Quality Tie Rod LBJ Parts??

[PitbullRescuer]

Sankei 555 is NOT oem. Sankei 555 is often re-branded as Raybestos, Napa, Moog, and etc. I made another thread with my findings on lower ball joint manufacturers and why OEM is best. Im not sure who makes the OEM lower ball joints, but there is a noticeable difference between those and the Sankei 555.

If you want to save cost, sure go with an aftermarket brand for tie rod ends, and upper ball joints. But due to the non failsafe nature of the lower ball joints, I would ONLY go with OEM in that case.

For LBJ's, I would recommend Toyota branded parts only too. But keep in mind, most of the LBJ failures in here have been OEM LBJ's.

As far as Sankei 555 goes, I only said I think they were the OEM manufacturer. If they were not, do you happen to know who is? I can assure you that it is not Toyota themselves.

 

[larrylegend]

I ordered OEM parts from toyotapartsoverstock.com a few weeks ago. I priced Toyota of Dallas too. The kicker for me was the shipping charges. The prices of the parts were within $20 of each other. However, shipping through Toyota of Dallas was $90 versus $30 from toyota parts overstock. Both places used ground shipping to Indiana if that helps anyone.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Are you a fishing guide? I'll bring you the OEM stuff from LAX in exchange for guided trip up the Kenai, Kasilof River, or halibut off of Anchor Point.

a guided fishing trip for the cost of a few car parts? Count me it too. You better be bringing some AMAZING beer to sweeten that deal...

I bought OEM for OTREs and LBJ's, but went with the cheap autozone inners. My justification was that the inners don't see the stress that the OTRE's do, and don't have the same environmental exposure, so they will probably be ok being cheaper. I also heard that same thing from toyota of dallas, that their ITRE's are indeed $128/side, which is absolutely insane. I thought maybe that was for a pair, but no, just one side. That also helped me decide to go with the cheap brand.

Also, I don't think you need to paint the ITRE's. They are mostly protected by the boot anyway, so if you do paint them, ONLY paint the outside part that is exposed, otherwise you risk getting paint flakes into your steering rack.

 

[OffRoadGuy]

a guided fishing trip for the cost of a few car parts? Count me it too. You better be bringing some AMAZING beer to sweeten that deal...

I bought OEM for OTREs and LBJ's, but went with the cheap autozone inners. My justification was that the inners don't see the stress that the OTRE's do, and don't have the same environmental exposure, so they will probably be ok being cheaper. I also heard that same thing from toyota of dallas, that their ITRE's are indeed $128/side, which is absolutely insane. I thought maybe that was for a pair, but no, just one side. That also helped me decide to go with the cheap brand.

Also, I don't think you need to paint the ITRE's. They are mostly protected by the boot anyway, so if you do paint them, ONLY paint the outside part that is exposed, otherwise you risk getting paint flakes into your steering rack.

Okay - Time to sweeten the deal. OP, I'll help you install them too. They're real easy to install too. Breaker bar, couple of sockets, torque wrench, red loctite, 2 adjustable wrench, and rent a inner tie rod tool. I'm sure if I forgot anything someone will chime in. Let me know soon, JetBlue got sale $300 rt hahaha

Nobb - There's only a couple of manufactures that have the capabilities to make quality parts in the quantity required. Sankei supplies parts to over 500 auto makers and parts companies world wide. Every company specs are different. Toyota quality control is excellent and they insist on the best materials. Whereas the other parts retailers specs aren't as stringent to save cost. IE use different quality metals and materials. Another example is from auto parts, you would need to paint your parts. OEM parts are already painted. Just need to do your homework and compare the 2.

I read your thread on Sankei LBJ and maybe you got a bad batch. Did to check more than 1? What I'm trying to say is if you found more than 1 out of 10. Then I would have agreed with you. IMO anything made in japan is to a higher standard than made elsewhere.

