LBJs and front end maintenance time

[paddlenbike]

The old girl is still on the original front end and it's time to get some new lower ball joints under her. So what all should I replace while I'm in there?

My list includes:
Inner Tie Rod Ends
Outer Tie Rod Ends
Lower Ball Joints w/new nuts

How about steering rack bushings? I seem to remember hearing someone say to leave the steering rack alone unless it's giving you problems, which mine is not.

Mileage is 134k.

[4x4mike]

When I did my LBJ's I did my outer tie rods at the same time. I was going to keep them but I wasn't able to remove them from the knuckle without destroying them. In the end the LBJ replacement is a breeze when you replace the OTE at the same time.

From what I've read the inner ones should not be messed with unless they need it.

Same with the steering rack bushings. I have the kit to replace mine but they've been sitting in the box they shipped in for close to 4 years.

I suppose you can replace the LBJ nut and I would if it has rock rash. You do want to replace the 4 (X2) bolts though.

It took me less than an hour per side, while on leave from back surgery.

[Seanz0rz]

I would replace:

Upper Ball Joint
Lower Ball Joint
Lower Ball Joint bolts
Outer TRE
Rack boots if they need it
Rack Bushings
Brake Lines

The BJs (lol) should be replaced with Toyota OEM, as well as the BJ bolts. TRE are OK aftermarket, along with the boots if you need them. Bushings are only aftermarket. Take a look at the soft brake lines. They might be getting pretty old at this point.

That's it unless you have some other issue like the vagueness and slop I have, then you will have to start looking at bushings.

[YotaFun]

Honestly, if you are going to be in there I would do Sean's list
So:
Upper Ball Joint
Lower Ball Joint
Lower Ball Joint bolts
Outer TRE
Rack boots
Rack Bushings
Brake Lines
and I would add Inner TRE

They actually are not that difficult to do in the Toyota Trucks.

Being in Cali you should be good, but I would check your lower control arm eccentrics to make sure they move freely, if not I would look into getting new donor arms and get some new bushing in them and some new eccentrics.

I prefer Toyota OEM parts, I have been doing aftermarket, at at this point I have replaced them enough time to warrant the cost of just getting OEM off the get go....

[paddlenbike]

Start of the shopping list.

4331039016 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&group=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&subgroup=SUSPENSION%20COMPONENTS&component=Upper%20ball%20joint&partnumber=4331039016&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - Upper ball joint 4WD Left - $34.01
4331039016 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&group=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&subgroup=SUSPENSION%20COMPONENTS&component=Upper%20ball%20joint&partnumber=4331039016&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - Upper ball joint 4WD Right - $34.01
4332439015 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&group=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&subgroup=SUSPENSION%20COMPONENTS&component=Upper%20ball%20joint%20dust%20cap&partnumber=4332439015&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - Upper ball joint dust cap 4WD Left - $7.24
4332439015 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&group=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&subgroup=SUSPENSION%20COMPONENTS&component=Upper%20ball%20joint%20dust%20cap&partnumber=4332439015&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - Upper ball joint dust cap 4WD Right - $7.24
9052039180 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&group=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&subgroup=SUSPENSION%20COMPONENTS&component=Upper%20ball%20joint%20snap%20ring&partnumber=9052039180&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - Upper ball joint snap ring 4WD Left - $2.22
9052039180 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&group=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&subgroup=SUSPENSION%20COMPONENTS&component=Upper%20ball%20joint%20snap%20ring&partnumber=9052039180&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - Upper ball joint snap ring 4WD Right - $2.22

4334039465 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&group=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&subgroup=LOWER%20CONTROL%20ARM&component=LOWER%20BALL%20JOINT&partnumber=4334039465&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - LOWER BALL JOINT 4-Runner; Left - $87.71
4333039585 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&group=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&subgroup=LOWER%20CONTROL%20ARM&component=LOWER%20BALL%20JOINT&partnumber=4333039585&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - LOWER BALL JOINT 4-Runner; Right - $87.71
90171A0005 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&group=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&subgroup=SUSPENSION%20COMPONENTS&component=Lower%20ball%20joint%20castle%20nut&partnumber=90171A0005&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - Lower ball joint castle nut 4WD Left - $2.88
90171A0005 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&group=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&subgroup=SUSPENSION%20COMPONENTS&component=Lower%20ball%20joint%20castle%20nut&partnumber=90171A0005&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - Lower ball joint castle nut 4WD Right - $2.88

