What brand of ball joints should I use on my 4Runner?

Hey there, fellows. I'm new here, so I might not even be posting this question in the right place. But I digress.
I have a 2002 4Runner that's 2WD, and I was wondering what brand I should use when I replace the ball joints. As of right now, Im looking at getting some Sankei 555 branded ball joints.
In the end, I am just wondering if there are any good, reliable ball joints I could use on my 4Runner that don't break the bank(As with the OEM ones)

 

Id still go with OEM. Dont step over a dollar to save a dime. Paying for labor to do the job twice is also expensive

 

Sankei only look marginally cheaper than OEM. I have to replace mine this year and will be buying OEM.

 

Well thanks , I will be doing the install myself, so im not too concerned about labor.

 

Ok, I could be wrong, but doesn't Sankei actually manufacture the OEM parts? I could be wrong, but I was under the impression after watching a few vids that they are made in the same place(That being the OEM and the Senkei)

 

just reading on this forum about aftermarket parts and their lack of quality, ive decided to go with only OEM. I also do the labor myself and just because i do it myself doesnt mean i want to do the job twice.

 

You don't mention uppper or lower, but for lower, definitely go OEM on this job. frankly, I'd go with OEM for the uppers, too.

At least the 4Runner LBJs are cheaper than the Tacoma ones!!!

Here's a good step-by-step with photos of the job and all the tools needed: https://adventuretaco.com/guide/ste...s-lbj-on-a-1st-gen-tacoma-or-3rd-gen-4runner/

 

Thank you, Im mostly concerned about the lower(in hindsight, I should have been clearer)

 

Quick question before you begin this job. Have you tested your caster camber bolt in the LCA to see if it is seized (dont know if you're in the rust belt) but if it is you MAY just want to swap the LCA. Happened to me at 75k miles, the bolts seized and an alignment couldnt get done. I paid to have that job done with OEM LCAs, the mechanic said it sucked so bad getting those LCAs out. He said he through 9 saw blades and had to use the torch as well. He said it took 2 hours/side to get them out.

 

Who's got the best deal on OEM LBJ's?

 

Swapping the LCA (and/or having seized alignment cams) is entirely different than swapping the LBJ; one does not necessitate the other.

This varies as various sales etc happens. At this moment, it looks like amazon has the best price for left and right OEM LBJs at about $100/ea.

 

Lucky for me the whole car doesnt have a bit of rust. But I will make sure to check that out. Thanks

 

Ok, thanks for the links btw.

 

I do not recommend Amazon or Ebay. They will often be counterfeits.

Get the from a dealer or someplace that has a good rep like YOTOSHOP.

 

Is PartsGeek a good place to purchase parts?

 

I believe so. I have ordered a few denso parts from there.

 

Amazon sells fake parts like eBay does; nobody sells genuine Toyota parts except the Toyota dealers. So don't be fooled by fake products, spend a few dollars for your safety, and maybe your life. Here is one place you can try
https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com

 

Amen to that. I was reading an article that even oil filters and spark plugs are being counterfeited and sold on Amazon. I do NOT buy any parts from Amazon and thats sad because i am sure there are some respectable sellers but I am not going to risk it. Like you said, spend a couple extra bucks and get it from the dealership. PEACE OF MIND

 

Are you saying Rockauto also sells fake parts advertising they are OEM?

 

Rock Auto is a great seller, I get my rotors, coolant, pads from them.

 

Watch this video, it explains everything about buying Toyota parts, some parts are real OEM, like Denso

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFQPxSzPGF8

 

OEM, a real no brainer.