 

[OffRoadGuy]

Sankei 555 is NOT oem. Sankei 555 is often re-branded as Raybestos, Napa, Moog, and etc. I made another thread with my findings on lower ball joint manufacturers and why OEM is best. Im not sure who makes the OEM lower ball joints, but there is a noticeable difference between those and the Sankei 555.

If you want to save cost, sure go with an aftermarket brand for tie rod ends, and upper ball joints. But due to the non failsafe nature of the lower ball joints, I would ONLY go with OEM in that case.

burp

 

[TheeMikeB]

For LBJ's, I would recommend Toyota branded parts only too. But keep in mind, most of the LBJ failures in here have been OEM LBJ's.

As far as Sankei 555 goes, I only said I think they were the OEM manufacturer. If they were not, do you happen to know who is? I can assure you that it is not Toyota themselves.

Yeah Sankei 555 is not OEM manufacturer, I actually contacted the company HQ to find out for sure. They replied that they are a "premium line' of aftermarket replacment parts.


Having said that, the ITRs are the ONLY part I did not by OEM when I replaced all my front end parts. It just started adding up too quickly and I was in the middle of gears and lockers too.

I used Camelback Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Parts - Free Shipping

cause they had free shipping but I checked and no free shipping to AK.

 

[nobb]

I read your thread on Sankei LBJ and maybe you got a bad batch. Did to check more than 1? What I'm trying to say is if you found more than 1 out of 10. Then I would have agreed with you. IMO anything made in japan is to a higher standard than made elsewhere.

In all honesty, the only type of LBJs Ive physically had the opportunity to inspect were: OEM, Sankei 555, Raybestos, Napa, and Moog. The last three brands mustve ALL been just Sankei 555 rebrands because the joint is exactly the same. Same finish, same unpolished ball (rough movement), same grease fitting, same boot.

I agree that there can only be a handful of manufacturers with the capability to produce these parts, so it's not surprising that Moog, Napa, and Raybestos merely rebrand the Sankei 555 brand. Im not going to deny completely that Sankei 555 is not the manufacturer of the OEM Toyota LBJs...all I know is that the quality of the OEM joints are far better than these aftermarket ones that I've inspected. Better smooth movement, thicker boot, surface finish that doesnt rust. It would not really make sense for Sankei to have the tooling and manufacturing to make two disctinctly different designs for the LBJ.

No, I did not compare more than one batch from each of these aftermarket manufacturers. But I would welcome anyone who has also come across these LBJs to compare your findings with mine.

 

[Runner4liife]

They only carry one type, not like napa which carries like 4 types. Part #ES3663

Yeah I just saw the one, alright thanks man! can't beat that price, and made in Japan so hopefully they're good.

 

[psraff]

Holy Crap everyone!!!! I'm busy for a couple of days and didn't get on here and this site blows up! LOL I love you guys!!

As for the fishing.... Maybe I should mention my Dad has his own fishing charter boat that is out of Seldovia (south of Homer).

Getting a bit close to the end of the season. I think he has four charters left. But if you guys are serious, I can talk to him.

As for the parts for my 4Runner, I'll be going with Toyota.

 

[OffRoadGuy]

Nice Halibut! That's a good idea. Whomever is into fishing and has a T4R should do a road trip to Kenai and do nothing but wheeling and fishing. Oh maybe pan for gold too. Anybody know how much barge from Seattle to Anchorage or Homer?

 

[psraff]

Nice Halibut! That's a good idea. Whomever is into fishing and has a T4R should do a road trip to Kenai and do nothing but wheeling and fishing. Oh maybe pan for gold too. Anybody know how much barge from Seattle to Anchorage or Homer?

Alaska Ferry system from Bellingham Wa, up to Haines. Then drive from there, through Canada, and back into Alaska... Hell of a trip, and you will never forget it. It's $$$ though...

 

[OffRoadGuy]

Alaska Ferry system from Bellingham Wa, up to Haines. Then drive from there, through Canada, and back into Alaska... Hell of a trip, and you will never forget it. It's $$$ though...

