LBJ/LCA near Los Angeles

Hey SoCal!

My 2002 DCSB Prerunner needs new Lower Ball Joints.

The truck has 156,000 miles on it now, and the LBJ were replaced on recall in 2005 at 36,000 miles.

I had my timing belt and water pump replaced at a dealership recently, and they wanted to do the Lower Control Arms in addition to the LBJ. The LCA show a bit of surface rust, but look decent overall. I know changing the bushings and leaving the control arms is an option – but at this mileage and age does it make the most sense to swap the LCA while I’m addressing this area?

The quote from the dealership was high and the quote from a private shop I’ve had work done at was only slightly better. Any one have a recommendation for Toyota specialist shops near Los Angeles I should check out for this job? Any local forum members do this install?

Thanks all!

 

I would check on toyota recall website, enter your vin# . Your truck may be on the recall list for new Lower ball joints. I got new LBJ a few years back from the dealer, even got a free wheel alignment.

https://www.toyota.com/recall

 

Thanks for the tip! Just checked, but "There are no open Safety Recalls or Service Campaigns for this vehicle."

The LBJ were already replaced in 2005 to address the recall.

 

Jason’s, those guys do excellent work. Have had great service experiences there with my first gen. I lived in downtown, and drove all the way to la cañada to go to that shop.

(818) 353-8027
7517 Foothill Blvd,
Tujunga, CA 91042

 

Cool, I'll give them a call tomorrow. Thanks!

 

LOL that price is a straight-up joke. Fuck the dealer. Go to the dude listed above.

 

I'm getting the feeling that it's pretty close to an average price for the Los Angeles marketplace right now. That quote is actually less than the two most recent numbers I've been given by private shops for all OEM parts.

I'll probably have the dealership break down the quote into parts and labor, then see if they're willing to price match parts. Might be able to make it more reasonable.

Did you have yours done locally?

 

Go down and see @Speed Freek
Jason is top notch. Shoot him a pm

 

@Shmellmopwho might even be able too.

 

The work shouldn't take someone longer than 4 hours. Let's say $500 in parts or so. You're at 800 in labor, that's insane to me.

 

I'll shoot him a message for sure!

 

Where are you getting the $500 number? Pricing out online I've done lands closer to $700, and private shops are quoting OEM parts at closer to $800.