Repairs after ball joint failure

So today my front left tire came completely separated from my '03 Prerunner on my drive to work. It looks like the ball joint on the lower control arm failed when I hit a bump on a dirt road. Luckily the majority of the truck seems completely unharmed, since as far as I can tell the control arm prevented anything but it from hitting the ground.

I'd like to fix this myself, but I'm no grizzled veteran of front end work. It seems pretty doable, I just am not sure exactly what should be replaced. I'd obviously need a new ball joint and brake line, but I figure I may need to replace the lower control arm. What I'm not sure of is if things like the upper control arm, outer tie rod, or anything on the wheel side of the ball joint will need to be replaced.

Does anyone have any advice for me as to what I should look at/replace? Thanks


Here you can see the ball sheared off of the lower control arm

 

Alignment after all is said and done.

 

here's a list of parts that could be damaged, and I'm sure I'll forget some:
loewr control arm
spindle
bearings
tie rod inner and outer
steering rack

Basically anything that touches the front suspension could be damaged.


You'll likely be able to notice paint chipping or stretch marks on the paint on pieces that are damaged. Take everything off and give it a REAL good look. A new lower control arm might not hurt. Once you get it re-assembled, get it aligned. If it aligns properly, you're all good in the hood


Then go buy both balljoints. replace them both! and from now on keep a close eye on them and inspect them regularly. Replace them if they appear worn or damaged (like the rubber boot is leaking). Buy the best quality BJs you can afford. OEM is likely the best, but I've been running 555's from lowrange offroad. Moogs are OK, but that's the bargain basement. Don't go cheaper than that (i.e. autoparts store brand).

Here's a little rant I wrote up about ball joints:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-2004-4x4-doublecab-trd.622208/#post-21222495

 

Ball joints, brake line, alignment. You will be fine.

Look for the number "555" on the new ball joints. Those are the good ones.

The other stuff listed could be damaged, but is not the usual case.

You can do this repair, we got faith and we are here to help when you run into snags...

 

Well that doesn't sound too bad as long as there doesn't end up being extra damage. Unfortunately I won't have the time to work on it this weekend, but I'll toss some new ball joints on it and see how it goes

 

Can we see some frontend pics? How many miles on the truck? This is a big issue for 3rd gen 4runners, early replacement is a given.

 

I don't have many pictures as the truck is still at my work, but here are two of the left suspension assembly

 

looks like the only thing needed is the upper ball joint, lower ball joint, tie rod end and a brake line.

Of course you will need to bleed the brakes and get an alignment.

 

If that's a sway bar link in the top pick, its seen better days

 

Soooooo, how fast were you travelling?
Seems like this always happens at slow speeds.

 

yeah it does... LCA looks like it might be a little tweaked also