Most Important Repair - How To Replace Lower Ball Joint For Your 4Runner / Tacoma / Tundra / Sequoia

In this video, I go over the most important repair for the 3rd gen 4runner, 1st gen Tacoma, 1st gen Tundra and 1st gen Sequoia. I show you what options are available, how to check your lower ball joints, and how to replace them. I also share some information on awesome prototypes folks are working. Enjoy the video!

Parts & Supplies:
Total Cost: Approx $236 with bolts from McGeorge Toyota as of May 2021

Toyota OEM + bolts - (comes with the castle nut/cotter pin)
Total Cost: Approx $260 with bolts from McGeorge Toyota as of May 2021

Total Cost: Approx ~$112 From Amazon as of May 2021

Bolts Options:

Tools & Supplies:
Blocks of 2x4 Wood

Optional Tools:

Toyota Repair Manual Pages:
SA-71 SA-72 SA-73

Torque Specs:
14mm Flange Bolts 59 ft/lbs (bolt+washer is 37 ft/lb)
24mm Lower Ball Joint Castle Nut 105 ft/lbs
19mm Tie Rod End 67 ft/lbs
Wheel 83 ft/lbs

More info:

Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond my control, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. I assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. I recommend safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond my control, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not me. Enjoy my videos.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. This cost you nothing and helps support my channel! Thanks!

[PhoRunner]

17:29 If you can't get the tie rod castle nut to tighten because it just keeps spinning, you can use a pry bar and pry up on it to add tension to it. Pry between the lower balljoin and tie rod. That will allow you to tighten the nut.

[brucewayne]

I don't even own a 4runner and I watched the entire video because you are so thorough and very good at explaining what's important. Excellent editing also.

[zaintahir]

Hard to express through words just how grateful I am to you for making this video. You gave me the confidence to tackle this job on my own!

[duckgitr]

Glad I found the video as I wait for a tow truck since my ball joint decided today was the day

[ChambersCustom]

Dude, you are helping me incredibly with my two 4runners. But I'm not gonna lie, you crack me up wearing no shoes working on trucks! Keep up the great vids. You're a fabulous teacher.

[yoda]

This kit saved me more then $30... the canadian dealership was quoting EACH lower ball joint at $250 (before tax), luckily I saw this video and gave the kit Part number and it cost $200 (before tax) for the kit. Thank you!

[ljgarrison]

I’m an old lady and could care less about car repairs. But…buying a used 2000 for a son so I started to watch your channel. And my other son is a mechanic. You are amazing how you present these problems and repairs. Very interesting! Well, I’m hooked now. Crazy!

[scubbarookie]

Coincidentally; this was one of the first updates I made on my 99 4Runner. Besides changing the oil, I also replaced the manual and transfer case oil with Redline's MT-90, because it's GL-4 rating, making it safe for the brass rings in the 5 speed. I also did the rear diff with Lucas full synthetic 75w-90 because of better cooling properties. I changed all the drain plugs with GoldPlugs; made in U.S.A. mainly for the stronger magnet! I did order the lower ball joints from McGeorge Toyota in Virginia. Great prices from a dealership! I had no idea there was a recall kit! The main reason for going with genuine Toyota ball joints was that mine were the original at 328, 000 original miles! This is why the factory parts may hands down be the safest bet, if you want to be as safe as possible. Thank you for this important information! I also ordered the 8 flange bolts and used the blue Locktite as a standard! Take good care brother! ❤🌄

[arktct]

This was an amazing video.
Thorough, detailed, great video angles.
No idea why someone gave a thumbs down.
I’d love to see what kind of video is acceptable for them.
Thanks so much for taking the time and the energy to film and share this.
I just worked on my car today, and I know filming it would just have drug out the process, and that’s not even ensuring I had great camera angles, adjusting the camera, explaining stuff, and then editing the video on top of all that.
Thanks again - a lot!

[TheYubja]

this gentleman is legitimate. thanks for the guidance and professionalism

[nsashby]

This is a great tutorial. I like how you are pragmatic about what the manual says, and what most people actually do.

With the right tools (23mm and 33mm ball joint press, breaker bar, cotter pin puller) the job takes about an hour per side and is no more complicated than changing brake pads and discs.

[EstebanGamboaDev]

Dudeeee! you deserve all the praise, this is high quality and you make it look easy enough to tell your mechanic to get it right :D

[thepitpatrol]

Very nice video! Our 3rd generation has 400, 000 on it. Great point about quality control!

[anthonyt]

got my ball joints replaced at 90k. and I will do it inline with water pump/ radiator replacements. doing everything together makes the car feel much newer.

[markscarbrough]

I was never aware of this issue until it happened to me in my 97 Tacoma. Just turned into a parking lot and Thump. I also have a 97 4Runner and my wife drives a 2000 4Runner. I guess I’m going to do this repair on two more vehicles.

[frankdelucey]

Just had a passenger side fail 2000 SR5 4Runner 248, 000+miles.
Think they were the original.
Bought Mooge replacements.
4 bolts 1 Castle nut 1 pin for castle nut
And red locktight.
Some scuff marks on inside of wheel.
Pulled forward about 4-5ft and loud noise. Got out and seen my wheel turned slightly Fun lol

[ryanwong]

Awesome video as usual! Just swapped mine out over the weekend but then discovered my outer tie rod boots were torn. New project and waiting for parts….

[.BBC]

Thank you for this video! Doing my surf soon!

Anyone wondering if these are the same part numbers for a 3rd gen Toyota Surf (KZN185)…the answer is yes. 😊

[Mike_]

Yup.. this is the very first thing I replaced on mine after getting the car, and of course they were replaced with OEM Toyota ones. You can save a good 15-20% off if you buy OEM parts online. Way worth it!

[garage]

2002 4wd LTD. 322, xxx miles, second owner since January 2013 and 144, xxx miles. Everything looks original under there now.
Replacing upper and lower control arms, and sway bar bushings along with ball joints next week.

Great vid, great editing. Keep up the PhoRunner content!