Just got done with lower balljoints, idler arm and steering stabilizer. What a difference!

Used all Toyota parts except for the steering stabilizer. I went to auto zone the other week and they had one lower balljoint for 69.00. I wasn't very impressed with it, so I ordered from a wholesaler who calimed to have "toyota" parts. I took a chance and ordered all upper and lowers for 280.00 shipped. I got the idler arm of e-bay and steering stabilizer is a heckerthorn.

The balljoints I got from the wholesaler (turns out its a dealership in the midwest) are real toyota parts. The balljoints felt twice as heavy as the one at Autozone.

Got the lowers in and will go back next weekend to the uppers. The lowers were the problem anyway. 205,000 on the originals but I have seen alot worse for wear in my day. I could have probably gotten another 50,000 out them.

The idler arm was a cinch as well as the steering stabilizer.

All said and done, it feels like a new truck, there is absolutely no play in the front anymore!!

I'm goint to do the tie rod ends and uppers next week just to have piece of mind and not to put unecessary strain on the new parts by mixing old components with new.

I also charged my AC with new oil and R-12 the other week, put a new belt on and its been blowing t!tt!e cold for the last 3 weeks. I guess the oil swelled the o-rings. I hope it holds. Anyway with the ac and new suspension, I feel like I have a new truck!

 

A little love goes a long way with these old trucks. It's like the small Christmas tree in Charlie Brown.