To Those of You That Have Replaced Your LBJs

[xcmtb83]

My question is for those of you that have replaced your LBJs as a precautionary measure. How much play or looseness was in the old joint once it was completely unbolted from the vehicle? I am wondering if replacement is really worth it if there is not detectable play or looseness due to wear in the part. My thoughts are if there is zero indication of wear I would simply be replacing a good part with another good part which seems pointless and expensive.

An explanation of how bad the outcome can be if one should fail while driving is not necessary, I am aware. :thanks:

 

[htomeheb]

If they're not torn, leaking, or obviously loose, I'd have to say you're replacing a good part.

 

[JayRolla]

If you have over 50k miles Im sure its got wear on it. If your on stock suspension and there are no tears, leaks and its solid (I mean solid enough where a hammer is needed to move it) than you should be good. If you have over 100k miles and a lift kit I would replace them.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Quite a bit for me. My rapidly failing passenger LBJ helped to take out my CV as well as the bearing on that side, so if I would have been proactive rather than reactive, I would have had more $$$ in my pocket to spend on other things.

Spend the $175 for OEM peace of mind ( this includes 8 new bolts and blue loctite).

 

[awthorn]

If you have higher mileage then I would definitely replace them. I had the same reserves as you until i thought about it in the sense that my wife and child would be riding in this vehicle with me and what would happen if it were to fail with them in the vehicle. Needless to say I replaced mine, $180 ish for OEMS and my time was well worth the peace of mind if you ask me.

 

[01thunder]

eveything was shot on my truck; LBJ's, I and OTR's, UBJ's.

 

[krenaud33]

I figured mine were shot. When I bought my new tires in March.(shortly after the lift went on) I had the shop look things over. Suprisingly they said everything was fine. They are a shop I trust, but I expected them to say they needed replaced, since they are probably originals going on 280K. I know they have at least 100K on them. I do think now they could/should be replaced.

 

[Srabai]

Replaced mine a few weeks ago, they were fairly loose once out. Everyone here scared me so I changed them before there was any issues.

 

[xcmtb83]

I picked up some OEM ones tonight. I will disassemble and inspect mine for wear and If I feel comfortable running mine longer I will. It's just that I found it challenging to really check them for small amounts of wear while installed so I will inspect off of vehicle. I never felt 100% confident in the testing method of relieving the weight on them via a giant pry bar.

Thanks for the input!

 

[goro]

When I pulled mine off, they moved with zero resistance in all directions. Probably a good thing I switched them out

 

[tyr0981]

yeah i replaced my OEM, LBJ's @ 230k miles, they had some free play int both sides, no tears yet. But if the LBJ fails, that ~100$ part, will cost you upwards of 1,000$ in replacement parts, at least! good insurance to replace them every 100k!

Check out google if you need a better examle: Bad Endings (google images)

 

[Kung]

What goro said. Mine flopped around like a dead fish.

 

[white_n_slow]

Mine had a layer of gunk on them, meaning they had lost some grease. I actually never bothered to wiggle them and see how loose they were. 170k miles.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Here is a link to why use only OEM replacement LBJs....

found on YT. I believe the OP said he had used a Moog.....
lbj failure...my turn. - YotaTech Forums

I also saw that Toyota has finally gone to a pressed in LBJ for the 2014 model.

 

[krenaud33]

I picked up some OEM ones tonight.

where? Wilson Toyota? cost?

 

[4Runner4TW]

I should have checked mine. I changed mine before leaving on a 4600 mile road trip. I had no records of them being changed so I wanted to be safe.

 

[Tdaz250]

How much are OEM ones?

 

[drdolittlerwc]

This makes me nervous! I just changed all mine out to... MOOG... DANG IT!!:bash: Should've read up!!

Guess I'm going to Toyota in the morn. Got a 3,500 mile trip in two weeks....

 

[awthorn]

How much are OEM ones?

I picked mine up from 1sttoyotaparts.com for about $180 for the pair. My local stealership wanted $240!

 

[xcmtb83]

where? Wilson Toyota? cost?

Wilson indeed. I am in there enough so that hooked me up for a little over $180 including tax. Basically the same price as toyotapartszone.com I just don't have to pay shipping.