OEM ball joints

The recall only applied to a few 1st gens of the 2001+ years, it was a relatively small bad batch that triggered the recall. I have a 2004 and my truck was not part of it, most people weren't. I wouldn't be too upset about it

 

https://www.toyotaofdallas.com/parts/shop.htm?path=/v-2004-toyota-tacoma--base--3-4l-v6-gas/front-suspension--front-suspension

It's true about pricing. Toyota Dallas are $101 and $126 for the L and R LBJ's.

But if you have local free pick up then you still save the shipping...

 

Does the set 04005-03235 also include the castle nut and cotter pin?

 

It does, yes.

Jeff

 

Thank you, that was a helpful tip that saved me $40

 

I'm

I'm curious why 95-00 and 01-04 have different LBJ part numbers and the kit 04005-03235 was made for 01-04 but you say it'll work for 95-04. Shouldn't this info exclude 95-00 from this LBJ assembly?

 

Toyota updated the ball joints in 2001 and changed the design slightly. The new design can be used on older trucks as well, but the older style of ball joints are still available as well.

Jeff

 

01-04 uses the dust boot around the ball joint and the '95-00 does not, that's one difference. However it has it's own part number. As far as I know the actual ball joint itself works across all years.

 

My local dealer acts like they dont' have time for peasants that own a first gen. My price was about $250 each. Got them from camelback where they actually help the guy who likes his old Toyota. lol It does help to shop around for parts. They say to support your local businesses but when they gouge you because they are greedy they can go F themselves. lol There is my ball joint rant for today and you got a pretty good deal on those for sure.

 

I ordered this LBJ kit 04005-03235 and I've run into a snag. The driver side fits fine but the passenger side LBJ has a smaller hole for the tie rod; 20mm driver side, 17mm passenger side.

I would say this kit is not right for older Tacomas or I received the wrong passenger LBJ somehow.

 

I'm fairly certain the 3rd gen 4runners have an almost identical LBJ to us but the tie rod is slightly different, I wonder if they sent you a 4runner one by mistake

 

04005-03235 is a kit that comes with ball joints for both sides of a single vehicle.

I can think of zero Toyotas that use a 17mm tie rod on one side and a 20mm tie rod on the other side. It's obvious the kit you received had the wrong ball joint in it, lol.

Jeff

 

I don’t mean to resurrect an old thread, but I’ve recently acquired a 2003 TRD Off-Road. It had its ball joints replaced during the recall in 2006. Considering the truck has been driven over 100,000 miles since then—albeit mostly on streets—I’m contemplating whether I should replace them again as a safety measure.

 

They’re probably about due by now. I have 1st hand experience with a friend who’s passenger side BJ let go at about 5mph and caused a decent bit of damage, so I’m always on the conservative side.

For about $300 and an alignment, it’s cheap insurance in my books.

 

Sounds like I should go for it then. Honestly, not worth living in fear that I am going to loose one going 75 miles an hour down the freeway...

 

if it makes you feel a bit better, most LBJ failures happen at low speeds during tight turns. Which is why you see so many of them happening in parking lots or turning into driveways.

or maybe all the freeway failures just never lived to tell the tale

Its worth the peace of mind though indeed

 

It’s too easy and affordable not too, in my opinion. $400 with alignment is a no brainer to me, considering the cost both financially and even worse if there’s a failure. I don’t know how handy you are with mechanical work, but It’s pretty quick work. You’ll spend more time waiting for your alignment than the actual work needed to complete the repair/replacement. The only advice is too be sure to torque the bolts to spec… Confirm the bolt you’re using and torque to that bolts specific requirements. There’s a sticky in the first gen forum with a detailed breakdown of the various bolts.

 

?
If it is so way quick to do then Why is the shop book time for LBJ replacement about 2 hours per each side?
That confuses me is all and am curious why so long! I have not attempted to do one yet so IDK!

 

I just replaced LBJs on both sides, took less than an hour and I didn't even need to use a separator as both joints just popped out. Not sure why folks insist on alignment, it's not affected by LBJ replacement.

Best price for 04005-03235 I could find was ~$200 shipped from Midlands Toyota.

 

They have bills to pay and customers to screw over to afford the brick and mortar. It’s 2 hours all in for a clumsy guy like me, taking my sweet time. Unfortunately, you got hosed. I don’t know what a certified mechanic should charge for this job, but if you’re not handy, or don’t have the time(which is often the case) and or not willing to learn, it’s what it is.