Uniball Stock replacement Lower Ball Joints!!!!

When replacing my LBJ with new OEMs, I could not torque the bolts to the 59 ft/lbs spec. The supplied OEM bolts would yield and stretch. Two of the bolts had stretched more than .030".
I changed the bolts with these McMaster-Carr bolts. They torque to spec firm with out any stretching. They're much stronger than the set of OEM bolts I had and are dirt cheap.
https://www.mcmaster.com/95735a635

 

Right, I get why bump steer happens. But if the pivot point is in the same place, and the factory tie rod mounting point isn’t changed, there should not be any change in bump steer. I honestly don’t notice any with my setup, but I’ve had Broncos, and lowered cars that would change lanes when you hit a pebble.

 

How do we get a hold of this person? They have info somewhere?

 

Uniball is a heim joint... which is a spherical bearing

You can spec one of these "whateveryouwannacallits" to the moon.

Typical "rebuild kits" from the suspension supplier include the required bearings (usually SS/PTFE spec), and from my observations with around a 100% mark up.
If you buy the joints direct from the manufacturer, like QA1 or something, they are much cheaper.
https://www.qa1.net/rod-ends-and-related/spherical-bearings

A quick breakdown:
Spherical Bearing = Ball in socket joint <- everything else is basically a sub-set of this
Ball Joint = ball in socket joint (only single shear thru the ball, typically greased and sealed)
Heim Joint = "uniball" = spherical bearing = ball in socket (capable of double shear thru the ball, and for this reason, not typically sealed)

Then theres rod-ends which are a heim or spherical bearing where the outer race has a threaded connection extending from a point concentric to the ball.

With a kit like this, one could buy (looks like) a COM10SS-T for $35 smackaroos per corner.
Or run just a COM10SS for $20 per corner, which would last a bit longer, but squeak like a MF as it isn't PTFE lined.

Sorry if I rambled, I tend to do that.

 

You couldn't torque new bolts or old bolts? When I ordered the OEM LBJs I also ordered new bolts (90119-10933) and had no problem torquing them to spec. They also "go to 11" (finally got use that Spinal Tap reference).

 

You're right, but typically a heim joint in the offroad/fabrication colloquial is a rod end with a threaded shank. Uniballs tend to be a press in spherical joint.

There are very cheap ones out there, but some manufacturers like FK want you to place minimum qty orders for that better pricing. And when you buy two uniballs at $45 a piece, with tax and shipping, you're definitely looking at $100 easy.

 

I'd be interested in a set of these. I beat the snot out of my truck and would like to not have to worry about LBJ failure.

Any info on when they'll be available?

 

It's been a couple of years ago but I think they were the bolts that came new with the LBJ kit. When I was trying to figure out what the heck was going on I found this.
http://www.dansmc.com/torque_chart.htm/
It seems the FSM specs a torque for a grade 12.9 bolt but Toyota was suppling grade 10.9 bolt at the time. The supplied LBJ bolts were able to torque to 47 ft/lbs with out stretching but unable to handle 59 ft/lbs. Now it sounds like Toyota has since fixed the snafu.

If you would like to really nerd out about the subject this was interesting.
https://www.fastenal.com/content/feds/pdf/Article - Bolted Joint Design.pdf

 

Although it isn't a Tacoma, I've had the issue on both sides of my 4runner at both slow and fast speeds about 2 years apart from one another.

Backing up and the lower ball joint sheared off.

Traveling about 60 mph when the lower ball joint pulled out.

 

are these available or whats the deal? was about to start making them myself if no else is.

 

Saw some Facebook stuff....

 

It’s been years later, but are they still making this?? I’ll probably be in NC some time this year

 

Not sure if they ever went into production for public, don't think I've heard of anyone on here running them.

Dunno if it's the same guy or not, but there was a website where you could put your name in to be notified when they became available. Price was cheaper if you gave him your old OEM LBJs or 555s as cores. I put my email down but never heard anything back. That was over a year ago. Then again, Covid and all

 

Yes, I can't remember his ig handle but see him still making them.

 

500 dollars huh

 

More than that:

https://anonymousfab.com/products/tacoma-4runner-lower-uniball-conversion


I think @SilverGhost maybe grabbed a set and has them installed.

 

I just replaced my uppers and lowers with OEM stuff. I would never consider replacing either with a uniball. Mine had 125k miles on them and were fine, but since I was there I decided to do a little PM.

My brother replaced his Tacoma's upper with a uniball - it lasted 20k miles then sheared off when he was driving.

In my opinion I'll stick with the stuff that was made for the truck and just replace it every 80k.

 

just depends on how you use the truck.

All or mostly highways light dirt roads, you bet, last a long time.

Hardcore offroad, no chance. 20-50k before they are showing movement(oem).

Unibal stuff does need more maintenance and replacement. But if your going hard, it's a better choice. But you have to replace them almost yearly especially on the lower as they get dunked in everything you drive through.