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Can I trust this "OEM Ball Joint"?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by spazjensen, Feb 2, 2025.

  1. Feb 2, 2025 at 10:20 AM
    #1
    spazjensen

    spazjensen [OP] Well-Known Member

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    After reading over several threads I'm undecided about which ball joints to use? Read the mixed reviews of Moog and Mevotec, read the posts about just changing LCAs, and how OEM BJ's are hard to get.

    On Toyota Parts website I find this from my go to dealer for parts:Screenshot 2025-02-02 131305.png

    My question is this considered the OE ball joint? I like being able to grease ball joints, but if the aftermarket options are truly as bad as others make them out to be I'd just assume go with the OE, if that is fact what is listed here. I don't do any off-roading aside from the occasional hunting trail/road and even then it's only 2wd level stuff.
     
  2. Feb 3, 2025 at 8:36 AM
    #2
    wi_taco

    wi_taco My skid plates give rocks taco flavored kisses

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    The parts you are showing in your screenshot are NOT the actual ball joint itself. The parts in your screenshot are the small brackets that the ball joint attaches to on the knuckle side.

    If you like greasing ball joints then the OE models aren't for you anyways since they are sealed. Factory Toyota ball joints are superior to aftermarket equivalents.
     
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  3. Feb 3, 2025 at 11:49 AM
    #3
    Peter603Taco

    Peter603Taco Well-Known Member

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    ^what he said
    43330-09510 is the part number for the "equivalent" OEM ball joint. Toyota only sells it as a Hilux part, its not listed for Tacomas but has been proven by many to be the same exact one. I tried ordering it from 3 dealers in the US that had it listed as available but they all cancelled my order and said they couldnt get it. I ended up ordering one on Ebay from the UAE for like 75 bucks that seemed legit and all is well. Others I saw got them from Japan too, there's a thread about it somewhere.
     
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  4. Feb 3, 2025 at 1:30 PM
    #4
    spazjensen

    spazjensen [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks guys. After posting the thread I looked a little closer and called the parts desk this afternoon and they clarified what wi_taco is describing above. I want to use the OE joints if I can get them, but mine have the boots coming off and I'm not sure if that is because of the angle being placed due to the 3" lift or just being old originals (2006 220k miles).

    If the OE replacement will just to the same boot separation, I'm inclined to go with something that will allow for a better ball joint angle if you get what I'm saying. But the Moog BJ has such a huge shoulder that I'm concerned with being able to replace the Moog joint if I ever need to. Sounds like aftermarket BJs will inevitably need to be replaced, so I need to account for that.
     
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  5. Feb 3, 2025 at 1:37 PM
    #5
    spazjensen

    spazjensen [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Last edited: Feb 3, 2025
  6. Feb 4, 2025 at 8:30 AM
    #6
    1 Limited Toyota

    1 Limited Toyota ISO XRunner body kit complete or pieces

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    I saw a cut down show and tell model of a Moog bj years ago. It displayed how they had a metal intermediate cup inbetween the bj and housing that others did not. Effectively creating better wear quality (makes sense?). Do they still do that? Dunno. Only some? Dunno. Have they gone chinesium? Maybe?
     
  7. Feb 4, 2025 at 8:42 AM
    #7
    Too Stroked

    Too Stroked Well-Known Member

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    Sadly, today's Moog is but a shadow of the Moog so many of us grew up trusting.
     
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  8. Feb 4, 2025 at 9:38 AM
    #8
    maineah

    maineah Well-Known Member

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  9. Feb 4, 2025 at 9:43 AM
    #9
    HWI

    HWI Active Member

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    I wouldn't trust Moog any more than your generic autoparts store brand for most things these days. My Duramax on 35's blew through a set of Moog balljoints in less than 50k miles. Meanwhile, Mevotech TTX balljoints are going on 75k miles and still have zero play. I ended up replacing the OEM lower balljoints in my Tacoma with the Mevotech TTX ones as well. The only negative thing I have to say about them for the Tacoma is the grease fitting should be a 45, the straight one requires an extremely low profile grease coupler due to the proximity to the CV axle.
     
  10. Feb 4, 2025 at 4:23 PM
    #10
    spazjensen

    spazjensen [OP] Well-Known Member

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    My original BJs, the ones I'm replacing, have 220k, 2006 model. And that was with the boot being separated from its seat the last eight or so years. I'm replacing with OE, hopefully, once they arrive. I wanted to be able to service/grease the joint like my uppers, but I just don't have the confidence in the aftermarket brands.
     
  11. Feb 10, 2025 at 9:42 AM
    #11
    spazjensen

    spazjensen [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Straight from Japan. Just arrived today. $82 total for both from amayama. Took about a week once they shipped.

    Wondering if there is a way to put a tighter 'something' to hold the boot place at the seat since that's where mine separated at.

    PXL_20250210_173538807.MP.jpg
     
    Last edited: Feb 10, 2025
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  12. Feb 10, 2025 at 9:50 AM
    #12
    Peter603Taco

    Peter603Taco Well-Known Member

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    Nice! Looks identical to what I received both part and label.
     
  13. Feb 10, 2025 at 9:54 AM
    #13
    spazjensen

    spazjensen [OP] Well-Known Member

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    glad to hear that. I was a small bit worried in the back of my mind. This is the first time I ever had to order anything overseas for a vehicle. Yours went in and functioned ok I take it?

    Just a note about amayama: while the purchase process is weird and leaves you hanging until they confirm availability for the final cost, i do like that they showed me three different OEM sources (one Japan, two UAE) and Japan was cheapest parts price. They also were very good about communicating via email with updates all the way from the order being placed, shipped/tracking (mine was DHL), customs, and "out for delivery" emails.
     
    Last edited: Feb 10, 2025
  14. Feb 10, 2025 at 10:58 AM
    #14
    gotoman1969

    gotoman1969 Well-Known Member

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    There is not a single aftermarket lbj that can be greased that will last as long as an OE ball joint.
     
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  15. Feb 10, 2025 at 10:59 AM
    #15
    gotoman1969

    gotoman1969 Well-Known Member

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    What site did you use to order these?
     
  16. Feb 10, 2025 at 11:01 AM
    #16
    spazjensen

    spazjensen [OP] Well-Known Member

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  17. Feb 10, 2025 at 11:11 AM
    #17
    RemAllDay

    RemAllDay New Member

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    I am having the same problem with my 2012, need a new LBJ and the dealership wont sell me the part directly they say i have to order an entire LCA. Does the 43330-09510 Joint work for the 2012s as well? i would think the suspension is pretty much the same and amayana states this part will work for 1GRFE.
     
  18. Feb 10, 2025 at 11:42 AM
    #18
    Peter603Taco

    Peter603Taco Well-Known Member

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    Yeah everything went smoothly and has felt good for a couple thousand miles the past month
    Yeah 05-15 4wd should all be the same as far as I know. I think 3rd gen's as well, and possibly 2wd but I'm not sure.
     
  19. Feb 10, 2025 at 11:43 AM
    #19
    spazjensen

    spazjensen [OP] Well-Known Member

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    i have an 06' 2TR. I can't say it would for sure fit. But if factory control arm part number matches between the two (06' Prerunner vs 12' Prerunner) then it should be the same LBJ
     
  20. Feb 10, 2025 at 12:01 PM
    #20
    RemAllDay

    RemAllDay New Member

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    thanks i think im going to give it a go, I want to use OEM parts but the dealership would only sell me a $600 complete control arm. You would think for a part that has a known failure they would sell OEM parts to kill the aftermarket competition.


    I have one bad side with a good squeak right now so i think 42 dollars is worth taking the chance
     
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