CoedNaked

My suspension shop, which I know to be reputable, says that ball joints and idler arms are normal wear items (we're talking over a hundred thousand miles at least here in most peoples cases depending on how hard you beat on it) on the IFS front suspension on the 86-95 4runners and pickups. The owner of the shop owns a 92 Toyota Xtracab Pickup that he absolutely loves and says he would never sell unless he got a premium offer for it and even then he said he'd think about it, so he knows a thing or two about Yota trucks.

ovrrdrive

CV half shafts are $66 at Autozone with a lifetime warranty. I just bought two of them. $50 core charge though so be ready for that.

Ball-joints are $39 for TRW at Advanced Auto (Discount Auto parts) here locally and that was the only store that had anything in stock. I'm not so sure I like the TRW though as I've already blown out the zerk fitting in it. Maybe I overfilled it or over tightened it, I don't know. All I know is that in about 6 months I'll be taking it back when all the grease is gone out of it.

The CV's are a pain to change but doable. The ball joints are easy to change but involved. You can use a pickle fork but I suggest renting a puller set for them. It makes the job easier and the joints come apart better. 2 local auto parts stores have a tool loaner program so I got them free to use.

It honestly sounds like you may need to find a more honest mechanic too...

grandeyota

The bushing change in the idler arm is the 1st thing I'd do(cheapest). You can tell if thats the part worn out pretty easily.

If its the tie rod end part of the idler, then it's time for a new one.


I've found CV axles at the junkyard for $25, and had them last for years. It's alot easier to remove them if you pound out the studs that are in the flange on the front diff. Then replace the studs with some grade 8 bolts so next time it's easier to change.

I got Toyota ball joints for ~$45 each from 4http://www.1sttoyotaparts.com/.
Just pay attention to what they charge for shipping.
Defiantly rent the front end tool kit if you have a place that will rent them. I tried to get my drivers side upper ball joint out with a pickle fork and 3 lb mini sledge and bent the tines on it out like \ /. Even with heat.

After about 30 seconds with the right tool, it came right out.