Uniball LBJ conversion

Uniball is a slang term that's become synonymous with suspension/steering components which incorporate a spherical bearing (heim joint) as a pivot point.

 

That makes sense. I imagine the slang came from differences in build and materials, maybe size and application as well. I'll take whatever TC will put in there over the OEM known to fail joint.

 

It's in the works but we don't have a timeline as of now.

 

We 2005-2006 Tundra owners:

 

Mike, any update on these?

 

Nothing new as of yet but still working on it

 

The first sets should be done by the end of the year and they should be available for purchase early 2024.

 

Shifty, thanks for posting the you tube video for these. Has any one this forum installed them yet?

I am doing the stock width solo m.s. lower control arms, OEM lower ball joints, tie rod ends and steering rack bushings and a shock rebuild, end of July and might consider them instead of oem ball joints.

Thanks in advance ......if anyone can review them.

 

Reposting said video here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XAhG1S_dLQ​

 

I'm sold. I want em.

 

I wonder what sort of maintenance they require.

 

Following for more real life info and use of these lbj's. I would pay $1k+ for peace of mind if they're actually better but the maintenance factor is a tough one ever since I lost the time I used to have for home-wrenching. I second FirstGenVol's comment.

 

Unless you're rock crawling or heavy duty off roading, is the extra strength really worth it?

The initial cost is $1K, requires constant cleaning, and will need to be rebuilt every few years. Each rebuild will cost the same amount of money as a new set of OEM ball joints.

Why not just go with OEM ball joints and plan to replace them every 100k miles?

 

For the uppers I just hose them off, let dry and then spray with triflow.
Lowers might get a little more grit and grime but probably the same process

 

The adjusted angles and reduced wear and tear (thus less peripheral part wear/replacement) could make it more-worthwhile for some. It looks like it truly corrects some suspension angles, reducing stress.

 

Fair enough.
I live in the Northeast where roads are sanded and salted in the winter. I wouldn't expect these uniballs to last more than one winter.

 

This is great information. Thanks Mike!
These might be stupid questions, but does this design ride more rough than the OEM LBJ? Also, would this setup be recommended for a 2000 Tundra that is used for snowboard trips to Mammoth and surf trips to the beach (sandy conditions and cold winter conditions)?
Thanks

 

Hey guys, first time posting here. Go to 4:55 on the video I posted here. It shows a guy actually capping the top and booting the bottom. Fill'er up with grease, cap it n' boot it and that should help take care of a lot of people's worries. Edit: there is a bolt modification required so pay attention to that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81mR_Xw5Hz0

 

Losing a lower ball joint is one of the most terrifying things a Toyota own can experience. I lost the passenger LBJ on a '98 Tacoma, and my son was in the passenger seat, I think he soiled his pants, I just rode it with the passenger wheel on it's side, scraping on the off ramp of the freeway. My son thought we were gonners...AAA towed it back to my house, and I replaced the LBJ and control arms. Those parts wear out on Toyotas as they're stamped steel, but I feel OEM Toyota parts are the right parts to use, just pay attention to how lose the ball joints get. I have about $1k in parts, plus a pair of soiled pants for both of us...be careful with the LBJs...

 

What about 2007-2017 ? Anything for Gen2 and Gen2.5?

 

What about em?

 

Is that your address in your vehicle description?

 

Not mad at his taste in autos.... Toyota/Honda/Vintage 40s Chevrolet

 

Well if you can swing a 17k monthly mortgage then I guess you can spend a few bucks on cars