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"Lower Ball Joint" Identification Request

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by RFD, Apr 11, 2024.

  1. Apr 11, 2024 at 11:49 AM
    #1
    RFD

    RFD [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2024
    Member:
    #113666
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra; 4.7 V8 4x4 Limited - Access Cab, Hunter Green
    I posted awhile back about my new, used truck and I am trying to follow advice here and slowly work on projects to keep it running safely and for a long time. My timing belt is basically new (but unfortunately not Aisin) so that will be done in time, but not immediately.

    To me lower ball joints were of higher priority, so I put it up on a jack to test and see if they had any play or movement or obvious signs of wear. Not seeing or hearing anything weird while driving, but I wanted to double check.

    I feel like I may have 'uniball' joints, not the standard lower ball joints? The lack of rubber boot and other differences make me question what is actually on there. Obviously not an expert.

    I can't seem to find too much information on the uniball style, so I was looking to:
    1) Confirm that they are what I think they are
    2) Get more information on these and their pros/cons, service life, etc.
    3) Find out what the indicators for replacement are on these vs. the standard style LBJ

    The service records through Toyota indicate that the original LBJ's were initially replaced under warranty over a decade and 100k+ miles ago by a dealer.
    I don't think a dealer would have substituted these though, so likely an aftermarket job done by a non dealer mechanic?
    If so I don't know their mileage or history.

    Any info would be appreciated, thank you.
    Tundra LBJUniball.jpg
     
    Last edited: Apr 11, 2024
  2. Apr 11, 2024 at 12:02 PM
    #2
    NickB_01TRD

    NickB_01TRD You don't need less cars, just more driveway.

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2021
    Member:
    #64346
    Messages:
    2,695
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    KY
    Vehicle:
    01 Tundra V8 4X4 AC SR5 TRD
    If the picture you posted is of your truck those are standard style ball joints with the factory cover on them. They look quite old and replacement is definitely recommended.

    Here's a thread on the bolts
    https://www.tundras.com/threads/spi...-joint-bolt-test-1st-gen.111746/#post-2884194

    Here's a thread on the joints though it's honestly a bit of a mess.
    https://www.tundras.com/threads/lower-ball-joints-part-numbers.97100/

    Link to post showing the ball joint part numbers for my 01 which should be the same as your 02 but you can disregard the bolt part number if you plan to use the joint protectors again. LINK
     
    Jack McCarthy likes this.

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