Which Ball Joints?

[1998Yota4Runner]

Well, shock went bad up front this week so I'm just going to replace all 4 with some KYB Gas-A-Just struts and shocks, and decided I'll go ahead and replace the ball joints since mine have been shot for a while now.

My question: RockAuto carries many different brands for these UBJ & LBJs, ranging from $5-30, so are the more expensive ones really worth it? Or is it just a 'purchase for a brand name' deal? I'd like to save a buck, since the shocks will be a little more than I wanted to pay.

1998 4Runner 4WD 3.4L V6. 263,xxx miles on original shocks and ball joints.

 

[AZ_Trails]

You definitely do not want to "save a buck" on LBJs. Go with OEM only for these. I personally would also go OEM for UBJs, but they see less stress so you could go with a cheaper option.

 

[GhostRing]

"Buy Nice or Buy Twice"

This isn't cheapo wiper blades here - it's the front of the vehicle staying attached on an already sketchy design.

Please buy OEM

 

[HammerHead]

X3 on OEM

 

[gamefreakgc]

These 4Runners are known to have LBJ failures leading to some really nasty accidents. It's not widespread as to cause Toyota to recall, but definitely a problem.

I paid $86 each for mine OEM online. Definitely worth it since I will be carrying my family in this vehicle, there's no price for safety.

 

[JayRolla]

OEM's, and they even prone to failure around 100k+ miles.