Ball joint issue?

2 years after buying this truck new I noticed all 6 ball joints were leaking grease. Three trips to the dealer, several calls and letters to toyota USA all got me nowhere. So, i been keeping eye on them and trying to wiggle wheels side-side and top-bottom every 5 or so thousand miles. Everything still feels tight as of today.

Back in May 2020 I noticed tear in left steer tie rod boot. Replaced both boots in August 2020. I had to lift up the rubber ball joint boot so it would not get damaged with the removal tool. I didn't see any more grease come out as I did that. I cleaned off all the previously leaked grease before reassembly. I thought ball joint boots would lower back down, but after 600 miles they have not. Maybe because there might not be much grease in them. Pictures below. Both sides look same. As can be seen they have not leaked since August 2020 (600 miles ago).

Feb 2021 I noticed the upper ball joint rubber is degrading both sides. I have no pictures from years ago, but they too have been leaking all this time, but much less. Just the obvious degradation arrows is new. See pics.

this is 2wd 2.4L 5sp 2003 taco w/76.9k miles (not a typo). I'm looking to keep this vehicle running as long as possible. maybe even have it out live me. So, I've been considering this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEFWPKiDx0I
or
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sZ4kzqM-E8

part of me thinks it's a great idea, and part of me is reminded of the many questionable things sold in the back of those old whitney catalogs.

one site he put some sealant over the hole left after wiping off excessive grease.

your thoughts?

tks,
p

 

Just spend the money on Moog replacements if you don’t wanna do oe and replace them. Personally I’d go OE as the first set lasted 17 years they’ll cost a bit more though.

 

So ur saying they're spent. I disagree.

 

The boots are degraded that’s why they are cracking they’ll just get worse and tear and have to be replaced.(not saying the ball joints are bad they may be fine, I put 400k on my 02) you can squirt grease in if you like if money is tight. But they’ll eventually need to be replaced. Money now or money later. It’s completely your call.