So i recently replaced my suspension on my 2007 Tundra.  Looking at the ball joints after that repair and they could do with being replaced. If nothing else but to be proactive.

What i am having issues with is finding out if they are actually replaceable or if you have to replace the entire upper control arm.

All the info i have seen is for Gen 1s and on a Gen 1 it looks like you have to replace the entire UCA.  Any one done this or a Yota mechanic and know first hand if the ball joints are replaceable?



EDIT:  Ball Joints replaced. Toyota and the manual are incorrect. you can replace them. See below.

It looks like you can get just ball joints.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/search.oap?keyword=ball+joint+%26+components&year=2007&make=Toyota&model=Tundra&vi=1438248

I've seen the parts from big box stores but my absolute trust in a big box stores inventory accuracy is lacking. Wqs hoping someone would be able to confirm or find me web confirmationof a how to confirming they can be replaced.


Follow my concern..

No I don't just go but the dang things a replace them.

Much easier to just replace the whole upper control arm. When I replaced them on on 07 Ram 1500 I think it was $10 more for a new upper control arm with the ball joint than it was for just the ball joint from Rock Auto.

Uca start around 200 per side. So there is a significant price difference.

So i could not find a corroborating answer so i bought the repair manual.

Ball joints in the gen 2 tundras are non serviceable. Must be replaced with the upper control arm assembly.

If you find this thread some years down the road with the same question you dont need to waste your money buying an authoritative answer. Now ya got it

So i was wrong and the mighty Arfcom was right. Per toyota you cant replace them and they dont sell replacements. However Moog does sell them. 2 hours of work and BAM!!


So if any one finds this thread and needs help with a second Gen Tundra. Trust you can replace them.

As the owner of a 2nd gen Tundra, I find this very interesting. So... they're simply pressed in?

Yup... There is a wire spring retainer on the boot.. Pull it off. Slip the boot off. Then there is a snap ring you have to remove. then it just presses up and the MOOG presses down.


Here is a pro tip. Every instruction i found said to separate the ball joint from the knuckle when doing the front suspension. Below the hub are two bolts that if removed releases the lower control arm. Pull those instead of fucking with the ball joint. Using a pickle fork to separate the ball joint caused me to rip that boot and got shit in the ball.

Follow these guys advice. Its opposite of what every one else says and i should have listened.




But if you do need to do them or just want to i did both Upper Ball joints by my self in 2 hours with minimal fuss.