94 4x4 22RE 205k

Over time i have noticed clunking front end noise when the tires hit bumps or drop into potholes. I also noted that the left front tire is wearing unevenly. I lifted the left front tire and felt for play, but I don't feel any. I did feel the upper boil joint boot and noticed that the rings that held it on had come loose. i couldn't really get the rings back in place (greasy and too hard to shove into place).

Do I have a bad left upper ball joint? Do I have bad control arm bushings? Both?

With 205k miles should I replace them anyway? Both sides? If so, are aftermarket parts ok? I use aftermarket brake pads and rotors, but I don't want to cheap out on steering stuff if it is a safety hazard.

How tough a job is it to replace ball joints and/or bushings? I replaced the engine last year, so I am not afraid to tackle bigger jobs.

 

You should be able to buy the whole control arm setup and bolt it on, IF that is your problem. Balljoints however require to be pressed in and out, unless you're fortunate enough to have bolt ons like my 86 does. You can get the balljoint press for probably $150 but you need an impact gun to do it.

 

The clunk could also be your shocks. If one of them is worn out it could give you a different tire wear pattern. I don't remember how many cars I"ve driven with that clunk and it turned out to be the shocks/struts. One of them needed new lower ball joints. If you push down on the corner of your rig and it bounces up and down more than once and a half your shocks are weak. If its easy to get them to flex, then they are also weak.

 

I had a similar issue. Instead of pulling the whole thing apart I cut it all out and put in a solid axle
No more clunking!!

 

Haha!!! ^

I would check the idler arm (mine made a heck of a clunking sound when it was worn badly) and your wheel bearings.

 

At 205K your due for some parts up there. How much is up to you. Spindle bushings have been known to cause noises up front but it's more of rattle. Like others said check your idler arm. If it's bad there's a REBUILD kit for it. Dont' let them sell you a whole new one they are spendy. Upper ball joints tend to wear faster than the lowers. Put some new shocks on there too if yours are old.

 

lol nice one toyo, like the front end on that beast!! looks mean

 

I forgot to note that my idler arm was replaced last year. I will check the wheel bearing and the shock.