I've just recently had some loud creaking coming from the left front wheel. When popping off the wheel and examining closely, I found that the upper ball joint boot was shot. I packed it full of grease to buy me some time but also to ensure that's the cause of the creaking. Sure enough, once the grease worked its way in the creaking stopped. In the meantime I've been researching upper ball joint replacement since I've never done that before.

Now my question is, would this be a good time for ball joint spacers? The previous owner lifted the front end by cranking the torsion bars. I'm thinking this may be a good time to relax those bars by installing ball joint spacers. Now I'm also assuming you install the spacers in the upper ball joints?

Looking for feedback.

BTW... vehicle in question is a 1991 4Runner.

 

Yep, spacers go between the UCA and upper ball joint. Good time to replace those ball joints since they are all taken apart to install the spacers:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...er_HowTo.shtml

 

I would say yes. While you got it apart, might as well do everything in one shot. I was able to relax my torsion bars 3/4 of an inch with the spacers installed. It did wonders for the overall ride of my 4Runner. And now its leveled out, also a plus. Installation is very easy, it takes a nice beer drinking afternoon to do em. go for it!

I haven't ordered anything from SDORI, even though I am planning on an IFS frame brace from them, but 4Crawler had me a pair of BJ spacers in a matter of days!!

 

YES!!!!!

my upper/lower ball joints on both side are blown basically..lol..

all four of my CV boots are torn..

so im gonna get new cv's(both sides) new upper and lower ball joints (both sides) and BJ spacers..

probably 2in spacers.that way i can get lots of lift..and then relax them to get a better ride..

 

Where are you finding these "2 inch" spacers?

 

Outside of someone's home made spacers, I think you will find all the commonly available spacers are all 1.5" tall:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...cer.shtml#FAQ2

 

well i haven't checked in a few months..but the Wabbit used to have a 2" ifs lift kit that came with 2IN BJ spacers and AAL's

 

http://www.wabfab.org/products/IFSlifts/IFS.htm