Ball joints brand for regular road driving

[Antipodes4WD]

Lower ball joint on IFS needs replacement. Toyota will only sell entire arm. Am I right to think that 555 ball joints would be fitted to that arm anyway? In terms of longevity, is 555 OEM the best option available in Australia? I am sceptical about https://www.the4wdshed.com/lower-ball-joint-toyota-landcruiser-100-series-lh-rh-BJ8620 pushed by 4WD shops as being superior to OEM and Japanese steel. I am not even sure it is not covered in paint, which would be a bad idea for the place where it must be very tight contact between surfaces.

I would consider changing entire arm, but would I make to wheels alignment after such feat since everything will be out of whack. Besides, I do not hear any disturbing noises when driving. The vehicle is inching towards 400,000km on a regular road and no record of bushes changes.

 

[kevgentile]

that's what you get with aftermarket, there is always a compromise. OEM or nothin' when it comes to critical components IMO

Yeah, Unfortunately I needed something quick as I'm leaving for Moab tomorrow and want to do full oem arms later.
Ended up using the oem lock ring to double up and reduce the gap. Actually worked out and feel better.

 

[Rotok]

Been running 555 upper and lower replacement joints for 5-6 years, no issues at all, as are dozens of people on Mud and thousands not. Not sure where the longevity concerns are coming from.

Did you use the grease that came in the boot and on the ball joint, or clean it out and add your own? (I assume since theres no zerk fitting its prelubed internally, but thought I would ask)

 

[Bisho]

Did you use the grease that came in the boot and on the ball joint, or clean it out and add your own? (I assume since theres no zerk fitting its prelubed internally, but thought I would ask)

I probably have 80k miles on my 555s. Used them they way they came.

 

[DuckLN]

I still think that during my 15 years of experience with diy 100 series projects installing 555 ball joints was the worst decision i made.