Lower Ball Joint Insurance Policy - Badass

Just saw this on FB, sorry if a repost.

 

Would require new, longer bolts, and figuring out the best torque spec for said bolts

 

Bolts shearing off was one cause of failure, but the joint popping out was the other big one. If this can limit the upward movement of the cup from separating from the ball, then there maybe some value to it. Doesn’t seem like it would keep the joint from slipping laterally out into the Kachow position like we see all the time. Cool idea!

 

I like the idea and have wondered why something like this wasn't already available for us.

 

Could you even get a torque wrench in there to torque them to proper spec (whatever that may be)?

 

We would need at least 10 pages debating what the proper torque spec should be.

 

I guess a related question, did Total Chaos ever come out with their LBJ for the Access cabs? It does seem like one of you super mechanically inclined persons can design something in this "after market" product World that can be marketed for the infamous LBJ issue. I realize the margins are limited but you throw in all Toyota platforms effected and you might be able to justify. Kudos to this enthusiast that came up with this!

 

It looks like they intentionally tapered the tower in a way that you could get a standard deep well socket onto it. Notice how it narrows up to the bridge. If not, that's a bit of a critical design flaw.

 

I'd like to see the proof of concept. Is the concept that if the LBJ lets go, the spindle and castle nut will fall into the hole and will be held in place long enough to be able to come to a stop without the cascading catastrophic failures that usually take place? Can the tensile strength of the four bolts withstand the shock of the ball joint letting go? Once you hit the brakes, all kinds of other forces need to be taken into account, much more complex than just holding the ball joint up. Has that been taken into account? Interesting idea, nonetheless.

 

Was wondering the exact same thing. Was just thinking it would probably shear the bolt heads off.

 

If it was shorter and actually kept everything fully captured, it'd be ok.

Instead of hoping it'll fall into the hole.

 

I like it. I think the "catch" needs to be tighter and widened a tad, maybe even conical in order to facilitate it catching.

and I was even thinking of an additional hanger to help with weight distribution

 

Welcome back!

I think the tough part would be making it such that iyou could still manage to service the castle nut on the LBJ spindle.

 

Doesn't need access imo. Unbolt 4 bolts and it falls out of the way.

 

I’m not part of that FB group. Is someone selling these? I’d probably grab some on the chance it might help even if there’s a chance it might not.