Lower Ball Joint Broke

Greetings to the Folks of Tacoma World. I recently had a part snap off while driving and am in need of an affordable fix. Instead of going to a mechanic and spending who knows how much, I decided to enlist the help of someone who is retired and see if he is able to fix it in my driveway. I am wondering what part would fix the issue at hand. Pictures attached. Thanks in advance for any tips/suggestions.

 

Looks like the lower ball joint. If it broke while driving you may have broke or bent other parts. How fast were you going? This is a weak point for 1st gen Tacomas, and many members here replace the ball joints proactively.

You should edit the title of this thread to say something about "Lower Ball Joint Broke" and you will get more responses.

 

Everybody has different opinions. Either go to a dealer($x2 or more of below price), or get something like this:

http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/1995-5-2004-toyota-tacoma-4x4-lower-ball-joints-made-in-japan.html

 

Welcome to YodaWorld what he said ^

 

Dr Z, I was driving around 65 mph. The tire went sideways I was lucky to not get into a serious accident. Thanks for the tip! Ill purchase a Lower Ball Joint when I get the chance. Besides that, anything else you think I will need?

 

Wsidr1, thanks for your reply.
I clicked the link you sent and it said the part is for 4WD.
Will that make a difference?

 

Yes you need to make sure it fits your truck. Ball joint failure can be serious as you found out. Buy a good replacement part, OEM if you can afford it.

You should have someone look around at both sides and see if anything looks bent or has any wear that the other side doesn't. You should get an alignment after installation as well, and they will let you know if it's alright.

 

You should replace the lower ball joint on the other aide while you’re at it. They’re pretty easy to replace and it would prevent you from worrying about the other side breaking as well

 

Thanks underaroof.
do you recommend AutoZone as a place to order a Lower Ball Joint?
Someone I met recently has offered to fix it in my driveway. do you think that is possible?
Thanks again!

 

Ok. so replace both lower ball joints. anything else to fix besides that?

 

Thanks underaroof.
do you recommend AutoZone as a place to order a Lower Ball Joint?
Someone I met recently has offered to fix it in my driveway. do you think that is possible?
Thanks again!

 

The consensus is to order OEM ball joints. Even though they are a weak point in this truck they will be vastly superior to anything you buy at auto zone. The other consensus opinion is to buy those 555s from Low Range.

Good luck. At that speed during failure, you should really check everything. Eg your spindles, etc.

 

Yes, LBJs can be replaced in your driveway or in your garage, and by you, if you have the right tools (ball joint separator and a torque wrench). And be sure to have the front end aligned when you are finished.

 

I wouldn’t worry much about any other parts unless they look damaged. Once you replace both lower ball joints (go with OEM Toyota for piece of mind) have an alignment shop try to align it. They’ll tell you if anything else seems out of whack

 

Do Not buy a lower ball joint from AutoZone. If you can't afford the OEM Toyota part then at least do the Moog/Sankei 555 branded one.

Lower ball joints are a common weak point on these trucks as you've found out, and cheap aftermarket ones are even more likely to fail.

Its a very easy job with the right tools, where are you located?

 

OEM the best if can spring the money$

 

If I recall I got my oem LBJs for around $110 each from toyotspartsdeal.com. Basically just a conglomerate website that sources the cheapest OEM prices from dealers all over the country. Good way to find cheap OEM parts but if you have an issue with your order the return process is brutal.

 

at one time there was a recall on the LBJ's for certain year gen1 TACOMAS my 2004 had them replaced for free by the dealer, wonder if the OPs truck even had them done if you run the VIN to find out might get a freebie from Toyota corp.https://www.toyota.com/recall I don't think theres a timeline limitation on recalls

 

Thanks so much for all your help today. Is this the correct part I need?
https://www.oemvehicleparts.com/oem...9dGFjb21hJnk9MTk5OCZ0PXNyNSZlPTMtNGwtdjYtZ2Fz

 

View this video before you start. I borrowed the pullers I needed from O'Reilly. Other parts stores loan the tools. Don't forget to use loctite thread locker on the BJ bolts.

https://youtu.be/bfLvtEnX9qk