1999 2 wheel drive replace lower ball joints

Need to replace lower ball joints. Is this something a novice mechanic can do? Any advice as to difficulty, etc?

 

I assume you mean 2wd 6 lug (Prerunner)? Or 2wd 5lug? The ball joints are different

They are very easy to do on the 6lug. Definitely something a novice can tackle, just need the tools. All basic tools except maybe a Pitman puller, which are cheap and will help with separating the tie rod and lower ball joint.

I have no experience with the 5 lug version though

 

6 lug. Is the separater that fork looking thing? And is there a press that I need?

 

Pickle fork can be used, but they tend to jack up the boots on the ball joints. I wouldn't use a pickle fork to separate your tie rod if you plan on reusing it.

A pitman puller will work for both and won't damage the boots as long as you set it up right

You don't need a press to do a lower ball joint job.


Here's a good guide on how to do it


https://adventuretaco.com/guide/ste...s-lbj-on-a-1st-gen-tacoma-or-3rd-gen-4runner/

 

you can do the whole job yourself, buy oem, rent out the tools from autozone & watch youtube vidz

 

This is one of the easier jobs to do- as stated above borrow a pitman arm (although I think you can also just beat it with a hammer - Idk I have a pitman kit) and watch a youtube - the only other tools necessary are a ratchet and a jack/stands. Should take you no more than 30min-hour to do both sides- be sure to get a new cotter pin and I'd highly suggest replacing the 4 ball joint bolts while you do it.

 

Thanks for the responses. Found an excellent mobile mechanic that did work for $140. Am glad I hired it out cause it took him well over an hour and a half to get drivers side ball out. Seems all the bolts were corroded and ball wouldn't release. He must have used $500 or $600 worth of tools. The driver's side took about 45 mins. Was working in pre hurricane conditions...steady drizzle, gusty winds, cold. A real good, knowledgeable, mechanic.

 

Corrosion makes everything interesting! Glad you got it sussed