Ball joints shot - tie rod end boots torn also. What else?

[flintknapper]

Yeah. The more I thought about it the more I realized it's not a good idea. Especially for something like this. I mean the originals lasted 250,000 miles. My goal is to get to 500,000 miles. But whatever ends up happening, I will never have to replace the ball joints or bushings again in my ownership if I go with new OEM. It also looks like kind of a PITA, especially the lowers, so why risk having to do it twice?

Well maybe, maybe not. These things are 'wear' items and they don't go 250K and then suddenly fail or need attention. They were wearing WAY before that. What needs to be determined is at what stage are they still serviceable....and how much longer can they be expected to last (with consideration given to how you drive your vehicle).

 

[JunkCrzr89]

These things are 'wear' items and they don't go 250K and then suddenly fail or need attention. They were wearing WAY before that.

Agree. There’s a reason why Toyota says to inspect the ball joints every 10k miles and replace if not up to spec. Hell, technically you’re supposed to repack the ball joints with grease at like 20k mile intervals.

 

[shtbrwn86]

Compare that to new OEM Toyota control arms: ($255 for upper X 2) + ($278 for lower X 2) + ($35 for lower frame bushing X 2) = $1,140 total for new control arms with new OEM bushings and OEM ball joints already in them.

Where are you seeing them for that price? I am at $1300 on PartSouq before sales tax. I found some sellers on ebay that can get me a little closer to $1200 before tax...

Also, before I order anything, I looked up my VIN on PartSOUQ and got the part numbers and they show as the same for Land Cruiser/LX so I am assuming the part is the same?

 

[JunkCrzr89]

Where are you seeing them for that price? I am at $1300 on PartSouq before sales tax. I found some sellers on ebay that can get me a little closer to $1200 before tax...

Also, before I order anything, I looked up my VIN on PartSOUQ and got the part numbers and they show as the same for Land Cruiser/LX so I am assuming the part is the same?

Those prices were from Partsouq.

 

[shtbrwn86]

Well, I just ordered all four OEM front control arms from the seller PartsLane on eBay. Price was the best I could find anywhere ($1290 shipped with tax). They are coming from UAE, but I have bought parts for my 4Runner from eBay sellers based out of Dubai with no issue. I guess if the parts turn out to be bogus, or faked OEM then i will file a claim with my credit card/eBay.

For reference, I called the local dealer and they wanted $2200+ Crazy that I can get these parts shipped to me from DUBAI for almost half the price.

 

[Joe422]

On the topic of lower control arm bushings... and this may be blasphemy to some of you... anyone try using the SuperPro lower control arm bushings?
I figure if you go thru the hassle of pressing out the stock worn bush, the Poly bushings are usually easier to install and even replace again if need be (Lifetime warranty).

So far Im having good results and no squeeks with SuperPro bushings elsewhere... and this might be something I will try soon... but wanted to see if anyone else has tried?

 

[suprarx7nut]

On the topic of lower control arm bushings... and this may be blasphemy to some of you... anyone try using the SuperPro lower control arm bushings?
I figure if you go thru the hassle of pressing out the stock worn bush, the Poly bushings are usually easier to install and even replace again if need be (Lifetime warranty).

So far Im having good results and no squeeks with SuperPro bushings elsewhere... and this might be something I will try soon... but wanted to see if anyone else has tried?

I've used a few poly bushings on other cars. I like them more when I was 25 than I do now at 35, haha. Rubber lasts longer, feels more supple and unless you're on a racetrack provides all the rigidity needed, IMO.

I wouldn't go out of my way to use them on a 100, but if you want to feel a little more of the road seams then go for it.

 

[JunkCrzr89]

On the topic of lower control arm bushings... and this may be blasphemy to some of you... anyone try using the SuperPro lower control arm bushings?
I figure if you go thru the hassle of pressing out the stock worn bush, the Poly bushings are usually easier to install and even replace again if need be (Lifetime warranty).

So far Im having good results and no squeeks with SuperPro bushings elsewhere... and this might be something I will try soon... but wanted to see if anyone else has tried?

Poly is inferior to Toyota bushings, IMO.

 

[flintknapper]

Poly is inferior to Toyota bushings, IMO.

Agree with this.

 

[bamabrock]

Well, I just ordered all four OEM front control arms from the seller PartsLane on eBay. Price was the best I could find anywhere ($1290 shipped with tax). They are coming from UAE, but I have bought parts for my 4Runner from eBay sellers based out of Dubai with no issue. I guess if the parts turn out to be bogus, or faked OEM then i will file a claim with my credit card/eBay.

For reference, I called the local dealer and they wanted $2200+ Crazy that I can get these parts shipped to me from DUBAI for almost half the price.

do you have the part numbers?

 

[shtbrwn86]

do you have the part numbers?

Here you go. Still need to order the lower number 2 bushings but can’t decide if I should go with pen or aftermarket. Gonna do new tie rod ends as well since the boots have been torn for who knows how long. Think I’ll do OEM on those.

