Spindle Knuckle Broken Bolts Lower Ball Joint 02 Tundra 4wd

Hey guys,

Been reading for awhile and decided to join, I have a 2002 ext cab tundra 4wd I love this truck it gets great mileage in comparison and 4wd you can not beat it for hunting.

My only fault is the lower ball joints on these vehicles, I'm now in my second problem but it's not the ball joint them selves it's the actual bolts that hold the joint on keep breaking. I've now tried to re tap the 4 holes on the spindle /steering knuckle but the two bolts that go through the assembly are now too big because i drilled them just a hair too big. Could I run these bolts all the way through after tapping them and put a nut and cotter pin exactly like the others hook up Would this be seen as a strengthen up more than a loss and would it work?

Or do I should I buy a new spindle knuckle and bolt my 4 x 14mm in like stock but also be out $330 for a new spindle.

Anyone else have this issue? I Have wheel off and truck on stands going to replace tire rod end, sway bar links, cv axle, upper and lower ball joints starting tomorrow morning. Anything else I should be doing while I'm in this suspension project?

 

The smartest thing to do is replace the old with new.

 

Welcome to the site!

 

This is what i would do..

If the both pieces are cast iron or harded metal, i would drill up and tap for a 15mm bolt. Bolt make sure its a grade 8 bolts. Im going to assume you have enough thickness so you dont lose is toughness between the two pieces drillling out one mm.