dutchboy

1990 4 runner, 3.0, automatic,4x4 sr5
ok, what started out to be a cv joint replacement has turned into a nightmare of parts locating.
this is a pic of the FRONT SWAY BAR END LINK...busted of course.

in the pic...this is the way it mounts as well. broken piece goes thru the lower control arm, upper piece into the sway bar.
a friend on here, sent me a pic of his...

he has a 94 4 runner.his and mine are EXACT...TO THE LAST THREAD!!!
here's the deal..
every parts store ive been to...advanced auto, auto zone, pep boys...evn the toyota dealership parts department.
not one person ever seen this or knows anything about it. their all telling me it's wrong. everytime they dig the part number out. i get the standard end link. ya know the straight bolt with bushings, washers and nuts. nothing that looks like this 'ball joint" type.
now...how can someone else, have the same part as me...that looks stock, and not one person on the planet has no knowledge of it...at all!
when walking outta pep boys, the one parts counter guy tells me....it is correct and he get it , new, with all the hardware, 3 days..for $100 bucks. now if this guy knows of it, why doesnt anyone else?
i dont care to give this guy the $$$ for something that should be commonly avaiable.
does anyone know anything about this piece and where i can get one without refinancing my home?
any help is greatly appreciated.
thanx
Dutch

ovrrdrive

That doesn't look anything at all like the one in my 95 truck...

dutchboy

OK...well, this is news to me. after talking with the guy at pep boys, hearing that he can get it for $100. i called back to toyota...gave em my VIN number.
sure enough. he said the pic of the part came up on his computer and he has one in stock for $70...no hardware though.
so...lesson learned.
when replacing ANY part on a toyota. HAVE THE VIN NUMBER HANDY!!!
toyota apperently likes to change designs every 6 months to ward off after market parts maunfacturers!