Do I need to do alignmet after replacing LBJ only?

Yeh, probably stupid question but I'll be smarter when I get the answer

I'm going to replace LBJ (just in case). I have brand new set of OEM LBJ and in the truck I have factory installed LBJ over 23 years ago (still in perfect condition). When I just swap LBJ do I need to have align job or everything should stay the same?

 

should be ok just putting it back together.

 

I vote alignment

 

The only way you'd need an alignment is if your lower balljoints had noticeable play in them when you got your last alignment. Since it sounds like your balljoints don't have play and you're just replacing them because they're old, I'd say you absolutely do not need an alignment. Now, if you were replacing outer or inner tie rods or replacing LCA bushings, then an alignment would be the usual recommended course of action. However, I recently did inner and outer tie rods, LCA bushings and steering rack bushings for this guy Tony on T4R.org, and since we made match marks on this tie rods and marked the cam adjusters before we removed the LCAs, his rig is driving and tracking fine and he's going to wait until he installs his lift to get an alignment.

 

No

 

Thanks guys. My truck got alignment done after I changed tire size two years ago and its driving perfect. I don't know any trustworthy shop here yet who would not screw it up. Because I will be replacing OEM for OEM I was hoping nothing should change.

I got motivated to swap LBJ after post of guy whos original LBJ failed after 335k miles (I'm close to 320k). Also some streets here have terrible speed bumps that feel like rock climbing (BTW speed bump is the most stupid road invention ever). So Tim's video will be used again - thank you @Timmah!.

 

Although it is a good idea to keep your eyes on the tire wear

 

Double check with the dealer. They did my 2003 under recal and threw in an alignment.

 

Thank you guys. I did the swap (described here https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...k-or-rysium-build.457350/page-6#post-18913447). I will feel right away if I will need alignment after that (before the swap my steering wheel was dead straight with zero pulling int either side). I just wish I don't need to do it. That guy in Sacramento did a fantastic job two years ago. That was the funny guy who had a picture on his wall:



Yes, I watched him doing the work and did not get charged for it. I would recommend him to everybody in Sacramento area but I don't remember the address. Maybe someone have seen this.

When I talk to people here nobody really had any good shop that can be recommended. Maybe Toyota itself - they are not the cheapest but they do quite good job.

By the way what are the correct alignment numbers for my truck (1995 Ext cab 4x4 with I4 engine). I don't have any lift - all suspension is stock, the only thing not stock is BFG tires 30x9R15 on stock 6-inches steel wheels.

 

Only reason why I suggested to take it in, your LBJ's were original . There is bound to be a difference with new LBJs. Will you feel it? Maybe not. Watch for tire wear changes if you don't take it in.

As for good shops, that is a tough one. Hard to find and you'll find it through word-of-mouth and your own personal experience. Toyota, I have yet to find a RELIABLE and TRUSTWORTHY service department. Perhaps hit up regional vehicle forums and see whats being said for the services in your area/outlying cities.

Correct alignment numbers are going to be whatever they can get it to within factory specifications (since you don't have a lift of any kind).

BTW, like that sign!

 

I don't do much work with them with them. They did oil change on my 4Runner and Tacoma (yes, I was lazy) and they did way better job than Elk Grove Toyota I used some time ago. Actually they (Elk Grove Toyota) were so bad that I started servicing my 4Runner at Elk Grove Nissan, and started doing all work on Tacoma by myself. Every oil change on Tacoma there was something wrong (skid plates bolts missing or cross-threaded, leaking oil from the drain plug, and finally they stripped thread in a pan for oil plug. I forced them to replace the oil pan on their dime and that was my last visit there.

Other thing that I have to prize my local Toyota service (this is Centrum Toyota Wroclaw if anyone asks) is they took care of doing Takata airbag recall on my 4Runner. When I contacted Toyota Corporate in USA they told me to bring my 4Runner to any dealer in USA or do the replacement on my own dime. Toyota Centrum Wroclaw worked with their HQ, got all parts needed (A-pillar cover) which took about 2 months, but they did it. I have new pass side airbag installed for free (actually it is about 3 hours of labor to do it).

So I have no complains about them at all, maybe only the labor rate (about 50 dollars per hour which is about 2 times more than other shops are charging). I will need to ask them what would be the cost of alignment there. Just in case.

 

What do you mean they worked on your truck for that recal ? They replaced both LBJ for free ?

 

Yes, they had an open recall this summer to replace the lowers and the spare tire cable mechanism. Ball joints included an alignment. Have them run your VIN.

 

Oh wow! I’ll contact my local Toyota service department as ask them about it. Hopefully I can get both my LBJ replaced with OEM for free!

 

I would also replace the lower bushing also, they are most likely rusted solid...
Than your lower control arms will be all set and you can get a proper alignment...

I just did my lowers, bushings and ball joints. Used whiteline lower bushing and moog greaseable bolts...

But just changing out the ball joints you may get away without an alignment.
But, it's a good time to get it done anyway so you are set for awhile...

 

California truck - rust? what is it?

Actually after watching Tim's video about replacing inner tie rods I think the next candidate for the service will be just that. They are swinging very freely, no loose tho. I have set of outer, but I need to get inner too. Then will be alignment.

 

The lower ball joint recall has been in effect since the early 2000's...recalls never expire so it's still valid today if your truck is on the recall list and never got the recall.

It only affected some 1st gens, not all...I think 2001 - 2002 or 2003 1st gens. Some of them are at risk of having been assembled with scratched ball joints in the lowers which puts them at greater risk of failure.

My truck was not covered under the recall...call your dealer and ask if yours is with your VIN handy.

 

Thank you for the information. Never knew that and will call tomorrow. So call the service department?

 

Must be nice, my truck is a 2010, they were rusted solid, had to cut all the bolts, one bad ball joint and only 78K....
In the mid-west you may get 3 years with no rust, than you have to start touching up and start doing rust prevention........

If you're going to do other work later, probably wouldn't really need an alignment..

To revalve my shocks, I pull apart the upper ball joint and never get it realigned and it's fine, no problems......

 

It can't hurt and it's not that much money so why not?