OEM Lower Ball Joints - How to know if mine are bad?

My newish to me 2002 4x4 has needed a full suspension replacement. I also replaced the upper ball joints as they seemed to be ripping. However, the remainder of the components (LBJs, tie rods, links, etc) seem to be fine without any tears or worn down signs. In fact, they all look fairly newish.

However, after going over uneven ground or off-road, I develop a temporary squeaking while turning. I believe it's coming from one of the lower ball joints. Almost sounds like it's seized, which would be on par with the rest of the truck as it sat for a year in northern elements. The steering has also been very stiff since purchase.

I figured i'd replace them but can't seem to source a true OEM swap. I ordered a pair when I first got the truck from a Toyota dealer and they ended up being for pre-runner only although it claimed it would fit 4x4. I don't want to order the wrong one again as it took nearly a month to arrive. Does anyone have a direct link to the correct part?

 

There are a zillion posts about LBJs on this site. Start here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ed-about-lower-ball-joint-bolts.772506/page-6

And this:

https://adventuretaco.com/guide/ste...s-lbj-on-a-1st-gen-tacoma-or-3rd-gen-4runner/

Between these you'll find part numbers, more than you'd ever want to know about bolts, and videos on testing your existing joints, etc etc.

GL~

 

The 4wd Tacoma and Prerunner use the same LBJ. Not sure why you got the wrong ones if they said it was for a prerunner. If its a 6 lug first gen then left and right part numbers can be put on either configuration.

 

to answer your question, get the front tire off the ground enought to put a lifting bar under the tire and lift... if you feel up and down play it is more than likley the LBJ, could be wheel bearings but you can check them by putting your hands on teh tire at 3 and 9 oclock and rocking the tire back and forth, if you feel clunking there it could be bearings, tie rods, inner, outer or both.

 

When in doubt, switch them out. Carry the old ones as trail spare.

 

I agree, chasing worn out ball joints on a worn out front end is kind of a witch hunt. If you have a pile of miles and time on the truck replace them.

 

I would be surprised if anyone, including a dealership, has inspected the LBJs this way...I guess it gives an idea of preload???

 

There are any number of things that manufacturers have recommended inspection proceedures that make sense from their perspective but in the real world no one uses them. Range Rovers in the late 80's had a full floating rear axle that had a end play spec of .004. He would use a dial indicator and I would do it by feel... after a while you know what .004 feels like. I wouldnt use this for motor assembly but axle bearings, no problem. He bitched to the service manger and it became a "thing". I Pulled the truck in, lifted the D/S rear tire, took it off and he dial indicated it. Just a tad over .004. He welched on the bet and I told him that the whole shop now knows your word is worthless... he cried and said I never shook your hand. Still pisses me off 30+ years later.

 

https://youtu.be/sp-D0EtX2gU

 

All six lug gen1 are the same. I just did mine about three weeks ago and here is the correct part numbers.