2000 Tacoma TRD SR5 Build

I hate to be that guy, but there is a very strong chance you'll be changing the lbj's again soon. Anything sold at the part store, unfortunately, won't be as strong as the OEM joints. I guess I'm just saying it so that it doesn't come as a big shock if they fail. If these aftermarket lbj's don't fail, you'll definitely be part of a small minority.

 

Nice job though on doing the work yourself. Kudos for that.

 

The only reason I'm not going with OEM is because my uncle replaced his 4 times with OEM ball joints and almost totaled his truck 3 different occasions. So, I have just decided to try something else. But, thanks for the input

 

Moog or any other aft mrkt components that are labeled as OEM
May not be equal in fit /or quality of the Toyota factory original components.

OEM (original equivalent manufacturing)
simply means that it is near to the original specifications
of the original Toyota factory components.

9 times outta 10 the OEM chinese mfgr'd replacement components are subpar
in their construction, fit, quality and consumable life.

Some OEM components are better then others...
And on occasion one can get lucky...
But they are often a hit or miss deal... and that is usually realized later.

Toyota does not refer to it's original nor replacement components as OEM.

Those whom believe that OEM parts are equal to the Toyota factory original components...
Probably pay more for "premium" 92 octane fuel as well !? LOL

OEM labels are misleading, if not an outright deception.
And is purdy much a scam that mfgr's/distributors use
when labeling and selling their wares to the public...

...premium

...top grade

...grade AAA

...super grade

...the best

...etc

Folks are easily fooled into believing
they are getting something as good or better then the original.
When in fact... that may not be the reality.

Yeah OEM usually cost less to purchase initially
but one should realize why that is.

wake up people !

 

OEM means 'original equipment manufacturer'.

'An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a company that makes a part or subsystem that is used in another company's end product.' - as defined by the Google

There are many aftermarket companies that claim to make parts to OEM specs. Maybe that's what you're thinking of?

 

You are right about OEM = "Original Equipment Manufacturer"

But many aft. mrkt mfgr's claim their product meets OEM standards.
But they are not actually supplied to Toyota's assembly.
So I tend to define those as "original equivalent manufactured"

Bottom line...

If it says it meets OEM standards...
it's not likely OEM.

But I thank you for the clarification.

buyers be wary

 

Exactly. The aftermarket manufacturers say their part is OEM spec, not actual OEM. Huge difference. And you calling aftermarket parts, OEM parts, based off your own definition of OEM could easily be confusing.
OEM specifically refers to parts used in the original manufacturing process. You can have OEM parts that don't have the brand name Toyota on them. Some of the OEM suppliers to Toyota sell those exact same parts to other vendors, in that case those parts will not have the word Toyota on them. By far the easiest and safest way to make sure you get actual OEM parts is through a dealer or an online dealer.

 

Drove taco to the White River today and realised I definitely need new shoes will 285's fit on 15x7's

 

285's are metric and fit 16" wheels.

You have 15 X 7 wheels
so should be looking for non-metric tires.

ie: 32/10.50/15

Plus you shouldn't squeeze a wider tire
on a narrower 7" wheel.
As that can create odd tread wear issues.
'cuz the tread will not be flat to the road surface.
And setting the air pressure right... will be the challenge.

I'd think something around 10.5" in tire width would be best
on a 7" wheel width.

Back spacing on the stock tacoma wheel is 4.50" I believe.

For a metric 285... the wheels backspacing would need
be nearer to 4.0" (16 X 8)