LBJ/Tie Rod End compatability

Just installed a LBJ kit in my 02 (10/2001 production). Everything bolted in fine, but the hole for the tie rod ends is .02" larger than the Moog LBJ's that were installed, and the tie rod stud pushes all the way through. It it possible later models of LBJ (02-04) have the same bolt pattern but a larger tie rod stud hole? And could a guy buy the tie rod ends for those years and slap them in? Because as is I can't connect the outer tie rod ends.

 

Man, I swear I just saw someone complaining about this exact issue 2, maybe 3 months ago now. Let me see if I can dig it up.

 

I'm pretty sure it was @jwilly0404 that had this issue. https://www.tundras.com/threads/lbj-otr-help-needed.128825/#post-3284466

 

@shifty` thanks for the heads up, sent a PM. Guessing I received the wrong LBJ's based on that thread. Truck will not be going on a antelope hunting trip this weekend

 

Did you go with Moog LBJ's? It's highly recommended you don't use those.

 

I found the problem. NEVER use moog LBJs. Ever.

 

I took that as it had moogs on it previously and he replaced with something else, OEM hopefully.

 

I had Moogs LBJs in mine then I saw the Moog LBJ recall. They were promptly replaced with OEM lowers. Nu Uh. I ain't gonna let my baby break a leg using them Moogs. LOL.

 

Pretty sure mine are Moog. So far so good .
The uppers and lowers will get replaced with my front wheel bearing job. May do control arms too if I win the lottery.

 

Well, have a 1500 mile antelope/pheasant trip this weekend. So went to Napa, bought their premium LBJ's at $115 per and got the truck back together. Quality seems decent, they claim higher grade steel and more polishing than standard joints. Not ideal, but I'm not getting another set of OEM joints into the truck by this weekend. Thanks for the advice guys. And yes I had Moogs on, replaced them of my own volition.

 

Just note: When Moog had their massive recall on LBJs for our trucks 2ish years ago, NAPA was named in the federal/national list complaint/report/whatever, along with two other major brands. NAPA was getting their parts from the same source domestically as Moog. None of them were making their own.

Sounds like you intend to resolve this eventually anyway, and it definitely sounds like there's some compatibility weirdness for your '02 with some vendor(s).

 

Thanks for the heads up. Yeah I'll probably leave these on for the winter and source some OEM joints next year. My workspace is outdoor and Montana is entering a not dry/fun time of year to lay on the ground. And honestly I can't look at the damn joints on this truck for atleast a few months. If anyone wants a set of OEM joints for *probably* an 03-04 tundra, I've got a set for cheap. Torqued once, no load ever put on them.

 

Honestly, I'd post them over in the 1st Gen Marketplace forum -- https://www.tundras.com/forums/1st-gen-tundra-parts-marketplace-2000-2006.4/

At least recoup some $$