replacing upper ball joints; maybe more...

Hi All,

I need to replace the upper ball joints on my 98 Tacoma Prerunner with 199k miles. The mechanic said that the lower ball joints are fine, but I was wondering, with that many miles, wouldn't it be wise to replace as many components as practical?: the lower ball joints; the outer tie rod passenger side (driver's side was done, both inner and outer). Also, he mentioned that the sway bar links needed replacement -- contributing to the "clunk" sound I was hearing when riding over bumps. Do the links need to be replaced or is it just a matter of replacing the worn bushings? And, one last thing, he thought that the motor mounts are worn/weak and should be replaced as well. How can you tell if they are worn?

Thanks for the feedback,

Ivan

The sway bar doesnt have replaceable bushings, the link has to be replaced. Motor mounts don't normally get changed unless they are bad. They can separate and cause the engine to clunk on acceleration, if you have oil leaks they can swell and may tear apart. If they are dry and aren't clunking I wouldn't change them. I only change parts that are defective and don't subscribe change it because I'm there, but I do my own maintenance, so if you are having it done you have to weigh the cost of doing some labor over in event the old part fails. Consider also that two wheel alignments will be needed if at some later time the lower ball joints need replacing. BTW, are ball joints on your truck covered by the big Toyota ball joint recall? I believe it was the uppers and your truck should be covered.

Clifton