9094702862 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/SR5/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&group=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&subgroup=BRAKE%20COMPONENTS&component=Brake%20hose&partnumber=9094702862&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - Brake hose, 4WD Left - $63.24
9094702862 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/SR5/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&group=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&subgroup=BRAKE%20COMPONENTS&component=Brake%20hose&partnumber=9094702862&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - Brake hose, 4WD Right - $63.24

4550339075 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=STEERING&group=STEERING%20GEAR%20%26%20LINKAGE&subgroup=STEERING%20GEAR%20%26%20LINKAGE&component=Inner%20tie%20rod&partnumber=4550339075&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - Inner tie rod Left - $126.71
4550339075 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=STEERING&group=STEERING%20GEAR%20%26%20LINKAGE&subgroup=STEERING%20GEAR%20%26%20LINKAGE&component=Inner%20tie%20rod&partnumber=4550339075&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - Inner tie rod Right - $126.71
4504739215 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=STEERING&group=STEERING%20GEAR%20%26%20LINKAGE&subgroup=STEERING%20GEAR%20%26%20LINKAGE&component=Outer%20tie%20rod&partnumber=4504739215&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - Outer tie rod Left - $47.70
4504639335 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=STEERING&group=STEERING%20GEAR%20%26%20LINKAGE&subgroup=STEERING%20GEAR%20%26%20LINKAGE&component=Outer%20tie%20rod&partnumber=4504639335&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - Outer tie rod Right - $47.70

Rack boots if they need it
Rack Bushings

What is the "upper ball joint wire" and "upper ball joint snap ring" and are they needed? And what do we know about ball joint dust seals?

Those inner tie rods are pricey.

[Seanz0rz]

When I got mine, they came as a kit. I'll look up the numbers tomorrow.

[troyboy162]

The LBJ's came with a castle nut and cotter pin. The rack bushings can be checked with the front end off the ground and pounding on your tire. Chances are they are getting mushy and allowing the rack to move more then you'd like. The aftermarket ones really helped me out at 195k miles.

the LBJ metal protectors might be worth while for you. I think they were a extra $15 per side, but probably worth it if you are going for a long term install.

[paddlenbike]

Thanks guys.

Troy, did you use the Energy Suspension rack bushings?

[troyboy162]

Yes, they were cheap and I figured they would last a long time being poly. So far so good...I think I remember having to drill out one of the supplied bushings. Not much of a hassle but it wasnt plug and play for my 96

[slomatt]

Late last year I "refreshed" the front end on my T4R using Toyota LBJs, bolts, and outer tie rod ends.

The upper ball joints looked fine, and I haven't heard of any problems with them. My inner TREs had no play so I did not replace them. I replaced my steering rack bushings several years ago and they are still in good shape. Since we both have CA trucks the brake lines should last a good long time, I would just eyeball them to make sure there is no damage.

- Matt

[Seanz0rz]

The 39016 PN you have for the uppers comes with the joint, nut, clip, grease, boot, boot tie, etc. Look at the diagram on the link listed for that pn.

Same story for the lower BJ. It should come with the nut already.

[paddlenbike]

I think I am going to pass on the upper ball joints and brake lines. The front end still feels tight and I'm only at 134k, I mainly want the piece of mind of new LBJs since those are a safety item.

43340-39465 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&group=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&subgroup=LOWER%20CONTROL%20ARM&component=LOWER%20BALL%20JOINT&partnumber=43340-39465&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - LOWER BALL JOINT 4-Runner; Left - $87.71
43330-39585 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&group=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&subgroup=LOWER%20CONTROL%20ARM&component=LOWER%20BALL%20JOINT&partnumber=43330-39585&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - LOWER BALL JOINT 4-Runner; Right - $87.71
43346-60011 - Lower ball joint dust cover (newer design) $15ea (thanks for the tip on this one!!)
90080-10066 - Lower ball joint bolts x8 - (and this too!)

