My truck is a mix of pre and post changes of this model year. Manufactured 10/88 but listed as an 89 model. So far the calipers and brake master have been pre change, the booster and blinker relay have been post change.

I'm looking at front end parts on RockAuto (ball joints, tie rods, idler arms, etc) and it's showing parts for vehicles from 4.1.1989 and to 3.31.1989.

My question here is how do I go about identifying which generation of ball joint or tie rod or idler arm do I have? Or are they all pretty much the same and interchangeable?

 

I get the toyota part number from the online catalog and then do a part number search on RockAuto or make sure the part # is in item info as an interchange.

 

April of 1989 was the start of the second generation 4Runner build. The last 1st generations were built March of 1989. It probably doesn’t matter for certain suspension/steering components up front. I’d still make sure you confirm it’s up to 3/89 items you’re ordering.

Rockauto has some pretty good deals on Sankei 555 made in Japan suspension/steering stuff right now.

 

I've got the cart loaded up. Just more than I was expecting so need to go and really inspect the front end instead of ordering all at once. For sure a pitman arm as I can see that loose from the driver's seat. Probably also ball joints because no clue if they are original or not but going to guess they are. More things to check.

 

I agree with everything Mholme wrote, with the exception that first gen 4Runner parts fitting a 2nd gen. I don't think they would.

 

I don’t think it’s worth the debate and definitely not worth guessing when you can still buy the correct suspension/steering parts based on your VIN.

 

Not all. You’ve gotta search. Several toyota sites don’t recognize my vin. And a few that do that say parts are discontinued so more rabbit holes. Not a big deal. Found everything I need. Just not ready to drop that much coin especially considering my starter locked up again so gotta buy one of those. Gonna start with pitman and idler and go from there.

 

You’re right. My VIN isn’t being recognized at my go to Toyota parts places. It was a few days ago.

https://toyota-usa.epc-data.com still works though.

 

Thanks for the link, I appreciate it.