Hi all,

Need to replace a ball joint.
I am thinking of replacing all wear parts in the front suspension, while I am at it. ball joints, bushes, etc...

Questions:

What is your experience with the aftermarket ball joints?
Which is the best?
The brands I found so far:
- Beck Arnley
- Mevotech
- Moog
- Sankei

What are the best bushes? Original rubber or aftermarket polyurethane?
If poly is the choice - what do you recommend?

Thanks for your time!

thjakits

 

Need to replace A ball joint or all of them ??? Chances are if one is bad they all need to be swapped out.

As far as the brand go with original OEM Toyota balljoints. They will cost more than moogs or other aftermarkets but I've seen a set of moogs not last 50K on a tacoma and the upper POP out on a good sized pothot and cause EXTREME damge.

IMHO its not worth the savings going aftermarket on the balljoints.

As far as the bushings go poly all the way. They are stiffer and give a crisper ride and better handling.

 

Typically, aftermarket ball joints are just OEM parts rebadged.

I replaced my inner and outer tie rods and lower ball joints with Spicer Professional Grade units, which had a 555 stamp on them and were made in Japan.

Probably OEM or better parts, since 555 stuff is top notch, and they were considerably cheaper than any place that sells OEM parts.

Spicer doesn't offer parts anymore on Rock Auto, so just look at any part you're considering for the 555 stamp.

I wouldn't even bother with and Poly bushings in the front. The only pieces I've ever heard of require you to press or torch out the old rubber bushings from their metal sleeves because you had to reuse them with the urethane pieces. Not worth it.

 

i have replaced mine with moogs and they run fine havent had aq problem steering or with handling at all