How bad is this upper control arm & ball joint?

Recently got new shocks, and now the ball joint looks pretty worrysome. Wondering how bad this is, because my alignment guy didn't tell me he saw anything wrong

 

Looks perfectly fine. Do you notice any play in the joint?

 

Looks busted. I would total the truck.

 

Haven't messed with it. Just looked at it and figured I shouldn't try to mess with it if it were bad

 

It looks fine to me, however looks can be deceiving.

The ball joint boot isn't puking grease, nor is it torn which would imply it should be okay.

However, the only way to know for sure would be to jack the truck up to take the weight off the wheel then use a pry bar to see if you can separate the upper control arm from the spindle at all if there's more than even the tiniest hair of play then yes it's time to replace the ball joint.

 

Top gear proved that's impossible

 

That sounds like a great way to assess it. Thanks for the info!

 

This is just a byproduct of going above the designed operating height.
1 of them anyway.

 

What I was thinking as well. Was reading some old threads on here about needing new and more flexible upper control arms to handle an increase in height

 

yeah, if you want to really correct it. Search aftermarket a-arms and decide.

 

Dang, sounds like I'll have to spend even more money a decent set from wheelers goes for like 590, while a "cheap" ebay one goes for 330. Also another alignment.

I figure it's worth it as I'm already in too deep + don't want excessive wear on suspension components + to stop my tires being eaten up

First, I'll have to verify if this is even indeed the case though

 

Not all vehicles are the same; some people need aftermarket arms at just over 2" whereas others at 2.5" don't need any.

Aftermarket arms provide the additional adjustment to provide the caster needed for proper alignment.

Yes they help articulate a bit more for off road but that's it.

If you were able to get the alignment needed, you're good to go.

 

Who knows, I'll be doing the upper-ball joint assessment to see how well it's doing. I'll also be on the look out every 3.5k miles to see if the front wheels are being eaten up .Will be taking pics and probably updating this thread.

 

Not necessary.

If you're questioning them, just replace them.

They're cheap anyway.

 

ill buy it for $5. done deal happy to help

 

Ayo OP! Any updates on this thread? I recently installed some OME 886 and Sport Nitrochargers and got a 2.5+ inch lift. I noticed the same thing about my ball joints too. Wondering how your set up is playing out with wear and tear? Did you notice any significant wear in your CV joints/boots or the torsion bar link? Thanks!

 

You, nor the OP, have torsion bars on your trucks. They haven't been used on trucks by Toyota since before the Tacoma.

Also, this is the 1st Gen Section. You have a 2nd Gen.

 

My lift is mild at about 1 inch. It looks better now though, and have not noticed anything different. I had taken this picture shortly after a few hundred miles post-install of the 5100s + new springs.

Keep in mind that a bit too much lift, (and I'm not sure about the number exactly), does require aftermarket upper control arms (at least on 1st gens). Something about the tolerances of the angle with the stock control arm. I'm sure there's many threads about it here on tacomaworld

 

I think he’s talking about sway bar link