Ball joint replacement boots for 3rd gens?

[troyboy162]

I noticed both Lower ball joint boots are cracked on my truck. The joints themselves are still tight so I've been looking into replacement boots during the next switching over of LCA's. I know its been discussed before and the end result is the owner just gets new joints.

So far I have found the new metal protectors are available separate from OEM joints for about 14ish a piece. But no direct replacement boots are out there. Has anyone found anything that will work? I'm going to see if any of the poly universal replacements will work over top of the stock boots. The poly (daystar, energy suspension..) ones supposedly dont actually seal but there are pictures that make it look like they might. Anyhow this is a custom fit. So I will have to order when I'm home.

http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/Energy-Suspension-Universal-Dust-Boots.asp

[4x4mike]

I was poking around online and was recently reading about this. Apparently there is a Toyota part number for 4th gen LBJ boots but there is not an available dealer replacement boot for 3rd gens. I'll try to find the part number but I think that would be easier than finding the dimensions like are shown in the choices from the link you posted for the 4th gen boot.

[4x4mike]

The 4th gens have an available kit with boot and grease.

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm27/jonuksf/Boots002.jpg

[troyboy162]

one or the other could be close enough. The drawing makes the shapes look wrong but maybe they arent drawn to scale.
Thanks! i'll google that tomorrow and should find some pictures.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/moog.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

FWITW, that ball joint was also used on the 90 series Land Cruiser Prado and Hilux Surf. This MIGHT open up some possibilities of an over seas manufacturer or distributor.

another option is get some measurements of what you need and hit up the catalogs. When ever I am on such a quest, I usually head to my local NAPA and talk to them. They have been super helpful in the past.

[troyboy162]

Thanks that brought in a lot of hits on google and even one account of a prado 90 replacing his. Looks like they are out there, I just need measurements
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/PANDA-TOOLS-AND-PRODUCTS/_i.html?_fsub=1664441013


looks like the upper hole should be 20mm and the bottom should be somewhere around 40mm. I measured 45mmish on the bottom and then just measured the exposed bolt past the castle nut. There is a tapper to that bolt so the seal surface is probably more like 21-22mm. The bottom is unknown, but I would imagine the rubber is not thick there like it is up top. The measurements a guy got from a prado 90 are here: http://www.landcruiserclub.net/forums/showthread.php/49278-Upper-and-lower-front-ball-joints?

Measuring the outside as best I can of each while in situ the bottoms are about 40 to 45mm and the tops are about 25 to 30mm, but that's measuring from the outside of the boots and I forgot to measure th heights!

http://www.balljointboots.co.uk/index.html

I found pictures of the 4th gen ones. They look quite a bit differnt in shape and I cant find any info on hole sizes. Its still possible they are the best fit out there, but a trip to a good dealership would be needed.

closest I can find through web wheeling are these for ~$15 USD shipped
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Ball-Joint-Dust-Boots-Vans-Pick-ups-Campers-and-Commercial-Vehicles-/130967890776?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item1e7e4b6b58

[4x4mike]

Did you get any further on this Troy? I was out in the rocks all day and noticed on of my boots is now torn. I'm probably due for new joints anyways but they are still tight. If I an re boot them and stuff them full of grease before rainy season I think I'd be good for awhile.

[troyboy162]

Unfortunatly no. I'm in the same boat as you. I checked mine last time the LCA's were off and they are as tight at when I put them on. $15 to try them....lol if you can wait I am going to try them out about mid december.

[Seanz0rz]

I am interested too.

I would also be willing to install the metal protector rings as well.

[troyboy162]

I was surprised the metal rings are available separate now. I wonder how many boot holes come from some scrub brush poking them?

[Seanz0rz]

I worry more about sand blasting them.

Next time I have the front end apart, I will probably put the metal rings on.