Sorry if this has been covered elsewhere and if these are dumb questons: The $800 estimate to replace the upper and lower ball joints and idler arms are choking me.
1. Are there left and right ball joints? They look the same to me.
2. Is it necessary to replace the entire idler arm and how can I tell?
3. If I only need to replace the Idler arm bushings do I only need to replace one per side or are there two per side?

Thanks!

Might add that this is a 95 4runner 4WD if that makes any difference.

 

just go to an auto parts store and buy new ball joints and a new idler arm for prolly around $100 and do it yourself

 

I get the do it your self bit thats why I'm asking questions.

I just don't want to get the 4runner up on jack stands only to find that I need parts that I'm going to have to drive to the parts store to get or order. As to the cost one idler arm costs over $100. I'm told I need 2 of them plus upper and lower ball joints on each side. Thats about $50 per ball joint. So for 4 ball joints and two idler arms it comes to $400. Idler arm bushings can be had from Rock Autoparts for $1.75 each.

So how many bushings do I need?

 

Ball joints:
- http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showfl...5&o=14&fpart=1

Idler arm rebuild:
- http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/idler/