(Dumb) LBJ Install Question

Embarrassing question, but trying to do this repair the right way...

I took a couple days off work and this is my only chance for a while to get it to the shop for LBJ’s. I ordered the LBJ kit, new bolts, castle nuts and pins, but only 4 bolts have arrived and the rest won’t be here until next week (back order).

Can I have the LBJ’s done, one side reusing the old bolts, and then replace the four reused bolts myself next week when they arrive? OR is there somewhere other than Toyota where I can get the bolts?

I’ve read about bolts shearing and it just being best to use new bolts, especially with them only $1.50 each, but I also want to get them done ASAP and if I miss this window it’ll be a while.

Since those bolts will have been broken loose they shouldn’t be tough to replace? I don’t have an impact, hence why I’m not doing the job myself.

TIA.

 

I re-used all my bolts, no problems and its been 4years. Snug em' up good.

Luck and enjoy those Toyotas. : ^ ))))

 

I also reused my bolts when I replaced my LBJs. 12,000 miles later and no issues.

 

I’d re-use the originals and cancel the order on the new ones.

 

I'd re-use, them change them yourself next week...don't forget to follow the torque specs...

 

I used the German spec.

 

Reuse, and do it yourself. I don't have an impact either but they where not hard to remove.

 

Reuse them. And do it yourself. I have a write up on how to replace them.

 

Everyone is saying reuse but the actual Toyota mechanic we have says they are known to break. How expensive can they be, $10? I'd just replace them and not worry about it again.

 

Its not a price issue. Its the hassle of actually getting the parts. Not everyone has parts store with parts in stock around the corner, or can just leave their truck up on jackstands for a week while they get shipped in. They are just bolts, not especially high torque ones at that. Even if one broke you still have three others. Its just not worth overthinking.

 

Right. I was assuming he was ordering the bolts with the ball joints. But that's not what I meant about them breaking. Apparently they are known to sheer off while driving, potentially dangerous. That's why some recommend replacing the bolts when you do the ball joints.

I realize that for most jobs people will just reuse bolts. Totally understandable. But this is a unique issue apparently.

If I was ordering new ball joints I'd just throw bolts into my cart to be safe.

 

I dont see a problem with using old bolts now and swapping when the new ones come in. There is only one way I can see it working though, the 4 old ones have to be used on the inner sides of the ball joints, closest to the frame. I dont think there is enough room to remove/replace/torque wrench on the outside ones.

You'll have to put the truck on stands up front to relieve the pressure, then key in the ignition so you can turn wheels side to side as needed to get better access to the bolts.

 

I’d say for simplicity sake to just wait it out for all parts to arrive and till the next opportunity arises to get it in the shop. No need to do a rushed cobble job. Do it right once and the first time, unless you know the LBJ’s are going to fail tomorrow.

 

This is exactly the information I was looking for. Having never done this job before, wasn’t sure if there were access issues and if so, where to put the older bolts. Thanks!

This is what I’ve landed on, just going to wait and get it all done at once. Seems easy enough, but more of a hassle finding time to do it rather than wait a few extra days.

 

Yep. That is how you do it. You have to turn the wheel full left and then full right to reach all of them. Access is actually pretty easy as long as you can turn the wheels. I really had no trouble doing the job. Its a lot easier than some vehicles are in that regard.

 

I have only done them with spindles detached, twice. But I looked at my truck and the ones that are inboard should be a breeze to remove.

 

Another, maybe stupid question; about how much does it cost to have the BJs replaced by the average shop; a ball park figure...? I have been told it's over $2000 but I thought I ask. Truck is a 2003 Limited, if it matters. Just don't have the knowledge, tools, or a place to try to do the job myself.

 

Lower ball joints are around $200 for labor only from most independent shops in my area, DFW. I even got one quote for $120 plus alignment - out the door for $200 plus parts. So all in all it’s between $420-$520 total for lowers with me getting parts online (LBJ’s with cotter pins from Cool Springs - $200, 8 bolts - $15, 2 castle nuts - $2 = $220 for all parts).

My local Toyota wants $600 to do the lowers with me bringing parts and no warranty or $750 buying parts from them.

Upper ball joints I was quoted between $350-$450 in labor, not sure what those parts run.

 

Thanks Bulldog. My truck is nudging 300,000 miles and it's eating front tires, so I'm thinking it's probably never had it's front end(or anything else)worked on. It was a mess when I got it but it was needed so I have to either fix it or junk it and I'd really rather fix it.

 

You might need a front end rebuild if the alignment shop can’t do a proper alignment. My cams bolts were seized so a proper alignment wasn’t achievable, thus my tires got chewed up like yours. I ended up with all new front parts.

Try a 4 wheel place with the high dollar cost alignment (never knew there was a difference) over the basic tire store alignment. Look for the before and after specs on paper.

 

Insane, even with OEM BJ's its a $200 job in your driveway.

 

Not all of us have a hammer as big as yours....

 

Yea, you're probably right about the complete front end rebuild Professional Hand Model. I took it to a Goodyear store and that's where I got the $2000 quote. Love to do it in the driveway but I don't have one. Live on a small farm and Hurricane Michael rearranged it . Just no slabs of concrete to put it on.

 

Not sure of what your quote entails, but mine was about $3400 split 50/50 labor and materials. They price matched my online price finds for OEM parts. $1700 labor for all that work was worth it for me. Not sure of your money budget you want to spend, but it was a no brainer for me. Took them 2 days what would have taken me a week and a half.

 

Ouch.... They spent about 30 min. looking at it and came up with a WAG. I didn't have the money so it ended there. I'll try and see what some of the smaller shops would charge. Dealer is out of the loop on this. They are known for stupid high prices, poor work, long wait times, etc... sad part is sometimes you have to go there anyway.

 

$200 sounds on the high side of fair. Book price for one is probably an hours labor, but that doesnt mean it's a 2 hour job for both.

You arent in southern California are you? I'd take care of it for a 12 pack if you are.

 

Try a 4 wheel/off road type store which is what I did. Again, it was a ton of work but its better than new.

I know the local stealer here sends their new trucks to this 4 wheel place for suspension work so they can tack another 20k on the list price.

 

I’d pay you with 2-12 packs!

 

Love the offers guys but I'm in Florida...

 

Well, when I say driveway, I mean where you park you car. I'm miles from the nearest piece of paved road myself. The last BJs I did where on my dads Chevy, this time of year, last year, in about two feet of snow. Just shoveled out an area big enough to work in and did the job. Was not fun....but it was about $20 in parts.

No bragging, everyone here has a story like that, just trying to inspire people to DYI things and save money for the things you really can't do yourself, like hip replacement surgery.