 

[sigjar]

Carmarka.com is around 20% cheaper than partsouq before shipping on control arms. far less organized company though.

My steering wheel has started moving when I hit bumps. Guess it would be front control arms or tie rods?

 

[JunkCrzr89]

Carmarka.com is around 20% cheaper than partsouq before shipping on control arms. far less organized company though.

My steering wheel has started moving when I hit bumps. Guess it would be front control arms or tie rods?

Inner tie rod ends and/or steering rack bushings.

 

[Joe422]

I've used a few poly bushings on other cars. I like them more when I was 25 than I do now at 35, haha. Rubber lasts longer, feels more supple and unless you're on a racetrack provides all the rigidity needed, IMO.

I wouldn't go out of my way to use them on a 100, but if you want to feel a little more of the road seams then go for it.

I'll be honest.. part of the reason for the Poly is because it'll be easier to install, and R&R again later if needed.
Haha, even at 45, I still replace w/ Poly on my other cars for parts like subframe bushings, sway bar links, etc. Stuff that doesnt really articulate much...

My old Denali had lift with everything poly, and squeeked like a carriage... hated it but handling was so improved. I thought I'd stop using poly on trucks...

Slowly, for the 100, Ive tried Superpro bushings on the Panhard, st rack, and Fr Diff carrier. Also my upgraded rear arms have poly bushings on one end and johny joint (which are ball joints in urethane) on the other. All my sway bar brackets have poly as well as the end links. Its very nice how responsive he LX has become.. not over sensitive, but very responsive in feel. No boaty cadillac feel dispite it being a tank. Off road isnt bad either.
Just got back from another trail last night, including washboards, and was still happy w/ how comfortable it was overall. (will see how long the Ironman Nitros last)

Anyway, i just received my SuperPro poly bushings for front arms. If nobody has actually tried them yet... i guess I'll be the guinnea pig.
Not afraid to try new things.. and at worst case, i can always go back to new factory bushings if need be.
Was just hoping someone had actual feedback from trying them firsthand...

 

[DuckLN]

Fyi - you may want to steer clear of the 555 ball joints (pun intended). Last summer I replaced my originals (upper and lower) with 555 and beginning about a week ago the front driver side began making a popping sound and the boot on the lower bj looks unusually wrinkled when you turn the wheel all the way in either direction. Maybe its not the ball joints but I strongly suspicion it is. I believe napa makes a lower ball joint that might be a superior to the 555 (and likely more expensive) but I dont have any first hand experience.

 

[JunkCrzr89]

I believe napa makes a lower ball joint that might be a superior to the 555

You mean the Altrom, which is just a rebranded 555?

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ATMSB3812?partTypeName=Ball+Joint+-+Front&impressionRank=1&keywordInput=ball+joint

 

[DuckLN]

You mean the Altrom, which is just a rebranded 555?

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ATMSB3812?partTypeName=Ball+Joint+-+Front&impressionRank=1&keywordInput=ball+joint

Nossir.

I believe this one fits but not 100% certain.

 

[shtbrwn86]

Well the control arms arrived today. Placed the order Saturday afternoon. Arrived at my door from Dubai today (5 days later). Eight days earlier than estimated.

I was super hesitant to order from PartsLane because they were cheaper than anywhere else I found but they appear to be legit. Compared any and all numbers with stock photos from PartSouq and it all matches up. They were packed SUPER well too.

Unless someone can give me something tell-tale to look for, I am going to assume they are genuine Toyota. Also got the tie-rod ends from @cruiseroutfit today. Honestly wasn't expecting to get them so quick I don't even have the lower number two bushings. I suppose if I am going to all this trouble it would be pretty dumb to leave worn out bushings in the frame. Can't wait to get these installed so I can start driving the LX again!

 

[shtbrwn86]

Well the control arms arrived today. Placed the order Saturday afternoon. Arrived at my door from Dubai today (5 days later). Eight days earlier than estimated.

I was super hesitant to order from PartsLane because they were cheaper than anywhere else I found but they appear to be legit. Compared any and all numbers with stock photos from PartSouq and it all matches up. They were packed SUPER well too.

Unless someone can give me something tell-tale to look for, I am going to assume they are genuine Toyota. Also got the tie-rod ends from @cruiseroutfit today. Honestly wasn't expecting to get them so quick I don't even have the lower number two bushings. I suppose if I am going to all this trouble it would be pretty dumb to leave worn out bushings in the frame. Can't wait to get these installed so I can start driving the LX again!

Well, upon further inspection, one of the LCA ball joint boots is damaged. Not sure how that happened. But I guess I need to see what the seller or eBay will do.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Anyway, i just received my SuperPro poly bushings for front arms. If nobody has actually tried them yet... i guess I'll be the guinnea pig.
Not afraid to try new things.. and at worst case, i can always go back to new factory bushings if need be.
Was just hoping someone had actual feedback from trying them firsthand...

Fwiw we’ve sold and installed the SuperPro poly control arm bushings with good results, we stock them all and many customers have been happy with them.