Swapping LBJs... What else should I do while Im in there??

Good people,

I've had my new LBJs from McGeroge for a couple weeks. Decided to pull the wheels and make the swap this afternoon. I didn't have a lot of time and realized it was more invasive than i thought. I decided i would do the UBJ at the same time so i ordered those and put everything back together.. The truck has 234k on it and I'm not sure what front end work (if any) it has had...

What else should i be replacing while i have it apart? I just read adventuretacos post about LCA bushing... hmm.

 

quick note: if you are second owner. make sure you go to toyota's website and look for any outstanding recalls. My LBJ were replaced for free under a recall, good luck.

 

Check the boots on your tie rods are still in good condition. You can fix the boot if it hasn't been split for long.

 

Ill look into this for sure

 

I did the LBJ's, Whiteline bushings, sway bar bushings, steering rack bushings (although did not really need to since did these 10+ years ago and still good) and axle reboot. I knocked the OEM bushings out with a chisel after cutting the washers off with a sawsall but my truck is not rusty. In fact the LBJ's came out with one hit on the bolt and the tie rods fell out.

This is 2 long days of work though and that's if nothing really fights you. Your truck is 5 years younger than mine, I suppose it depends if you plan on keeping it forever might consider doing those items now since there will be some overlap on the labor.

The bottle jack method of removing bushings is probably easier but I was afraid to damage my LCA's. But if you do the bushings be prepared with jack method + heat - one of my bushings was stuck real good and took almost an hour of hitting the flange with a cold chisel - soaking ahead of time with penetrant seems to help. Probably a good idea to paint the LCA's also since they will get scratched up and burned pretty good.

 

I would change the outer tie rods while your at it, there only around 52$ each from Mcgeorge.
If you think about it they do work together . That’s what I did when I replaced mine and I’m happy with the results

 

I would 100% do the steering rack bushings, and LCA bushings. Check your tie rods (both inner and outer) as well. Do that and you'll basically have a rebuilt front end.

 

I’m at 335k and my steering is still tight.

That being said, I’m going to do outer TRE when I install my lift along with ball joints, as those are shot.

 

Sounding like i should do all the bushings i can afford while im in there. Maybe ill wait for the weather to cool and have this things on stands for a couple days.

 

Yes, most of the hard work is done when you're removing the LBJ's. You don't need to pull the steering rack off the car to do the bushings, you just need to pull it back a few inches, also since you pulled that back, you can remove the bolts holding the LCA's to do those bushings. Might as well while you're in there and you won't need to worry about them for over 100k miles

 

Okay- i took your word for it and ive finally gathered all the parts for the front end. LBJ, LCA, UBJ, sway bar link, tie rod ends, sway bar bushings, steering rack bushings, coils and shocks! Wish me luck!

 

You got this!

 

That's a full spread.

 

I assume low humidity where you live so should be relatively easy. My LBJ's came out with one hit from a hammer and the tie rods fell out when I removed the bolts!

I think the new LCA's may be the way to go for many people. I did not realize how harsh the white lines are, slightest pavement offset or hole really jars the truck compared to OEM.

Did not do the UBJ's though, I think that one is bit of a chore regardless.

 

Your truck will drive so much nicer when you're finished, and a great learning experience if your new to wrenching on the Tacoma. Good luck and keep us posted on the outcome.

 

looks like a jewelry store

 

I don't see inner tie rod replacements here. If yours are good you might not need them.

 

Well. I have it mostly apart. My truck is pretty rusty so its taking more torque and knuckle busting than it should.

Whoever said the rear alignment cam on the driver side could be removed by just loosening the steering rack has clearly never done this procedure before.

having to remove the front driveshaft and MAYBE disconnect steering linkage. We will see.

 

Inner tie rod? As far as i can see there are only steering tie rod ends on my 4wd.