Should I replace my Ball joints??

[fightman80]

Alright, so I have a question:

If I've had my truck inspected by a mechanic for upper and lower balljoints, and all was nice and tight.....should I worry about replacing them anyway? I've had the truck for 7 years, and I have never changed them out.......

On another somewhat related note, we looked over the entire undercarriage and could only find a front stabilizer bar bushing that needed replacing!

 

[durrell]

I'd say yes. It's a relatively inexpensive and easy job. Better safe than sorry, especially since you're lifted.

 

[Pikeman]

Well if you and a trusted mechanic inspected them and feel they are good then I would not worry to much. I can tell you that my situation this past weekend didnt matter since I had replaced mine under a year ago. It was the bolts that failed. If you wheel or plan to wheel alot then I would consider it as a near future item. Unlike some others that have posted in ball joint threads I do believe the lift, larger tires and also amount of wheeling impacts the longevity of the parts significantly.

 

[the great him]

i agree with pike man, that the lift and larger tires adds a tremendous amount of stress not anticipated by the stock set up therefor shortening the life span of them. in your case fightman80, id replace them just to be safe. i just went to the dealer today to get a quote and they quoted me 4108 per side, and considering the damage if one breaks then its a mute issue, $220 vs $2200+ all take the 10th of the cost in preventative maintenance cost and not have to deal with the risk of my safety, my family's safety and or other people that i might injure or damage cause to their vehicle/property... sure insurance will cover the cost if you have the coverage but who needs to deal with a insurance co and claims adjuster, and who wants to make an unneeded claim anyways. i say just do it to be safe. id also only use a toyota part(i also looked at the stock part vs aftermarket- cause they aftermarket are alot cheaper like almost half the cost). the toyota part is built a lot stronger and has a thicker rubber boot. just my .02

 

[BrianSD_42]

there is another thread on t4r.org where the 2nd set of LBJ failed After only 6 months. he had bought moog instead of toyota LBJs in oder to save money. the car is that thread was totalled.

 

[bike]

Seems like cheap insurance to me. I don't have most of the service records of my truck but I've had them checked and all was ok. I'm planning to change mine anyways when I get a lift and tires in the near future.

 

[downpour11]

yup toyota OEM uppers and lowers... after tax for me at the dealership were $320

 

[durrell]

I bought cheap OE brand LBJs are Advance Auto. Looks like I'll be doing them over again very soon.

I also bought Moog end links and the boots are torn after 2 months.

 

[fightman80]

I'll have to look into it I guess......I don't wheel it or Drive it much these days...gonna try to keep it as a Sunday Driver. With the price of fuel, my wifes "Cheapala" (Impala), is just a better gas miser.