Symptoms
Clunks over bumps, play at the bottom of the knuckle, or simply a high-mileage truck with original joints.
The fix, step by step
- Support the truck on frame stands, pull the wheels and skid plates, and back the torsion-bar adjusters all the way off.
- Mark and slide back the torque arms, then remove the lower shock bolt, sway-bar link, cotter pin and ball-joint nut.
- Break the taper, pull the lower arm, remove the C-clip and press out the old joint (a 2-inch conduit coupler makes a good receiver).
- Press in the new joint with a 2-inch pipe nipple, refit the clip and reassemble in reverse order, following the factory manual for bolt torques.
- Reset the torsion bars and get an alignment.
Tools & part numbers
- 20-ton shop press
- 22, 19, 14 and 24 mm sockets
- snap-ring pliers
- sledge or pickle fork
- lower ball joint (e.g. Cruiser Outfitters SUS43340)
- factory manual section SA-73.
Where to buy the parts
Lower ball joint, 1998–2007 100 Series/LX470 (SUS43340)CruiserTeq ↗Amazon ↗
Ball joint kit, 1998–2007 IFS 100/LX470 (SUS100BJKIT)CruiserTeq ↗Amazon ↗
Lower ball joint boot kit, 1998–2007 UZJ100/LX470 (SUS100BJ15)CruiserTeq ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Series 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.