2nd Gen Ball Joints

Ok gang, what's the story on ball joints for 2nd Gen? Dealership says I need new ones.

 

First I wouldn't trust the stealership, I would get a second opinoin,
second a little more info on the truck would help, miles? kind of roads driven?
lift? tire size?

I am wondering cause the pic shows stock and I'm running a lift and big tires, 130k and my joints are still tight.

 

167,000 miles, Wisconsin roads mostly. Meaning 'deferred maintenance', bumpy, potholes, poor condition. Thanks, Governor Walker!

Stock. No lift. I don't know the history of the truck before I bought it (which was recently) but judging by the bling and that it definitely came from a local gent, I'd say it was likely just rural roads and highways, like my driving habits.

The dealer said that the parts come only as an assembly and was talking around $550 for the part alone. I didn't schedule it as I suspect a certain amount of B.S.

 

And it would appear that there is a certain amount of B.S. in that it looks like the ball joints themselves are available as individual parts from aftermarket vendors, as well as the arm and assembly at about 1/2 the cost of Toyota's price.

So what's the word, gang? What do you recommend? I'm thinking 1.) get a second opinion by my usual wrencher. 2.) find out what you all think about non OEM parts in this capacity.

 

I have used Moog suspension parts on various vehicles for many years and have had equal to or better than service longevity than original OEM.

Another thing I liked about Moog parts is they fit. Some vendors have parts that are "close enough" but you may need to grind off a tab here or elongate a hole to shoe horn in place. Never had to do that with Moog.

 

I'd get a second opinion for a few reasons. 1.) To confirm that's what is needed (and not just a beginning of a money pit alignment.) The dealer could be baiting you for a larger wallet drain. Kinda hard to stop halfway through a rip down and then decide to go somewhere else. 2.) To get a second price. 3.) you can always go back to the dealer if you decide too.

 

Check them yourself.

Jack up the wheel you want to check just high enough that you can get a pry bar under the tire.

Put pressure on the tire with the pry bar from the bottom and look for play in the ball joint. If there's play it needs to be replaced.

 

what dealer in wi did you goto i work at one

 

One in Point.

 

I know just enough about cars to be dangerous. I could work on my old 70 Camaro and 68 Chevy pickup, but this stuff today is a little different. Still, wouldn't the steering feel sloppy if the ball joint was bad?

 

Probably not in these trucks as they have rack & pinion steering not the old recirculating ball steering box, unless the ball joint was so bad that it was ready to fall off then you might feel it in the steering.

 

Upper of lower?

 

Ball joints haven't changed in the last 50 years

 

www.rockauto.com is a good place to shop if you want to at min. check aftermarket prices. They typically have multiple choices with good info including if they might be from the manufacturer who produces them for Toyota.

 

I thought that there was a big difference in the ball joint design between 1st and 2nd gens, no? You see 1st gens having far more issues with them that's for sure.

 

All ball joints work on the same premise

 

Is there a write up on how to fix ball joints on here? My lowers on both sides are starting to spit grease out onto my rims. I will probably do the uppers as well while I have the wheels off. Is it easier to just buy the joints with the bracket?