Best upper and lower ball joints (non OEM)

Not too expensive please??

 

OEM; it matters for lowers

There won't be any options that are better for less

 

Kwikvette - but I thought the 1st gen bloggers were against OEM ball joints????

 

Beside OEM, I'll go with Triple 5 (555) since they're made in Japan. But OE is the way to go. @Kwikvette know what he's talking about.

Tons and 4dz.... do the IFS elimination

 

What?

I swear you're just trolling at this point.

 

Not trolling believe me...I'm getting old and don't remember as much as I'd like!

 

Well, the part numbers are in my signature, for the lowers at least.

 

Thank you sir

 

Just as a heads-up and its worth noting since many may not be aware, if ordering LBJs using the part #s in @Kwikvette's signature - those do not come with the correct bolts for use with the stock LBJ dust protector. The bolts supplied with that ball joint are for use without the dust protector. Entirely up to you if you decide to run with the dust protector.
(image src: https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota....ension-ball-joint-left-front-lower-4334039585)


If using the OEM LBJ dust protector, then use the black bolt w/washer (part# 90119-10933 and torque to 37 ftlbs). Again, this is only for those using the LBJ dust protector which is pictured below along with the bolts you need if running the protector.




Worth mentioning, Part#s 4334039436 (Left LBJ) and 4333039556 (Right LBJ) both include castle nuts and cotter pins. If running the dust protector, I'd order these and then 8 of 90119-10933. If you need to replace a damaged or torn dust protector, the part# is 4334660011.

 

We won't even install 555's anymore, only oem. Many issues with every off make.

The one "weak" point of the 1st gen tacoma/tundra.

 

Up to you what you run, just trying to put out as much info as possible.

 

Helpful information for sure.

The parts in my signature are, as you know, without the boots hence they don't come with the bolts you listed.

 

Yep, why I pointed it out. Some of these newcomers certainly may not be aware and like my 2002, might just have the dust protectors on their trucks.

 

Is it 2002 when they came out?

 

Looks like it hit the tacoma in 2001. For the 4Runner, it was only 2001-2002.
https://parts.toyota.com/p/Toyota__/PROTECTOR/63543345/4334660011.html

 

I'm a napa man....I like their premium in house suspension parts....

With the napas I get a grease zert.... and a synthetic grease boot.....

They have 20 off sale every 3 or 4 weeks.......this week its aaa members.......

 

Are those LBJ boots worth replacing? I figured Toyota must have installed them for a reason on the later years.

 

Anyone's guess... some who seriously punish their rigs say they do the opposite keeping them clean/free of dust/dirt/debris, others don't even bother with them and some keep them on because the truck rolled out of the factory with them (that would be me lol). Personal preference I guess. After reading through @SpikerEng results, I feel reassured by the black bolt w/washer that it's handling the same as the other bolts even at the lower torque of 37 ftlbs. Good enough for me. Rolled out of the factory like that, how it's going to stay.

As for replacing, my passenger side was ripped at one of the bolt holes so I replaced it.

 

I kept mine on as well when I replaced mine last year because that was how it rolled out of the factory. I figured if they aren't important then I won't bother replacing them if they ever rip.