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UBJ at same time as LBJ?

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by ArticulateDan, Feb 11, 2021.

  1. Feb 11, 2021 at 6:08 AM
    #1
    ArticulateDan

    ArticulateDan [OP] New Member

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    Hello everyone,

    New 4Runner owner and first post here...

    Just purchased a 2002 SR5 2WD with a little over 150k miles. I understand that the lower ball joints need to be replaced ASAP due to their failure rate. But my question is: should the upper ball joints be replaced at the same time?

    I haven't read any articles about the UBJs being such a dangerous point of failure as the LBJs. So, should it be one of those "while I'm at it" kind of things, or do the UBJs typically last longer than the lower?

    Thanks in advance for whatever advice you have!
     
  2. Feb 11, 2021 at 8:47 AM
    #2
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    So...did this rig get the recall? My 2002 got new LBJs in 2003 via the recall and went 250k miles on them. I replaced both upper and lowers and they were all really easy to move around but not what I would consider dangerous or loosey goosey.

    So yeah, IMHO, you have to take the steering knuckle off anyways. Why not do all of them? Also, you will want to replace that seal that keeps the wheel bearings clean. It has a metal spring/band in it that breaks free. I wouldn't bother with the wheel bearings unless you really find some play. They are beasts and at 250k miles mine are still solid.
     
  3. Feb 11, 2021 at 9:27 AM
    #3
    ArticulateDan

    ArticulateDan [OP] New Member

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    No idea if it got the recall. Unfortunately, I know very little of its history.

    A shop will be making the repair as ball joints are a bit out of my comfort zone. They had quoted me $1000 for the upper and lower combined. So my thinking was if only the lower are the ones so prone to fail, that perhaps the uppers could wait, and that could reduce my bill. But I don't want to save money at the risk of safety!
     
  4. Feb 11, 2021 at 10:25 AM
    #4
    treyus30

    treyus30 New Member

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    Easy replacements, I'll do it for $800 :p
     
  5. Feb 11, 2021 at 10:27 AM
    #5
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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  6. Feb 11, 2021 at 10:34 AM
    #6
    ArticulateDan

    ArticulateDan [OP] New Member

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    That recall link is very helpful! Thanks so much for that!

    And according to it, I have no outstanding recalls.
     
  7. Feb 11, 2021 at 11:06 AM
    #7
    Malinois38

    Malinois38 New Member

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    Just bought a 2002 SR5 with 161k. Ran a Carfax & saw that the lbj were done. I believe you can also run your vin# through a Toyota site & see a dealership work history. And that one is free.
     
  8. Feb 11, 2021 at 1:18 PM
    #8
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    Uppers aren't such a concern.

    Lowers are but they're super quick and easy to replace; go OEM.
     
  9. Feb 12, 2021 at 7:45 AM
    #9
    ArticulateDan

    ArticulateDan [OP] New Member

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    Thanks so much, Kwikvette. That's what I suspected, but appreciate the confirmation.
     

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