How to Check Lower Balljoint Play with a Dial Indicator

3rd Gen 4runners and 1st Gen Tacomas are known for lower balljoint failures due to the front suspension design. It was an inherently bad design by the Toyota Engineers. Most people just use a certain mileage interval, like every 100k miles, to replace their lower balljoints as preventative maintenance, but balljoint wear is directly related to how you use your vehicle. Those that off road their rigs are going to put way more strain on their balljoints compared to the people who drive strictly on paved roads and thus will wear out their balljoints quicker.

So, instead of guessing when it's time to replace your balljoints, this method using a dial indicator will accurately let you know if you've exceeded the maximum allowable play

https://www.youtube.com/embed/ld1L_nWTOGI

 

Great job as always.

 

Good stuff

 

Thanks, Timmah! I've got ball joints at the ready, but knowing when is really cool!!