So I need to do upper and lower ball joints on my 99 4Runner. Figured I should probably do the inner and outer tierods while I'm in there. My question is this.

Is it really worth the $600 to use all OEM parts, or is something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-STEERING-S...91a3e&vxp=mtr: a valid option? I know that OEM would be better, but I could replace 6 times before equaling the price. There are a few others on ebay as well.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Upper-Lower-...75f100&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SET-SYSTEM-S...ec8941&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KIT-REPAIR-4...911f70&vxp=mtr

What do you guys think?

 

OEM is probably the best way to go but I'd find it hard to shell out that kind of money. That being said, I wouldn't put on that eBay junk either. A lot can happen if a ball joint or tie rod fails on the highway. Ill be doing this soon, and probably look at something like Moog. I've yet to price them out though.

Jason

 

I've seen a lot of guys reporting failures on the MOOG ball joints. Just FYI.

 

Bump. Anybody else have an opinion?

 

Www.toyotapartssales.com

Great prices on OEM parts. (aka Toyota of Dallas).

 

That's the site I used to get the $600 for what I need.

 

What's needed to replace these? Part list?

 

OEM for me.

 

So I'm curious, I know everyone says go oem, but does anyone have first hand accounts of aftermarket ball joint failure? Ive seen lots of pics and posts on here about ball joint failure but none I've seen specifically mention aftermarket parts.

 

moog works fine thats what i replace mine with, no problems and the outer tie rods have a zert so you can grease em

 

My opinion is that that maintenance is throwing good money at the bad.

First, the the cost of the maintenance is rather large in comparison to the residial value of the vehicle, and given the risk probability (I have never seen a Toyota with collapsed suspension, seen plenty of Jeeps though).

Second, if you want to improve your personal safety, that money is much better spent on a newer model vehicle.

Third, with proper ball joint inspection, there is very little chance the ball will pop-out unexpectedly, and even less chance that the ball will break off due to metallurgical defects (moog's problem probably) after 14 years. Wear is the problem, and wear can be checked while inspecting play in the joint.