I'm gonna put it on my bucket list. I'll do it with off road trailer and extra gas. Just driving down to Homer on Sterling Hwy was really nice. I can imagine driving up thru Canada.

 

[psraff]

I'm gonna put it on my bucket list. I'll do it with off road trailer and extra gas. Just driving down to Homer on Sterling Hwy was really nice. I can imagine driving up thru Canada.

Buy the Milespost magazine and they help you get through Canada. It's changed so much over the decades. Don't need three spare tires, and 5 gas cans anymore. I would still carry extra gas just because I'm the type of guy to see a side road and wonder where it goes.

I took the trip in the mid 90s, and I would love to do it again so much! If you ever do take it, take your time!!!! Too many people fly through it and don't see everything.

 

[psraff]

I sent an email off to Toyota Parts Overstock for a price quote. I hope to hear back from them in a few days. I'll post the info as soon as I get it.

 

[psraff]

I sent an email off to Toyota Parts Overstock for a price quote. I hope to hear back from them in a few days. I'll post the info as soon as I get it.

Never got a response back so I called them. Got ahold of Adam and we put an order together. Only $30 shipping, which is a great price!

Toyota Parts.
Inners: $128 Each
Outers: $48 Each
LBJs: $85 Each

I ended up with both sets of inners, outers and both LBJs.

 

[SCRunner12]

Never got a response back so I called them. Got ahold of Adam and we put an order together. Only $30 shipping, which is a great price!

Inners: $128
Outers: $48
LBJs: $85

I ended up with both sets of inners, outers and both LBJs.

Is that price per per item or as a pair?

 

[psraff]

Is that price per per item or as a pair?

Each. Sorry about that, I'll update that post.

 

[psraff]

Finally changed out all four tie rods and LBJ! Feels better to drive and it's super easy to do. I saved some time and didn't even separate the outer tie rod from the LBJ. Took everything out in one piece and separated the tie rods on the work bench to get the boot off.

I'll schedule an alignment tomorrow. No pics, sorry but there are a tons of threads about this on here so why be redundant.

Also got the truck all washed up again!!!

 

[BOSSIND]

What is everyones point of reference for the OEM LBJs being the better joint? There was a recall on these suckers from toyota, so that would make one suspect there was a defective run on these, so how would you know you received the better OEM joint (if they indeed made one better) and not the defective ones? Might end up buying old stock.

Has there been a large number of failed LBJ from aftermarket? I've never had a problem in any of my other trucks with aftermarket, and in most cases are better than OEM. Based on the fact they lasted longer than my OEM ones did. So they made good joints for other makes but screwed it up for the toyota 4runner?

I've searched the forum and these doesn't appear to be any concrete support other than hear say that oem are better. In fact, evidence points to the OEM ones failing disastrously.

Maybe I missed something, but I think its important to question it so we have our facts right.

 

[RS Dude]

What is everyones point of reference for the OEM LBJs being the better joint? There was a recall on these suckers from toyota, so that would make one suspect there was a defective run on these, so how would you know you received the better OEM joint (if they indeed made one better) and not the defective ones? Might end up buying old stock.

Has there been a large number of failed LBJ from aftermarket? I've never had a problem in any of my other trucks with aftermarket, and in most cases are better than OEM. Based on the fact they lasted longer than my OEM ones did. So they made good joints for other makes but screwed it up for the toyota 4runner?

I've searched the forum and these doesn't appear to be any concrete support other than hear say that oem are better. In fact, evidence points to the OEM ones failing disastrously.

Maybe I missed something, but I think its important to question it so we have our facts right.

Good point. There are only 2 or 3 members on this site that become hysterical with anyone who considers using non-oem LBJs and thus scare many into buying oem LBJs. Considering that the LBJs and oem radiators are a known problem with catastrophic failures, these guys never become hysterical when someone buys a non-oem radiator! What kind of logic is this?!:crazy: