Symptoms
Stiff steering, poor self-centering, front-end clunks or squeaks, a torn boot. Toyota's 50J letter warns a worn joint can separate from the knuckle.
The fix, step by step
- Support the truck on stands and pull the wheel.
- Remove the four 14 mm bolts holding the LBJ to the knuckle, pull the cotter pin and loosen the 24 mm castle nut, then pop the stud from the lower control arm with a pitman-arm puller (repeat for the 19 mm tie-rod castle nut on a 4Runner).
- Swing the hub aside, fit the correct left/right joint, torque the knuckle bolts with blue Loctite (37 ft-lb black washer bolts or 59 ft-lb green flanged bolts), castle nuts to 103 ft-lb (LCA) and 67 ft-lb (tie rod), then new cotter pins.
Tools & part numbers
- 14/19/24 mm sockets
- OTC 6295 front end service set
- torque wrench
- blue Loctite 242
- new cotter pins
- OEM 4Runner LBJs L 43340-39465 / R 43330-39585
Where to buy the parts
Lower ball joint, left (Toyota 43340-39465)ToyotaPartsDeal (Toyota OEM) ↗Amazon ↗
Lower ball joint, right (Toyota 43330-39585)ToyotaPartsDeal (Toyota OEM) ↗Amazon ↗
'Black' washer-head LBJ bolt (need 8) (Toyota 90119-10933)ToyotaPartsDeal (Toyota OEM) ↗Amazon ↗
Ball joints (aftermarket options)RockAuto ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Toyota 4Runner 3rd Gen parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.