GA Tacoma Owners BS Thread

When I finally get around to replacing that CV axle, you can have the torn one that's currently on my truck.

 

My run on History Channel's Knife or Death. I'm the little unassuming Asian man! lol
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SLIEQdxsrGIXz6tA9-L-pKrjQBSKN-4T

 

You wanting the whole axle?

 

Hells Yes! This is badass! You were running thru those targets.
That thick plastic jug was a beast.

 

Yeah, I was the smallest guy on that episode, with the smallest blade. I did the best I could though, it was 104 degrees in that warehouse that day of filming!

 

How hard is it to rebuild LCA’s? I know for sure the LBJ’s are bad, so I’m debating A) pressing the old ball joints out and new ones in, B) buying all new control arm/ball joint assemblies, or C) trying to rebuild the LCA (bushings and ball joints).

 

We might could work something out.

Yep.

Seems that there is a shortage of good CV options. The unanimous consensus is that the OEM is superior to all other options. The next best thing is CVJ, but they aren't much less expensive than OEM because they are a remanufactured (or just rebooted) OEM axle. Most folks don't reboot the CV axles because 1.) it's messy, 2.) it requires specialty tools, and 3.) aftermarket axles are cheap.

OEM remanufactured axles are still pricey and from what I'm told have a significant backorder.

After OEM and CVJ, it basically seems to be "pick your reseller" for next best. Cardone, who makes the NAPA CVs, seem to be a pretty popular choice and get good reviews. After that, it seems like a crap-shoot.

 

It can be a PITA from what I understand. I bought the Duralast/Dorman LCAs to replace my OEM ones and have not been very happy with them. I've heard the Moog option has gone downhill as well. If possible, you have the tools and the patience, I vote to rebuild.

Edit: Do you know that the bushings are bad? If the bushings are ok and it's just the LBJ....definitely go that route.

 

My front left CV is one from Napa. It's held up great for at least 100K now. The right one, is the factory one and the boot is torn a little. I can probably get through the winter on it, but come Spring, it's new CV axle time!

 

If you have access to a press and rent you a ball joint press adapter kit from AutoZone or Advanced Auto, it can be done fairly easy. The Moog lower ball joint has been redesigned in that it doesn't have a boot anymore, it's totally encapsulated. I've never had the actual ball joint go bad, just the boot wears and tears and mud/dirt/water can get into the joint, expediting the wear.

 

Check out the new Moog lower ball joint assembly. Much more robust than the rubber-booted ones of past.

 

What tools do I need to rebuild? I watched some videos and it looked like most people were using some kind of bottle jack rig? It’s hard to tell 100% if the bushings are actually bad or not. It’s an ‘05 with about 170k on it give or take.

Is the bad joint kit that the shops rent out just an adapter set? As in I’d still have to remove the LCA and put it in a full press (which I don’t have, haha)?

 

You don't have to remove the LCA to press out the lower ball joint. But I were going to go through the trouble of changing out the ball joint, I'd change out the LCA bushings as well. The ball joint kit has all the adapters to remove the ball joint AND the bushings. Might as well do it. It's kinda like going ahead and changing out your water pump when you do your serpentine belt or idler pullies, since it's all apart and you have access to it.

 

Hit me with those Fs, boys. Neighborhood kid (6yo) accidentally pulled down a basketball goal on my hood. I have three dents, two through the paint, and multiple scrapes down my hood and past the headlight. $500 deductible and insurance only gave me $557 for repair. I'm taking it to another shop for a second opinion. And yes, the base was full of sand.

 

So the kit is all I need (other than standard sockets and whatnot of course) to rebuild the entire thing, bushings and all? How does the kit work? The videos I watched didn’t look like they were using it. I’ve never rebuilt any of those components so sorry if these seem like dumb questions. Haha.

I remember when @BYJOSHCOOK and I did the 5100 install a long time ago I saw the boots on the LBJ torn. Since letting my dad drive the truck, he’s been saying there’s a lot of front end vibe at cruising speeds so I figured the LBJ finally died.

 

Lmao what! That's nuts brother would love to see that blade in real life looked pretty badass

 

That sucks man, sorry to see that. Is PDR an option and then just patch the paint? Since you’re on your own anyway (insurance isn’t helping you much it seems).

 

Hey man gotta look out for the boyz can cook a pretty mean sandwich Haha
But no really I love to cook ribs, pulled pork, and brisket

 

There's lots of vids on changing out ball joints, but here's one that utilizes the tool that you rent from your local auto parts store. I'd recommend soaking the nuts and ball joint with PB Blaster or WD40 the night before and give it time to penetrate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37NgLM4tIzw

 

Wouldn't hurt to replace them. I don't think they are expensive and should be pretty easy to remove (talking about the LBJ)