OEM Ball Joint doesnt fit right - Gurus Needed

Yeah that only pertains to the 4runner.

Maybe these ball joints were intended for a 5 lug, or maybe a Prerunner but I'm pretty sure those use the same ball joints as 4x4s.

 

Did you remove a dust boot and not reinstall it? I know that some of the later 1st gens had some sort of boot around the ball joint. Maybe that would account for the added length of the bolt? Just spit-balling

Edit:
After looking around a little, I doubt that boot would be the culprit

 

The 5 lugs have different balljoints and the pre-runners are identical to the 4x4.

I could see maybe if I got 4runner LBJs, but as far as I know only the casting is slightly different.

Even then, I ordered and received tacoma part numbers (using my VIN). This isnt the wrong part - which has me perplexed.

 

Prerunners are just 4x4s without the front diff and transfer case. They are otherwise identical.

Also, this may be a reason to avoid going to Amazon for truck parts. Buy them from people who KNOW cars and trucks, (many reputable vendors/dealers on this site), not from a company that sells (or used to sell) books.

 

Did you ever solve your issue ? I am looking for correct part numbers for 2000 4wd as well.

 

I'd be curious to see side by side pictures of the old LBJ and new one from the OP if he ever took any last year.

I'm a prerunner, and used parts labeled for a 4x4. Identical parts and both part numbers listed earlier in the thread are correct.

I'd suggest getting the set with new bolts.

 

As I did earlier in this thread, I'd suggest not getting critical automotive parts from Amazon, lol

The pics in the OP didn't even look OEM. They were black for one, plus the whole not fitting thing screams that Amazon sent him the wrong parts, either because Amazom doesn't really know what parts are the correct parts (not inconceivable), or because they don't care to verify that the sellers aren't selling counterfeit parts (also not inconceivable).

I'm totally NOT surprised at all that a retailer who sells books and games sent the wrong parts because that is essentially their business model; make money off other people selling you stuff while not really caring to fact check their inventory because that's "their" (or your) responsibility.

 

I recently installed these parts on my 99 Prerunner. They came with bolts. I don't remember any thing unusual.

 

Thanks for the replies and verification on part numbers.

 

Those numbers on Amazon say NOT for 2003 so I don't see how he ordered for VIN.

They had to have looked different than stock.

 

Amazon is frequently wrong on correct applications. has happened to me. legit Toyota part but wrong application.

affiliate sellers on Amazon should be avoided unless you know otherwise. but Amazon itself, if it's "sold by Amazon" has always been legit parts in my experience and I've bought nearly a complete timing belt job worth of parts from Amazon for my tacoma and my land cruiser. if Amazon says it's a Toyota part then it is. but I've gotten knock off parts from affiliate sellers.

 

I dont think the OP ever showed the link they got it from so who knows what seller it was from. I certainly don’t trust that Amazon knows what fits my exact vehicle. I’ve seen parts that I have, currently installed where amazon says it “won’t fit”, and visa vera.

I’ve violated my “rule” on not buying car parts from amazon or ebay. I got my OEM timing belt kit from ebay, but that was only after many people here vouched for the specific seller, and I still did my own independant reseach on it, and was still hesitant. Worked out great tho...

I’ve just seen far too many posts from people getting burned on amazon buys to generally just avoid it, and buy parts from an automotive specialist, either online toyota dealers, or places like rockauto.

 

I find that the O'Reillys, AutoZone and advance autos of the world have really improved their websites over the last couple of years. When I bought ball joints last I found them at an advance store a few miles away, went and bought them, and they fit. No fuss.

Of course it isn't always that convenient. AutoZone seems to think that denso ignition coils are gold plated.

 

Even if you want to order from somewhere else, enter your VIN at toyotapartsdeal.com and see what the part numbers are. Their system seems to pull the part numbers for the specific VIN straight from Toyota's electronic parts catalog. They doesn't show the diagram, but for many parts you don't need it.