UBJ replace how to do it

M

MattinLA

New member
Ok so we are replacing UBJ on 96 4Runner and this is some massive job. First of all, the UBJ stud/castle nut side points UP which means the Autozone BJ press cannot be used because large screw-bolt is sticking up inside the wheel well if it fits at all. You are not hammering this freaking thing out either, it's been there for 16 years. Therefore, it appears the spindle must be removed for this job. Is this correct? Plus the stock autozone tool you rent does not appear to have the correct shorter receiving rings to do this job either! Can somebody who has DONE UBJ on this Gen give me some pointers here please no jokes serious business here!
 
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Unbelievable - Thanks.

I knew this was a nightmare removal. This is just great. I'll show this to my mechanic, so he doesn't have to pull the spindle off.
 
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You need to rent the 4x4 ball joint kit also. I've done my tacoma and now just installed camburg uniball joints on my T4r. If it's a 4wd you might need to undo the axle nut from the spindle and push it out part way. But you need that 4x4 kit for sure.
 
It's NOT a simple job.

Because the castle nut/ stud of the BJ is facing UP on my 4runner there is no way to fit a ball joint press in there, requiring either spindle removal OR a gear puller approach, NOT SIMPLE.
 
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/102663750@N03/12278163125" title="IMG_4500 by Tyler Carvell, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/12278163125_8650df2126_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMG_4500"></a>

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/102663750@N03/12278163795" title="IMG_4499 by Tyler Carvell, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3775/12278163795_11c9e19d2d_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMG_4499"></a>

piece of cake with a 3 jaw puller and a socket. Just make sure you dont forget to pull the snap ring like i did :becky:
 
Your making this harder than it is. I've done three ubj's all with the tool from auto zone. You must pull the spindle out to get the tool to fit which is not tough. And yes my 96 and my buddy's 98 only needed hammering to get the top out. Everything you say you can't do I've done three times by my self.
 
Why pull the spindle..?

If you don't need to? NO BRO, that's a WAY bigger job! The tie rod end has to be removed IF you can get THAT out, plus you have to remove the lower ball joint bolts and MINE were not coming! NO WAY! Plus the Basic BJ Autozone kit they lend you is incomplete, it doesn't have the narrow receiver rings to do this job - ONLY way that makes sense is with a puller and a big socket.
 
MattinLA said:
If you don't need to? NO BRO, that's a WAY bigger job! The tie rod end has to be removed IF you can get THAT out, plus you have to remove the lower ball joint bolts and MINE were not coming! NO WAY! Plus the Basic BJ Autozone kit they lend you is incomplete, it doesn't have the narrow receiver rings to do this job - ONLY way that makes sense is with a puller and a big socket.
Click to expand...

just make sure if you use a big socket like in the picture I posted to run an adapter. That socket was for a half inch drive and the rod on the puller will fit and try to thread into the socket under that much pressure. Just stick a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter and it fits like a glove with no worry of jacking up the puller or your socket
 
UBJ replacement, final deal

FYI getting them out was EASY. Getting them IN was the biiiiitch! My mechanic had to remove both spindles on my 96 to do this job, and then press them in with his massive BJ press, with an air tool turning the jack-screw to seat them. Done.
Pretty unbelievable watching this, like working on dinosaur bones. Amazing.
 
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Let me throw in a tie bit of help...put the upper ball joints in the freezer for good while before installing them :)
 
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