45047-39215 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=STEERING&group=STEERING%20GEAR%20%26%20LINKAGE&subgroup=STEERING%20GEAR%20%26%20LINKAGE&component=Outer%20tie%20rod&partnumber=4504739215&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - Outer tie rod Left - $47.70
45046-39335 (http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/parts/2000/Toyota/4Runner/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=STEERING&group=STEERING%20GEAR%20%26%20LINKAGE&subgroup=STEERING%20GEAR%20%26%20LINKAGE&component=Outer%20tie%20rod&partnumber=4504639335&vehicleid=84047&siteid=214329) - Outer tie rod Right - $47.70

I am thinking I will order the above parts and once everything is disassembled I should be able to check the inner TRE and feel for slop. If it feels questionable I will go ahead and order new inners, rack boot, clamps and rack bushings.

My part numbers seem to mesh with yours as well as in the BJ thread (lol) here (http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/149467-official-lower-ball-joint-write-up-thread.html).

I found a decent video on TRE replacements here. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVQHgcXEhpE)

Anything else?

[slomatt]

I replaced the same parts when I did my LBJs last year. The project is pretty easy, the hardest part is separating the two tapered joints. I used the ball joint separator and one of the "C" clamps from an OTC front end kit.

http://www.amazon.com/OTC-6295-Front-End-Service/dp/B0002SRH7O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430974166&sr=8-1&keywords=otc+front+end+tools

You can also separate the joints by hitting both sides of the joint with hammers so that the vibration knocks the taper loose. Regardless of if you use this method or a tool, make sure you keep the castle nut loosely threaded on so the joint doesn't fly apart.

When removing the OTRE from the ITRE either mark the threads or count the number of revolutions required to remove the OTRE. This way you can put it back in roughly the same place so your toe is close, and then you'll need an alignment.

It's a good idea to put blue locktite on the LBJ bolts and to re-torque them to spec after a couple days.

- Matt

[troyboy162]

I use this one from autozone. Its perfect for the LBJ, but a little annoying for the OTR although it will work. I dont know if it can do UBJ's though.
http://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/pitman-arm-puller/oem-pitman-arm-puller/555623_0_0/
http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/product-info/en/US/grn/27016/image/3/


Also the 4 bolts that hold the LBJ on are recommended to be replaced since they supposedly stretch a bit when torqued. Thousands have been reused with no issues, but I think they are only about $6 total per side so I replaced mine this go around.

[Seanz0rz]

I use a similar harbor freight one, but can report that it DOES NOT work on the upper joint. I will be doing the uppers on Saturday if it is raining this evening when I get home.

[paddlenbike]

Thanks for the tips guys. I have a ball joint separator but see this as a good excuse to buy a pickle fork just in case.

I feel like I haven't wrenched on a car forever; I was doing it almost daily when I had two Volvos. In July I will have had the 4Runner for ten years. Time flies...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KxpJCXGEiwA/UbQgpUQIy4I/AAAAAAAAKHw/LbIoLhDlx_M/s640/4runner_ad.jpg

[4x4mike]

I'm going to guess you won't need any pullers. Especially since you're replacing the TRE's. For the LBJ's, cut the cotter pin, loosen the castle nut half way and give it a whack. Mine took one hit with minimal effort and it separated, both sides. I'd avoid a pickle fork. For me they are a last ditch effort after heat and penetrating oil. Most of the time they end up getting stuck anyways.

The way the knuckle is shaped you'd be better off using the correct puller, free on loan from a part store, rather than a pickle fork. The knuckle is pretty small and you'd likely bottom it out before it frees. The area is clearanced for articulation and leaves room for a puller.

[slomatt]

I second Mike's recommendation to avoid pickle forks, every time I've used one it's been a pain and has damaged the boot. I like to keep my old parts as trail spares just in case.

- Matt

[4x4mike]

This is my go to for a pickle fork.

http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-41500-Fork-Kit/dp/B0002SRG4S

It's for an air hammer and gives you much more control.

[Seanz0rz]

I have that set. I'm not a fan of pickel forks but will be using mine tomorrow.

[YotaFun]

Another thing to consider more as a precaution is this mod, http://www.yotatech.com/f2/how-replace-steering-rack-guide-pictures-215931/