1988 LN85 Hilux Front End Refresh - Shopping list? (5 Viewers)

[duncanrm]

Hi there,

I've never worked on an IFS front end before. I wish to completely rebuild the front end of my 4x2 1988 LN85 Hilux. The vehicle has around 280,000miles on it so I'm keen to replace just about everything that I can.

I'm after a shopping list of parts that should be sourced prior to starting work. Bearings, bushings, tie rod ends and other bits that I likely don't know the name of at this time.. and... go!

 

[gnob]

unpopular opinion: if it aint broke, don't fix it.

seriously though, if the parts aren't sloppy i wouldn't bother. especially if you aren't going to use oe parts. inspect, grease as necessary and enjoy that little truck.

 

[duncanrm]

unpopular opinion: if it aint broke, don't fix it.

seriously though, if the parts aren't sloppy i wouldn't bother. especially if you aren't going to use oe parts. inspect, grease as necessary and enjoy that little truck.

There's a minor clunk when dry steering that shouldn't be there.. definitely keen to refresh the lot

 

[jgranthevagrant]

I have done ball joints, sway bar links, tie rods, a- arms, etc. As Gnob says, don't do it unless there is an imminent failure diagnosed. I pulled my 30 year old ball joints, and they were still in usable shape. I keep them as spares. I have repacked my bearings on the front numerous times, but it's a 4wd. Not sure what's involved with the front bearings on a 2wd.

 

[duncanrm]

I've picked up all the parts below.. this follows a quote from a local mechanic ($US2900) for a rebuild of the steering/ball joints/and control arms bushes.. it was very much a "I really dont want this work" quote

IFS has been a mystery to me, but the more videos I watch and the more I look into it the clearer its all becoming.. I am feeling increasingly confident about the upcoming work that I'll start this weekend.

Total parts cost $US380 ($AUD605)..

The Idler Arm's connection to the Relay Rod was almost certainly approaching failure..

 

[BrickRunner]

How do your CV boots look? I've repacked and rebooted my OEM ones several times over 20+ years.

Is there an RHD Aussie equivalent of the Total Chaos idler arm? After rebuilding the OEM arm with new bushings, it ended up bending anyway... So I got one of these many years ago and have no regrets.

Toyota 4Runner 1986-1995 CADDY IDLER ARM <br>- 1ST GEN 4RUNNER | TOTAL CHAOS FABRICATION - https://www.chaosfab.com/product/1986-1995-Toyota-4Runner-Caddy-Idler-Arm-95130

 

[duncanrm]

How do your CV boots look? I've repacked and rebooted my OEM ones several times over 20+ years.

4x2, thankfully no CVs to deal with - that upgraded Idler arm looks nice.. overkill for my application though thankfully (ouch on the price!)

 

[duncanrm]

New tie rod ends, new relay rod, new steering idler today! Did a basic alignment and it drives well..

Ball joints in a few weekends time.

 

[gnob]

did you put the a-arms at ride height for alignment ?

 

[duncanrm]

did you put the a-arms at ride height for alignment ?

I did not.. that seems like a suboptimal mistake.. I will do again. First time doing this. I could jack the lower control arm up.. but if I put the tyres on I wont be able to get a straight edge on the rotors. When the ball joints are done I'll get it in for a proper adjustment I think.

 

[gnob]

you can just put it on jacks or blocks without wheels to get the suspension loaded

 

[duncanrm]

you can just put it on jacks or blocks without wheels to get the suspension loaded

Ah.. interesting, thank you!

 

[duncanrm]

Upper and lower ball joints done today, and new rotors..