1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Driving on borrowed time?

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by FuegoMCS, Jul 1, 2025 at 6:55 AM.

  1. Jul 1, 2025 at 6:55 AM
    #1
    FuegoMCS

    FuegoMCS [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2022
    Member:
    #73671
    Messages:
    52
    Gender:
    Male
    East Texas
    Vehicle:
    2011 Crewmax 2WD
    My 2011 Crewmax TRD 2WD is approaching 194k miles. Within the past 18 months I've replaced both front wheel bearings, carrier bearing and all U-joints as well as the Bilstein shocks and struts. None of the ball joints or the tie rods have ever been replaced. This is road/street driven truck only in North and East Texas (no salt) so only normal wear and tear. I'm all for preventative maintenance but not on an unlimited budget. At this mileage and age should I be planning to replace the ball joints and tie rod ends out of an abundance of caution, or just wait for obvious signs of wear to exhibit via standard wheel checks?
    On a 2011 2nd Gen what kind of costs should I plan for if I replace upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends? I've done nearly all maintenance on this truck and all of our other vehicles, but never these specific items. If I take on the task are there any tips or recommendations to consider? I'll only take the truck to the local dealer if absolutely necessary and I don't know of any reputable 3rd party shops here in the Tyler area. TIA for any guidance!
     
  2. Jul 1, 2025 at 7:04 AM
    #2
    KNABORES

    KNABORES Sarcasm incoming

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2020
    Member:
    #40572
    Messages:
    14,431
    Gender:
    Male
    Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    2000 Limited TRD AC 4X4 Thunder Grey 278k miles. *SOLD* 2019 Limited TRD CM 4x4
    Bilstein 5100's on the forbidden notch Husky HD rear leafs 16x8 Eagle Alloy 187's with 285/75/16 MagnaFlow 3" flow through Pioneer touchscreen with backup camera Full interior and dash LED conversion Trailer brake controller with 7 pin Bedliner coat bumpers & trim ARE Mpulse topper - Rhino Vortex rack
    LAPS will have loaner tools to do the job if you wanna tackle it. Go OEM on replacement parts, they are (obviously) good for almost 200k miles. Aftermarket parts will fail quickly and you’ll be doing the job again. That said, check for signs of play in the joints to see if they need replacing or not. Toyota uses very durable and long lasting parts compared to other manufacturers. You may have another 50k left in those originals!
     

Products Discussed in

To Top