Replacing Ball Joints

Searched all over and can't seem to find any info on this. I'm replacing my suspension next week, and while I'm doing that, I'm going to replace both upper and lower ball joints for both sides (right side is bad). Where is the best place to get them? I want to go with Moog due to their high recommendations. Also, how difficult of a job is it? And what tools will be required? Its a 2001 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner with 180k miles and everything is original. Can't confirm if the PO got the LBJ recall done right now.

 

I got mine from Amazon, but for you murican's I hear rockauto is cheap. The uppers are pressed in the spindle. I used a pitman arm puller to remove and install mine.

Just make sure you put a piece of steel between the screw part and the ball joint so it doesn't get destroyed

 

And the lowers don't need a special tool?

 

They might be a bit tight but they come out with some pry bar pressure and a hammer.
You can use a pickle fork if you aren't reusing them but the pry bar/hammer method worked for me.

 

None of them are being replaced. How expensive is the pitman arm?

 

its a pitman arm puller and they aren't expensive. I think that one was like $10 from the local parts store.

 

I thought I typed puller lol. This site on my phone sucks. Anyways, thanks. Sure hope this isnt too hard. I get frustrated really quickly with stuff like this

 

The lowers aren't bad, the uppers can be a handful.

 

Ok good to know.

 

Best way, I've found to separate tapered joints is to use a small sledge hammer and lightly tap on the outside of the joint a couple times it will pop loose without damaging anything. It temporarily mushrooms the joint and makes it pop out unscathed. I put a jack under the LCA to support the spindle arm. I then put the spindle in a vice, properly supported, remove the c clip that holds the joint in and used an old deep well socket that fit over the joint and use the small sledge to pound out the joint. I sprayed the joint with PB Blaster and let it sit for a couple hours and it only took a few blows for the joint to pop out. Flip the joint over and lightly lubricate the hole and the new joint and use the correct size socket and couple good blows to reinstall the joint into the spindle arm and reinstall the new c clip. If you have access to a press, I would recommend using it to install the joint. Use an impact wrench to pull the joint up tight into UCA, back it off a 1/4 turn and torque it to spec and reinstall the cotter pin. I have used the same method on several Tacomas and 4runners, after the first time doing it, it becomes second nature. Now, I wait longer for the PB Blaster to work than actually installing everything. This is my method, I'm sure there are better and worst methods to use, just thought I would give you some pointers incase you don't have access all the fancy tools or need to replace one on the trail. Good luck.