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LCA- Rebuild vs OEM replacement vs Aftermarket

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Richie Rich, Oct 28, 2019.

  1. Oct 28, 2019 at 11:40 AM
    #1
    Richie Rich

    Richie Rich [OP] Toyota Hoarder

    Joined:
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    760 (San Diego)
    Vehicle:
    2010 X-Runner 2011 TRD Sport DC 4x4
    More than I can afford
    My 2011 needs some love in the lower control arm department. It has 100k on it, alignment cams are likely seized, bushings are probably not happy and the balljoints are seeping and feel a bit loose.

    Options:
    Total Chaos stock length uniball lowers
    Advantages: Completes the set (I have their uppers), beefy, no more balljoints ever, little better performance then stock, looks good on IG (kidding, I don't even have an insta).

    Disadvantages: $$$$$$ ($2,200) and one more set of squeaky poly bushings to maintenance. Also opens floodgates to "while I am in theres" like alignment cam tab gussets, spindle gussets etc..

    Stock LCA rebuild:
    Advantages: Cheap.
    Disadvantages: A PITA to do. I have the tools to do it and have rebuilt arms before. It sucks and I hate doing it. Quality of aftermarket parts seems to deliver mixed results.

    OEM replacement lowers:
    Advantages: OEM quality, fit and good to go for another 100k. Also won't squeak.
    Disadvantages: $800 for a pair, that is almost halfway to the TC lowers. Availability seems to be questionable, can't find on confirmed OEM sales places, not trusting ebay sellers that claim to be OEM.
     
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    #1
  2. Oct 28, 2019 at 11:48 AM
    #2
    gotoman1969

    gotoman1969 Well-Known Member

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    San Antonio, TX United States
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    3" ToyTec coilovers, JBA UCA's, Bilstein 5100's
    I would bet if you get to know you parts guy at the dealer, you can get a better deal. I only buy oe parts from the dealer from one parts guy so he sells me everything at cost plus 10, at that cost you could at least 3 sets from the dealer for the cost of the total chaos units.
     
  3. Oct 28, 2019 at 11:54 AM
    #3
    desertjunkie760

    desertjunkie760 @DesertJunkie760 (IG)

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    Check My Sig.
  4. Oct 28, 2019 at 11:57 AM
    #4
    757yotas

    757yotas Well-Known Member

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    I just got a set from 1A auto and they have been good for 10k so far zero issues
     
  5. Oct 28, 2019 at 12:09 PM
    #5
    desertjunkie760

    desertjunkie760 @DesertJunkie760 (IG)

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    2011 MGM DCSB TRD Sport 4x4
    Check My Sig.
    In all seriousness I was in a similar situation. My LBJs were shot and bushings were toast. I wont run cheap aftermarket suspension components. I wheel my truck and have not heard good reviews. IMO, I'd rather spend a little more than save a buck and invest more time into labor replacing parts.

    I think OE LBJs were $200ish in parts? Not including the labor, whether I do it or pay someone else and that doesn't include the bushings. The factory LCAs are also known to have stress cracks after good use, mine did so I would have had to buy a new arm as well.

    Long story short, I viewed it as at least $400 worth and applied that amount to a used set in good condition of aftermarket LCAs (Dirt King). This along with the added benefits of the aftermarket LCAs really made it worth the purchase.
     
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    #5
  6. Oct 28, 2019 at 6:00 PM
    #6
    Richie Rich

    Richie Rich [OP] Toyota Hoarder

    Joined:
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    Male
    760 (San Diego)
    Vehicle:
    2010 X-Runner 2011 TRD Sport DC 4x4
    More than I can afford
  7. Oct 28, 2019 at 6:13 PM
    #7
    desertjunkie760

    desertjunkie760 @DesertJunkie760 (IG)

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    2011 MGM DCSB TRD Sport 4x4
    Check My Sig.
    I seem to be having that problem. I don’t think I put the thread in a very active sub-forum.
     
  8. Jul 18, 2020 at 2:24 PM
    #8
    Dayman Karate

    Dayman Karate Well-Known Member

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    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/daymans-karate-class-but-you-wont-learn-nothin-4-link-lt-and-previous-iterations.755134/
    Curious for an update on these. I’m looking to replace the entire assembly with these and if those go to poop just rebuild the originals with quality bushings and ball joints.
     

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