Lower Control Arms and Cam Bolts: how I learned to stop worrying and love the tacoma

When I had the lower control arm disconnected from the steering knuckle to do the ECGS bushing, the ball joint could be moved incredibly easy with no load on it. I know from experience that if I were to remove the ball joint from the arm and hold it by the body and shake it around, the stud would move from the inertia of that motion, which means the ball joint is worn and needs to be replaced. I know how to properly inspect a ball joint and I know what it looks like when one is bad. My Factory ball joint is not worn to the point where a catastrophic failure is imminent, but why would I wait until it is to replace it? I am getting an alignment in a couple of weeks so why not replace wear items that need to be replaced beforehand and make it easier so the alignment shop can take their time getting the alignment done rather than replacing other parts, or dealing with siezed cam bolts. Not to mention, it would be dumb to skimp on the LCAs now only to have to replace them and get another alignment in <10k miles.

 

While I appreciate everyone's opinion on things like: How to perform the exact procedure to diagnose an out of spec ball joint, incorrect definitions of preventative and corrective maintenance, and how to "leave it to the pros"...that is not what this thread is about. I am only looking for input on the 2 following topics:

• first hand experience with aftermarket cam bolts vs factory cam bolts
• longevity of Moog ball joints (as OEM are not currently available) or a high quality option to use for rebuilding the factory control arms

If you do not have actual hands on experience with those topics, I do not need any advice from you at this time.

 

Subbed. I started a thread yesterday about the cam bolt on my truck because of a recommendation from an off road shop after I asked them for an alignment. They recommended new LCAs, install the TC cam bolt bracket/tab and some other stuff. Kinda surprised my truck would need it as it’s a 2019 with barely 50k miles.

 

Moog LBJ is an OK stop gap until whenever you can your hands on OEM ones. They'll last about 50% the life of OEM LBJs daily driven from my experience.

 

To your first question: Do not use the moog greaseable cam bolts. The washers are way too soft and the holes will round out the first time an alignment tech tries to adjust them with the wheels on the ramp.

 

Thanks guys, at this point My plan is to use the moog LCAs for 20-30K miles while trying to source the best replacement ball joints and bushings I can find for the factory arms. I the complete kit with the reinforced tabs from KP offroad, the tabs will be installed this weekend if I have enough time or next time I replace the moog LCAs with factory ones.

 

If you enjoy spending money and time to replace possibly in-spec parts, that’s fine with me. I’m just trying to pass on some wisdom from an old engineer.

 

You can’t access the statistical quality of a manufactured part based on anecdotal evidence from an Internet forum. It’s better to ask for facts about materials, manufacturing processes, and technical ratings/specs, but those are often hard to come by. You can however access the wear on an existing part with the proper inspection procedure. Facts before hearsay.

 

I mean this with as little respect reapect as possible:

Your opinion is fucking meaningless to me.

 

It's a bad look to get pissy about free help.

 

You started with a bunch of useless advice that I do not need. I was polite about it at first when i said i was just looking for input from people with first hand experience regarding the cam bolt options and aftermarket balljoints. You continued, so I took a more direct approach. I did not start the thread to argue over pointless shit, (e.g. the definition of corrective maintenance, or why I didn't do a full metallurgical analysis and NDT report to determine if the ball joint is a good candidate for replacement). You are the one who acted arrogant, I only replied in kind.

Also, using your age and job title in an attempt to lend credibility to your unsolicited opinion being presented as expertise is pretty lame.

 

Mevotech TTX

https://www.mevotech.com/product/ball-joints/