I just recently got a 2001 tundra and need to replace the upper ball joints and upper control arms. I was wondering if this is a job I can do on my own or if I should pay a mechanic to do it for me. I have access to a lift and plenty of tools, and was wondering what the process is to be able to replace the upper ball joints in upper control arms. Has anyone tackled these issues on their own? If so, how did it go? And is it something that I would be able to do myself?
Upper control arm and ball joint installment questions
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Find a video. Theres a c-clip (?e-clip?) that i've seen other folks bugger up. I helped a buddy and it went smooth as silk with a rental bj screw press and some fabricobbled spacers, but i've seen pics of people destroy their spindle. We used as little heat as possible, and probably didnt need any. But we had the spindle out. The UCA bolt might have been tricky. I dont really remember.
@bmf4069 how smooth was the uca swap?
@bmf4069 how smooth was the uca swap?
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I don't tend to answer 1 post wonders, but I'll just say its easy. Watch a couple vids and go to work. Maybe upgrade the control arms if you can. It is worth it.
Sounds good, found an upgraded kit for the control arms and I’m going with OEM ball joints. Sorry about the one post I just found the forum yesterday lol. I’m planning to take the job on this Saturday along with my rack bushings. Glad to hear it’s pretty easy
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He's not wrong. You're half way there already.
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What upgrade on the UCAs did you do? JBAS Offroad has a different design that puts less stress on the UBJs and makes them super easy to replace.
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Like these....
Attachments
Those are the exact ones I was looking at. My lower ball joints were replaced about a year ago by the previous owner but I’m not sure if they are OEM parts so I might replace them for peace of mind
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Never a bad idea.
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There was a recall on the Gen 1 Tundras' ball joints. I believe it was the lower ones. My '04 got new ones and an alignment at the dealer some years ago. You might check the recall status on your Tundra. If the recall is "safety related", there should be no end date on the recall. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong on this.
Ralph
Ralph
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Anyone who owns a Sequoia/Tundra should know this. It's all over any forum or social media group. Watch your LBJs....and only use OEM.
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