Bill

So, my 4Runner needs some new parts. My Ball joints are a bit worn, and so is my idler/pitman arm.

I've inquired with Toyota about the cost of replacment parts, aswell as with some auto supply places, and the toyota parts are quite a bit more. I was quoted $167/each for ball joints (and I need all 4), vs 110 or 80(different brands)/each from a local shop.

If it was close, I wouldn't think twice about using Toyota parts, but double? So how many out there use aftermarket non-toyota parts, and have had problems?

Unhappy99

I've never had problem with aftermarket parts, and many times they are of higher quality than OEM while being less expensive. For example, Brembo brake rotors.

A little bit of research into company names helps you become familiar with who makes high quality aftermarket parts. When research isn't practical, just get parts from NAPA.

PistonSlap

For suspension parts you are fine with aftermarket. Actually a lot of the after market companies make OE parts. Just stick with name brand parts and you will be fine.

5150 DAN

Well I now replaced the radiator! After removing it I noticed grease marker and a date of 03 -12 ! I’m assuming this was from a wrecking yard ! I have now driven the truck over a week and have had no radiator cap purging out ! I’ve driven it in the hart of the day with AC on and no problems ! Hoping this was my problem !

fierohink

Ordinarily I would say aftermarket is fine in almost all scenarios. Except for lower ball joints. They are a known failure point in the front end of 3rd gen 4runners. Those I would get from Toyota. There are several online dealer/retailers that offer better prices.

You say you need an idler and pitman as well. What year and model is your 4Runner? It should have rack and pinion steering.

Jomoka

/\ /\ /\ Same here. the 3rd gen doesn't have many faults, and I'm hesitant to call the LBJ a 'fault' per se - since it isn't under specced or too weak for the task. But it does have a catastrophic failure mode. When it goes, it does with little to no warning, and the wheel flies loose from the lower control arm, and if you're going at speed it's likely to cause a major crash. Which is why they went to the effort on the 4th gens to flip it upside down - so a worn out balljoint would just rattle more and more over time, instead of violently failing.

Personal opinion, but I'd stick with Toyota parts, not aftermarket. And replace the 4 bolts that hold the ball joint onto the hub assembly (buy them from Toyota with the ball joint). And pay close attention to the torque specs on those 4 bolts (too loose is bad, too tight is equally as bad if not worse).

On a more anecdotal angle - my wife had dismal luck with cheaper aftermarket control arm bushings. Those don't have a catastrophic failure mode - they just degraded in about a year and a half of use and the steering and alignment went wonky. Cheap Chinese rubber that cracks and crumbles after a brief exposure to real-world conditions.

Marc

Hey guys, this is a 14 year old thread that for some reason 5150 Dan decided to resurrect to tell us about his rad which had nothing to do with the original thread anyway..