Hello, I just had 4 new 90,000 Michelins put on my 92 LS. The tire shop attempted to do an alignment but said the lower ball joints needed to be replace before doing it. They wanted 130 a piece for them but I know I could find them a little cheaper and do the work myself. When replacing the ball joints are there any other CRITICAL items I should also replace? The new tires took a big chunk out my budget so I need to do this on the cheap. The new tires made a huge difference next winter project will be the motor mounts.

Thanks very much for the info!!!

 

check the strut rod bushings, and if you feel like it he sway bar end links are probably full of play (eventually they'll clunk a little bit, but it varies).

OEM LBJs are ~$90-120 ish new from carson toyota or sewell lexus.

 

Thanks for the info! I'm gonna get as many of the rubber bushings as I can afford and replace them before the alignment along with the lower ball joints.

I found them on Rockauto for 49.00. I know going OEM is best but this seems like a basic part. (I could be wrong).

I looked but did not see the strut rod bushings listed.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...parttype,10070

 

the strut rods are available from Lexus, i'm not familiar with aftermarket availability for the 1st gen LS.

The LBJs are the primary lower suspension joint, not a part to cheap out on. If you do go aftermarket, I am a fan of Moog and Raybestos Professional grade (not the service grade)).

 

i don't see how the bjs are needed for alignment but yours could be bad in that they necessitate a replacement anyway. they are not adjusted during alignment.

as stated, the strut rods will be the most commonly worn bushings so i would tackle that first.

 

they probably have play.

 

Thanks for the info! My family have been using this tire shop for years so I trust the guy. He did not show me the play but I'm sure they need replacing anyway. I will order the strut rods from Lexus.