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Problem with ball joint fitment

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by mike759, Aug 2, 2022.

  1. Aug 2, 2022 at 7:54 PM
    #21
    MalinoisDad

    MalinoisDad Misanthropic dog person

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    Possibly. What is on the bottom now and how did you install it? Did you happen to take a picture of the new parts before you started the install?
     
  2. Aug 2, 2022 at 8:15 PM
    #22
    whatstcp

    whatstcp currently drunk so don't listen to me

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    Washers aren't the solution here. What I think most of us are trying to say is what is between the washers? Is there an metal spindle adapter that you had to press in with a ball joint press? Because there needs to be something to help hold the bolt and keep it from flopping around. Two washers sandwiching the bolt together in a big hole isn't going to hold it secure.

    What you need to do, if you don't quite understand what we are saying, is dismantle the UCA from the spindle and take a photo of all the parts you have so we can be sure of what we suspect. If we are correct, then you're screwed and try to see if they have that adapter or return them
     
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  3. Aug 3, 2022 at 3:19 AM
    #23
    mike759

    mike759 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    The top washer isn’t flat, there’s a protruding chunk (for lack of better word) that fits into the spindle.
     
  4. Aug 3, 2022 at 7:12 AM
    #24
    mlcc

    mlcc Well-Known Member

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    So you do have an adapter, maybe its in upside down.
     
  5. Aug 3, 2022 at 4:35 PM
    #25
    mike759

    mike759 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    you think the one I have on top should be on bottom? Sorry for my ignorance
     
  6. Aug 3, 2022 at 5:16 PM
    #26
    MalinoisDad

    MalinoisDad Misanthropic dog person

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    This is an arduous slog to the solution. The things we do for free.
     
  7. Aug 4, 2022 at 2:59 PM
    #27
    mike759

    mike759 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Fuck it. This eBay junk is getting sent back. Does anyone have experience with the freedom off-road control arms and ball joints?
     
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    #27
  8. Aug 4, 2022 at 3:13 PM
    #28
    mlcc

    mlcc Well-Known Member

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    #28
  9. Aug 4, 2022 at 3:15 PM
    #29
    saint277

    saint277 Vigilo Confido

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    I use spc personally, think there pretty good and easy on the budget.
     
  10. Aug 4, 2022 at 7:22 PM
    #30
    MalinoisDad

    MalinoisDad Misanthropic dog person

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    JBA is an option. Should be around $500 or so. Watch out for the Jesus DVD they include…. :rofl:
     
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    #30
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  11. Aug 5, 2022 at 3:33 PM
    #31
    mike759

    mike759 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ordered from jba figured better safe than sorry
     
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  12. Aug 5, 2022 at 3:53 PM
    #32
    MalinoisDad

    MalinoisDad Misanthropic dog person

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    You'll get good instructions for one. And the annoying issue they had with boots cracking was remedied a while back.

    This should be a safe bet for ya. I am happy with mine. Have a grease gun ready to hit the zirc fittings because the ship dry.
     
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  13. Aug 5, 2022 at 3:59 PM
    #33
    eon_blue

    eon_blue Most Improved Member

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    I think returning them was a wise choice. Even if they had fit properly, the whole thing seems sketch...no real brand name to them, only sold on ebay, doesn't specify what brand ball joint it uses...if that ball joint were to fail you'd be in for a rough time. Better to splurge a little on quality with a good reputation.

    SPCs are great because they're adjustable but most people don't really need the adjustment unless you're playing with caster to fit larger tires or have an alignment problem/bent frame and need the adjustment to track straight. The JBAs should do just fine
     
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  14. Aug 6, 2022 at 8:29 AM
    #34
    Area51Runner

    Area51Runner Well-Known Member

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    Ouch. Do they really ship out a † DVD with their product?
     
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  15. Aug 6, 2022 at 8:34 AM
    #35
    MalinoisDad

    MalinoisDad Misanthropic dog person

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    In every box. As if we need Christ in a 1st gen…

    3rd gen maybe. :D:rofl:
     
  16. Aug 6, 2022 at 9:22 AM
    #36
    eon_blue

    eon_blue Most Improved Member

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    jesus save me from frame rot
     
  17. Aug 6, 2022 at 9:26 AM
    #37
    theesotericone

    theesotericone Well-Known Member

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    CA saves you from frame rot. Go live back east for 5 years and see how Jesus treats your frame rot. lol
     
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  18. Aug 6, 2022 at 9:28 AM
    #38
    mlcc

    mlcc Well-Known Member

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    He makes it holy
     
  19. Aug 6, 2022 at 9:29 AM
    #39
    theesotericone

    theesotericone Well-Known Member

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    LMAO. Nice word play.
     
  20. Aug 6, 2022 at 9:31 AM
    #40
    mlcc

    mlcc Well-Known Member

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    :rimshot:
     
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