Safety: A worn lower ball joint can separate from the steering knuckle and cause loss of steering control. If you find play, stop driving the truck and fix it before further use.
Checks, in order
- Lower ball joint playJack the front end, support it on stands, and grab the tire at 6 and 12 o'clock. Rock it hard in and out while a helper watches the joint, or pry between the lower arm and knuckle. Visible movement or a torn boot means replace it.medium $ · under about $50
- Recall status on 2001 to 2002 trucksRun the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup or ask a Toyota dealer if the lower ball joint campaign was done. If it was done, the replacement joints are an improved part, but still inspect them on any high-mileage truck.easy $ · under about $50
- Sway bar links and bushingsGrab the sway bar end links and the bar itself and shake them. Loose links or dried-out bushings clunk over small bumps.easy $ · under about $50
- Upper ball joints and control arm bushingsWith the wheel off the ground, pry on the upper arm and look for movement or cracked bushings. Replace worn arm bushings as a set rather than one at a time.medium $$ · about $50 to $500
- Shocks, torsion bar keys and mountsCheck the shocks for leaks or loose mounts and look at the torsion bar arms and cross member bolts for rust and movement. Rust at the suspension mounting points is worth a closer look on any northern truck.medium $$ · about $50 to $500
Applies to: 1996 to 2002 4Runner with the 2.7L 3RZ-FE four-cylinder and the 3.4L 5VZ-FE V6, 2WD and 4WD, manual and automatic. Where a check only applies to one engine it says so.
Tools and parts for these checks
Links below are Amazon affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, toyotadata earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm fitment for your exact truck before you order.
| ITEM | USED FOR | BUY |
|---|---|---|
| Pry bar set | Checking ball joints, bushings and tie rod ends for play | Shop on Amazon |
| Sway bar end links | A common clunk source and a cheap fix | Shop on Amazon |
| Outer tie rod ends | Replacing worn tie rod ends | Shop on Amazon |
| 1/2" drive click torque wrench | Tightening suspension and driveline bolts to spec | Shop on Amazon |
The same problem on other Toyotas
Other steering & suspension problems on the 3rd Gen 4Runner
More 3rd Gen 4Runner problems
- Frame rust, rotten rocker panels or rusty underbody (Frame & Body)
- Engine overheating or temperature gauge climbing (Cooling)
- Pink or milky transmission fluid, or coolant in the transmission (Transmission)
- 5VZ-FE timing belt service: when is it due and how do I tell? (Engine)
- Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank (Starting & Charging)
- Engine cranks but won't start (Fuel & Ignition)
All 16 3rd Gen 4Runner symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →
General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.