Are these lower control arms worth it?

Just wondering if anyone here has used these before or has any thoughts about them.

You can probably find the same thing cheaper on RockAuto.

Also, it’s a bit shady that they don’t list the manufacturer’s name.

Bela said:
You can probably find the same thing cheaper on RockAuto.

Also, it’s a bit shady that they don’t list the manufacturer’s name.

I saw a few options on RockAuto. Which brand would you recommend?

@Monty
I’m no expert, but I usually go for the premium options there. Moog is a popular choice. I’ve used their sway bar links and tie rods, and they’ve been solid. Mevotech is another one I’ve heard about but haven’t tried.

For regular use, these brands should be fine. If they wear out faster than OEM, at least the replacements won’t cost a fortune.

@Bela
If you’re already replacing, you might want to upgrade. I went with Total Chaos lowers I found used for $800. They needed some work but were worth it. For everyday driving, though, OEM replacements might be the way to go.

@Jacob
Same here, definitely worth the upgrade.

@Monty
Try searching ‘[brand name] car parts reviews’ and check out a few threads. It’s a quick way to see what people say.

Stick with OEM. Aftermarket ball joints usually don’t last as long.

Cort said:
Stick with OEM. Aftermarket ball joints usually don’t last as long.

My OEM ones only lasted 100k miles, so I switched to Moog. Worked fine for me.

Cass said:

Cort said:
Stick with OEM. Aftermarket ball joints usually don’t last as long.

My OEM ones only lasted 100k miles, so I switched to Moog. Worked fine for me.

100k sounds about right. Most shops recommend replacing them around 60k.

Moog used to make really good ones, but their quality seems to have dropped recently. Toyota doesn’t sell ball joints separately anymore, so you’ll need to replace the whole LCA. Honestly, many people end up replacing them due to seized bolts before the joints even wear out.

Cort said:
Stick with OEM. Aftermarket ball joints usually don’t last as long.

Do you have a link for where I can order OEM ones?

Monty said:

Cort said:
Stick with OEM. Aftermarket ball joints usually don’t last as long.

Do you have a link for where I can order OEM ones?

Toyota OEM Lower Control Arm

Monty said:

Cort said:
Stick with OEM. Aftermarket ball joints usually don’t last as long.

Do you have a link for where I can order OEM ones?

If you’re in Canada, check out toyotapartsdirect.ca. For the US, I’d call a dealer for the part number and price, then search online to compare.

Cort said:
Stick with OEM. Aftermarket ball joints usually don’t last as long.

Mine are still holding up at 180k on a 2012 model, but I’m not in a position to replace them right now. Hoping they last until things get better for me financially.

They’re fine, but you’re overpaying by buying them there. If you just need a basic OEM-style replacement, RockAuto is the way to go. Most brands will be good enough for normal use.

OEM ball joints are better, sure, but unless you’re really pushing your truck to the limit every day, aftermarket ones should last plenty of miles. For daily drivers, OEM just doesn’t always justify the extra cost.

OEM or Moog are my go-to.

Cass said:
OEM or Moog are my go-to.

Just put Moog upper and lower control arms on yesterday. Feeling pretty good about the choice!

Sarah said:

Cass said:
OEM or Moog are my go-to.

Just put Moog upper and lower control arms on yesterday. Feeling pretty good about the choice!

Where’d you buy yours from?

I replaced mine with OEM after 200k. It’s worth it, no messing around with aftermarket that might fail faster.

In my opinion, stick with OEM for ball joints. It’s not worth the risk with aftermarket ones. Other parts might be fine, but for these, I wouldn’t chance it.