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Lower ball joints brand?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Holy schmidt, Aug 24, 2014.

  1. Feb 28, 2020 at 4:32 PM
    #81
    jbrandt

    jbrandt Made you look

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    Generally speaking, it's a pretty common manufacturing process. While I can't say for sure that this is exactly how the 555 factory in [where ever] works, it wouldn't surprise me if it has some variation on that theme.

    They could also easily have two different production lines, with different machinery set up for different tolerances or design specs. Bilstein does (or at least did) that with the TRD shocks. They're bilsteins, but they're obviously not the ones you can buy (5100s or 4600s).

    The Moogs I had (don't remember if they were stamped 555 or not, but probably) lasted me a little over 6 years of daily driving and weekend warrior off roading. That's around 40k miles for me. This is normally where I'd plug my ball joint soapbox in my build thread, but I already did that a few posts ago, lol

    You're absolutely right that far and away the best thing you can do is keep an eye on them. doesn't matter what brand you buy, just make it part of your normal inspection routine.
     
    0xDEADBEEF[QUOTED] likes this.
  2. Feb 28, 2020 at 4:35 PM
    #82
    jbrandt

    jbrandt Made you look

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    That's a great reason to buy from a reputable source, rather than the magic box that is Amazon...

    Half the time they don't even know what fits my truck, I don't expect Amazon to reasonable be able to tell if it's counterfeit.
     
    0xDEADBEEF[QUOTED] likes this.
  3. Feb 28, 2020 at 7:54 PM
    #83
    HardTaco03

    HardTaco03 Well-Known Member

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    Out of curiosity if the OEM lower ball joints are suppose to be a common issue why would anyone by OEM?There has to be better options I would assume right?
     
  4. Feb 29, 2020 at 10:58 AM
    #84
    se7enine

    se7enine MCMLXXIX

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    It isn't the quality that is at fault anymore (Lower Ball Joint Recall), it's the design. There isn't anyway to get around that with either OEM or Aftermarket LBJ's.
     
    eon_blue likes this.
  5. Feb 29, 2020 at 12:21 PM
    #85
    eon_blue

    eon_blue If I would, could you

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    It's a crap design not a crap part.
     
    cruiserguy likes this.
  6. Feb 29, 2020 at 2:07 PM
    #86
    HardTaco03

    HardTaco03 Well-Known Member

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    I got ya,figured the aftermarket had a solution by now.Not really familiar with everything with em
     

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