,000 all of the grease has escaped the non serviceable boot, and that's when things start going wrong. I don't have any proof to back up that idea, but it's worth considering.

I'll just tell Napa they have play in them when I return them. It's not like the guy at the service counter knows the difference and they sure as heck aren't going to install them back on my truck to make sure. They will just take them and stick them in the back and give me a new set - easy as that. If one store gives me trouble, there are about 10 more Napas in my general area to bring them to.

Normally I wouldn't do that, but since I wheel a lot and it could be a matter of life and death, I have no problem exchanging them every few years. No ball joint will last a "lifetime". So if they are going to offer a lifetime warranty, I'll take advantage of it.

 

[WHORERUNNER]

Ok so I walked into napa, they of course didn't have the lbj's in stock. But I asked to look at another napa premium bj from another truck. I was satisfied with the construction, so I ordered 2 lower bj's, I was even more satisfied with the bigger discount over my aaa that I received, the parts guy gave me 20% because he saw that I had on my Lincoln tech shirt. $70.00 for each premium bj. Not bad. I get the parts tomorrow morning and hope to install this weekend. My t4r has 115k and my lower bj's dont have any play BUT too many scary stories are creeping up on this site. I look at it as insurance. I didnt want to risk getting the pink milkshake, so I changed the radiator, it only makes sense to do the same with the lbj's. Especially because someone can get hurt.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

^Nice. My dad owns a small used car dealer here locally, been in the same spot for 25 years. I worked for him when I was a kid and for a little bit after college. Been at least 10 years since I've worked there, NAPA guys still give me his price on everything. It's great.

 

[theizzardking]

You guys got a napa part number ? They can't find any brand besides moog here , in the parking lot now

 

[bikerjosh]

You guys got a napa part number ? They can't find any brand besides moog here , in the parking lot now

I found them online on their site. When I bought them

 

[WHORERUNNER]

NCP 2601566 rightside
NCP 2601567 left side they are for napa premiums

 

[WHORERUNNER]

I picked up my parts today. Looks like Im doing both lbj 2 inner tie rods and 2 outer tie rods. Ive been searching for torque specs with no luck.
I only have a few
Outer tie rod 67ft lbs
inner tie rod to rack 76ft lbs
lbj says 59ft lbs??? is that for the 4 bolts or the single bolt with castle nut??
Any help with specs are greatly appreciated. I plan on tackling tomorrow.

 

[jsmithjr732]

Check with your local dealers for prices

For those ordering from online sites, give your dealers a call as well. I didn't plan on it, but found out that a local place in San Diego had even better prices vs. 1st Toyota Parts. They had an online presence and beat the other guy by ~5% on all parts. Paid tax, but no shipping.

 

[WHORERUNNER]

Very nice.^^^ I would have gone oem but the napas look and feel great. Plus I plan to swap them out at around 150k. with the lifetime warranty. Im at 117k.

 

[MarcusAurelius]

If a factory OEM LBJ fails, Toyota gets to fix more cars and makes more money. If Napa sells you a LBJ and it fails, they need to give you a new one and lose money. So although OEM is a quality part, it is not in the best interest for NAPA to give you a crap part with a lifetime warranty and have you come back for replacements every 6 months for the rest of your car's life.

Even if you were paranoid or started to feel some slop in your steering, go down to NAPA and get some new ones, take the hour or so to swap them out and you're good to go.

 

[hrt4me]

NCP 2601566 right side
NCP 2601567 left side
they are for NAPA premiums

thanks!

 

[nodixe]

This really interests me as well since I will be replacing these soon along with bushings and more bushings. Thing is, the nearest parts store is a Napa about 20mins away. The next nearest is.....Napa about 50 mins away lol (thank creator for internet) but recently my pass sway bar end link broke at the bolt so went to napa parts to fix it. But since I always heard napa parts have coodies I was kinda scared.....

 

[smkd13]

I picked up my parts today. Looks like Im doing both lbj 2 inner tie rods and 2 outer tie rods. Ive been searching for torque specs with no luck.
I only have a few
Outer tie rod 67ft lbs
inner tie rod to rack 76ft lbs
lbj says 59ft lbs??? is that for the 4 bolts or the single bolt with castle nut??
Any help with specs are greatly appreciated. I plan on tackling tomorrow.

Bottom castle but is either 78 or 83 ft/lbs

The four smaller bolts are 53 ft/lbs (IIRC) could be 59 though.

 

[txbonds]

NCP 2601566 rightside
NCP 2601567 left side they are for napa premiums

Weird but my Napa online shows the first part number, right side, as costing $91.99. Toyota parts barn shows the toyota oem right side for $88.15.

Are you guys getting them for less or just paying more because of the napa warranty?