timfields45

So my yotas frame just hit 200k. First off, the truck has a lift on it. I got the truck with the lift already on it. It has after market upper a-arms, diff drop, and I think the lower ball joint mounting brackets are lower then stock.

So I replaced to upper ball joints (along with all the tie rods, lower ball joints, pitman are, and idler arm) today and now the camber is way off. Looking closer at the upper ball joints I removed, the ball joint socket is sitting angled (maybe like 5-6 degrees off perpendicular) compared to the mounting surface, where as the stock one is perpendicular to the mounting surface. I am sure this is what is causing the camber issue.

I did not notice this util I had it all back together. Dose any one know what they call these types of ball joints and where I would find them???

MudHippy

All ball joints should be the same. Even if what you're saying is true, that wouldn't change the camber. It's not about the angle the upper ball joints sit. They can adjust to whatever angle automatically, it makes no difference as far as camber.

What it is about is the angle that the lower ball joints sit. That's why you make camber adjustments with the LCAs.

If the upper ball joints were slightly thicker/thinner, just like adding/subtracting a small ball joint spacer, that might change the camber a little. Not much though.

jvbutter

Yes what Hippy is saying is correct... the ball joint does pivot.. hence the reason using them... The ball joint should be installed correctly Are they bolted down or pressed in properly... this if out, can effect the camber. Not huge, but I have seen on some press in models. verify everything is good and tight... If bolted, how is the ball joint mount seated... bolt holes have slop... and could have been all the way to one side on the old... and new bolted up to the outside of the control arm... do u get me???

timfields45

OK, I understand what your both saying, but the ball joint that came off looks different then a stock toyota ball joint. Here is a pic to maybe help you guys understand what I am saying.



The shaft of the ball joint physically sits in a different location on the a-arm then the stock one. The ball joint is not mounted at the center of the ball joints mounting plate. The plate is wedge shaped. These upper ball joints are defiantly not stock Toyota parts. They look like they were powder coated red when they were new.

Lets say I measured from the frame to the ball joint on the upper a-arm. The stock one would be at least a 1/4 to 5/16th inch closer to the frame them the after market one. So its as if the a-arm is now 5/16th of an inch shorter, in turn pulling the the top of the knuckle, producing negitive camber.

timfields45

Heres a pic of the after market ball joint:



Note that the ball joint shaft IS centered (although it make look like its not) in the ball joint socket in this pic. If it were stock, it would be sitting perpendicular to the mounting plate.

jvbutter

Im guessing you have torsion bar upper CA's??? yes / no If the ball joint's are different in shape as you say this will cause some differences as you say... thats a pretty big difference in factory vs aftermarket design..

timfields45

Yes after market torsion bars and upper control arms, any one know who makes these?:

yakerat

Downey used to sell "mega travel ball joints." I couldn't find any pictures of them in google, but I wonder if that's what you pulled off your truck? If that's the case, unfortunately they are outta business...

MudHippy

I found a pic, doesn't show much.

http://www.collectorcarsforsale.com/...654104795.html




Just curious, why do you think they needed replaced? And...BTW a) your pics aren't showing up, b) have you tried adjusting the camber yet?, c) what brand are these?

The OEM ball joints don't sit flat like you're suggesting.

timfields45

Pics are fixed, sorry. I replaced all the moving steering parts, just b/c of their age, 200k on the frame and I have no idea when this stuff was put on. I was getting some knocking while turning too. The old saying keeps going through my head: "If it aint broke, dont fix it!"... too true.

I wonder if the ones I got were meant for 2WD? Look at the pic with my red control arm... the new ball joint is installed... is it meant for 2wd, can anyone tell just by seeing it on there?

timfields45

Yup, thats what it is. They sent me 2wd ball joints. 2wd are flat, 4wd are angled.

MudHippy

Possibly? The 2WD are flat like that.

xxxtreme22r

I could be wrong but that control arm of yours looks like a rancho control arm that came with the old 80's 3" rancho lift.

timfields45

Yeah I just installed 2wd ball joints on my 4wd pick up... I feel like a dummy haha. But I honestly didn't know they were the wrong ones.

timfields45

The shocks are Ranchos so your probably right.

MudHippy

Don't, I've been around a while and didn't even know you could swap those with 2WD and vice versa. You just taught me something too.

Here's some Rancho UCAs like yours.

jvbutter

glad you to it figured out...

monsterarmy66

Hey guys, So I think I might have the same problem. I took my truck to Toyota for the steering relay rod recall and when I got the truck back they told me that the camber is as far as they can get it. They told me to go out and buy some off camber ball joints. Can anyone point me in the right way with this and if anyone knows where I can get some here in Cali for cheap but not to cheap you know don't need to be doing it all over again in 6 months.