What is the turnaround time?
Each Lower Uniball Conversion (LUC) is built to order. Generally, you can expect the LUC to take 3-7 business days to complete but it can be longer depending on the number of orders. If you send in your Lower Ball Joint as a core, the time until completion will start when we receive the core.
Can I send in my LBJ to be converted?
Yes. If your LBJ is a MOOG 555 or OEM LBJ, we can convert it for you. Please visit the instructions for sending us your LBJ available
HERE.
Why do the OEM LBJs fail?
Toyota designed the LBJ on these vehicles in an upside down manner so the ball joints and bolts are actually being pulled apart. The parts will stretch and eventually play will develop within the components which is why it is important to frequently check your lower ball joints. Replacements are expensive and require the entire assembly to be replaced. As with all parts on a vehicle, play will eventually develop within Uniballs. Our LUCs were designed in a way that allows for the Uniball to be replaced instead of the entire assembly which means cheaper replacements in the long run. The other failure point is in the four bolts that hold the LUC to the spindle and we are currently working on getting ARP bolts made for this purpose to create the toughest replacement on the market.
Aren’t the four spindle bolts a common point of failure?
Absolutely. These bolts are known to fail and cause catastrophic failure of the front suspension. The threads on these bolts will stretch over time and eventually cause failure. We are currently working on getting ARP bolts made specifically for this purpose. ARP is a world leader in fastener technology and their bolts are (almost) indestructible for this application. In the meantime, it is recommended to replace these bolts occasionally if you are frequently disassembling your front suspension or if you have not replaced them for a while.
Why should I get a Uniball Conversion?
Uniballs were designed for racing applications. In short, this means they are much stronger than the factory ball joint. These uniballs will also allow for more articulation in the joint which puts less strain on the assembly.
Do these work with stock lower control arms and spindles?
Yes! These are designed to work with all of your factory equipment and are currently the only ones on the market to do so. They will also work with your long travel kit or aftermarket LCA/spindles as long as they utilize the OEM LBJ.
What is the double shear heim steering option?
This option is recommended for the hard core rock crawlers who have surpassed the limits of their stock tie rods. There are various manufacturers that offer heim steering for your rigs which will require the double shear heim steering upgrade on our LUC. One such company is Total Chaos Fabrication.
How is the Uniball protected?
Each LUC comes with 2 Uniball top caps. This is to prevent dirt and debris from contaminating the Uniball.
How do I maintain my LUC?
We recommend the use of a Tri-Flow (with P.T.F.E.) lubricant which can be purchased
HERE. This type of lubricant goes on wet and dries to a film. Do NOT use any other kind of grease or oil lubricant as this will cause dirt to stick to the Uniball. It is recommended to apply Tri-Flow lubricant every other oil change. If your rig is primarily used off-road then it is recommended to lubricate your uniball more frequently.
Am I able to take off the cap to lube the Uniball without taking the LBJ bolts off?
Unfortunately no, but it's easy to take a small paint brush and lubricate the bottom side. Note too that these uniballs are FK Bearings w/ PTFE lining and technically don't require lubricants although they do help.
How do I replace the Uniballs? Where can I buy replacements?
Uniballs are simple to replace by just removing the retainer clip and using a solid piece of steel that can be struck to hammer the uniballs out. Tutorials on this process will be available on my YouTube Channel.
Uniballs can be purchased at many offroad parts stores or online. The part number for a replacement bearing is FK 14SSX14T.
Are 3rd Gen 4Runner and 1st Gen Tacoma balljoints interchangeable?
No, they are not. This is because the Tacoma has a larger Outer Tie Rod End than a 4Runner. It easy to swap a Tacoma LBJ onto your 4Runner by using the beefier Tacoma OTRE on your 4Runner. There are many tutorials for this online and it is a relatively simple swap.
