Anyone have any experience with Camelback Toyota?

[4x4mike]

I'm in the market for some new lower ball joints and these guys came up while searching for part numbers.

http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/partlocator/index.cfm?siteid=214329

Does anyone here have any experience with them? One reason I ask is that guys were having pricing and return issues with their orders (not ball joints). On their site I'm finding the parts I need. The right side is $85.93 and the left side is $78.17. The generic image blow up is the same as the Tacomas which is fine I just don't want to run into a problem with returning items if they aren't the correct ones. The fact these are two different prices makes me step back to get a good look.

$164 for both with free shipping seems like a pretty good deal. They don't use Toyota part numbers for the look up so I may call to confirm the parts.

Is there a part number or way to tell that these are the updated joints with the little rock shields over the boots?

The part numbers I have scribbled down from a search are:
R) 43330-39585
L) 43340-39465

I'm not sure if these are the updated versions.

[Seanz0rz]

http://www.toyotapartszone.com/oem/toyota~joint~assy~lower~ball~front~rh~43330-39585.html

87 for the RHS,

http://www.toyotapartszone.com/oem/toyota~joint~assy~lower~ball~front~lh~43340-39465.html

79 for the LHS.

I have ordered from them before and was very pleased. Only thing I was not pleased with was the description from Toyota that ended up being vague.

When you look up those part numbers, they are for late 01-02 MY. I am not sure why there is differences in the years. Specifically March 01-end of 02.

When I search for my ball joints, they come up as 43330-39415 (R) and 43340-39325 (L). Those are good for 96-middle of 01 MY.

The shields are for the later ball joints, so I am not sure if there is a difference in the casting or what, but the part number for the shields are:
43346-60011 for L and R sides.
http://www.toyotapartszone.com/oem/toyota~protector~front~lower~ball~joint~dust~cover ~43346-60011.html

As for that particular storefront, I have no experience or any anecdotal evidence either way.

[4x4mike]

Cool thanks. Nice to have the shield part numbers as well just in case. I want to avoid the Tacoma joints and want the correct year for me. If they don't come with shields, like maybe there are for 01-02, I know where to get them.

Thanks

[Seanz0rz]

FWIW, when I look up for the 96-early 01, it says the shields are "not applicable". I'd look around and see if anyone is fitting the shields to the early joints, or if they are a late joint only thing. The shield attaches to the BJ via 2 of the bolts that hold it to the knuckle, so maybe the BJ's are slightly different to fit the shields. I guess you could order one of each provided you could return one or sell it off.

[4x4mike]

Hot glue gun would fix all that. The right joint is the important part.

I haven't seen much about the shields but also haven't searched it out yet.

[troyboy162]

figure it out lol. I found some odd movement in my drive LBJ....maybe fine, maybe not so fine....gotta buy a new pair :(

[Seanz0rz]

The shields are just to protect the boot from damage, correct? seems like we could make a two piece shield that clips around the boot and snugs up to the forged arm on the A arm.

[troyboy162]

I think Avy is the only one whos seen them so far. I cant see why they would be limited to 01-02 We've got the same arms so the clearence and geometry should be the same.

[YotaFun]

I'll chime in. I still don't know why 01-02 got the boot alone, all years of the sequoia and tundra also got it up to there redesigns.

They look no different to the others the only explanation I guess in 01-02 the dust boot on the ball joint was a thinner rubber, and rocks, could cut through it easier and cause the grease to leak that would cause premature failure.

I went with a set from eBay that had upper lower BJs, inner and outer tie rods for just a few more then the price off two ball joints.

[Seanz0rz]

So the shields should have no problem fitting on the early ball joints? Any idea what the difference is from early to late, besides the possibly thinner boot? Related to the recall?

[Bob98SR5]

Did someone say Camel Toe-yota?

http://cdn.funnie.st/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/1370260L.jpg

Merry Christmas!!!

(thread mucking in full effect---too bad it ain't Ken's or Mike's thread)

[Seanz0rz]

It is Mike's thread!


and, Nice....

[4x4mike]

:Golfclap: Well done Bob.

[4x4mike]

Ordered up the lower joints and shields from toyotapartzone.

I got the joints for my year and the shields that Sean linked. Once I get them in my hands and things apart I'll see how or if they will fit. I think if anything I could cut them and just bolt on the front section. They seem easy enough to trim or shape if need be.

$205 delivered.

[4x4mike]

Finally time to update this post. I've replaced both lower ball joints, added the guards and installed some new tie rod ends.

My first order was made with ToyotaPartsZone and it was for lower joints and the guard. I say guard, singular, because I only ordered one for some reason. Anyways, my driver side joint was the one that was bothering me. It seemed to be puking grease and after 150k, some rough trails and some jumping I figured it was time for a refresh.

In the end I did another order but with Camelback for another TRE and guard.

Since I had what I needed (lower joint and guard) I went to work one morning on the side I was concerned about. I only had the morning to do this so I started around 6am. By 6:30 I was running into problems. I couldn't get the tie rod end off of the joint. I had two pullers, heat and cusing. I had been spraying everything down with penetrate for days prior and it wouldn't budge. After boogering up the boot for the TRE I got on the phone. My dealer could get me one by 10am so I ordered it and went inside to patiently wait and eat breakfast. I cleaned up everything on that side and removed the TRE with the joint still attached.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uksfh9uW3ac/UubcpVFwsnI/AAAAAAAA_i4/Na5mlgSg80g/s800/20140111_092759.jpg

Both joints were solid and buttery smooth. Both boots didn't look brand new but I had put them through their paces so I figured this was just preventative. I did notice once I had everything removed that the LBJ boots were different on the new ones. The new ones are much thicker, create a much better seal and don't have a sharp edge that will crack or wear like my old ones.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lV_2Jc2pgeo/UubcwCkaw5I/AAAAAAAA_i4/Jr-8dPGX-cQ/s800/20140111_092955.jpg

Much different profile.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-srZlfmPaKG8/UubczJrn4qI/AAAAAAAA_i4/lIZtoKv_Wn0/s800/20140111_093018.jpg


Anyways, I got the TRE. Installed it to the LBJ on the bench and then installed the combo on the 4Runner. It was all pretty easy. The guard slips over the joint/boot before installation. Getting the bolts tightened down before the the guard starts to slip is a challenge. They are tweaked just a bit and I may go in the loosen stuff up and realign.

The guard covers the entire boot which is good unless I need to make a visual it's not all falling apart. I like the fact the boot isn't getting force fed water, sand or dust.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l26ZE5JnWRU/Uubc2Kswa5I/AAAAAAAA_i4/d2xwgKTc0tY/s800/20140111_112222.jpg