rider Posted July 24, 2017 Share Posted July 24, 2017 There are control arms no longer available from Mr Toyota on the Supra where the factory arms have non-serviceable ball joints. Has anyone ever looked into removing an arm b/j and machining the arm to fit a generic serviceable b/j? If its not been done yet, someone will need to have a go at it sometime or everyone had better hope aftermarket pattern parts start to become available. The only alternative available today would be to fit fully adjustable track and race arms instead. If no one has done it I was thinking of having my local metal bashers see if its possible, anyone interested in crowd funding the project? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iky Posted July 24, 2017 Share Posted July 24, 2017 There are control arms no longer available from Mr Toyota on the Supra where the factory arms have non-serviceable ball joints. Has anyone ever looked into removing an arm b/j and machining the arm to fit a generic serviceable b/j? If its not been done yet, someone will need to have a go at it sometime or everyone had better hope aftermarket pattern parts start to become available. The only alternative available today would be to fit fully adjustable track and race arms instead. If no one has done it I was thinking of having my local metal bashers see if its possible, anyone interested in crowd funding the project? I can part fund. I have pair of front lower facelift arms- one with knackered balljoint due to torn dust boot. The other seems ok- moves quite freely but no play. Also have a pair of rear lower camber arms, aftermarket dust boots fitted with I think ok condition balljoints. Yours for nothing if you arrange the collection but I need them gone by two weeks as I don't have space for storage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjs_82 Posted July 24, 2017 Share Posted July 24, 2017 What parts do Toyota not make anymore? - - - Updated - - - What parts do Toyota not make anymore? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inazone Posted July 24, 2017 Share Posted July 24, 2017 This would certainly be a good service to have to be able to replace the ball joints. Surprised know has already looked at this... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rider Posted July 24, 2017 Author Share Posted July 24, 2017 I can part fund. Really appreciate the offer but I have knackered control arms to 'play' from the sub frame I purchased with so was hoping people might want to spread the costs. If there is an interest, maybe the club could even fund it? Then I could seek out the right sized b/j for the various arms and see if I can find a machinist willing to tackle punching out the old joint and machining a new sleeve and seat for a serviceable replacement. If I go ahead and do it on my own I'd probably keep the info and specs proprietary and become to control arms what Heckler is to LEDs. The other seems ok- moves quite freely but no play. The consensus on b/j seating is if it flops about and can be wiggled with no resistance its already worn and a short time off knocking. What parts do Toyota not make anymore? A great many of the Supra parts were probably last bulk ordered by Toyota 5 years ago and its just what's left in the supply chain. I'm only looking into the rear suspension at the moment and its not good news on the lower control and track arms. Its not really good news on the other parts either as Lexus and Soarer owners prefer the common Supra upper arms to their own because they have firmer bushing. Replacing joints on non serviceable parts isn't rocket science, Moog makes a b/j specifically for Jeep non serviceable arms. They just haven't got around to doing it for the Supra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evinX Posted July 24, 2017 Share Posted July 24, 2017 What parts do Toyota not make anymore? - - - Updated - - - What parts do Toyota not make anymore? Pre facelift control arms. Facelift are available and fit prefaclift. Will need different bolts to iirc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rider Posted July 25, 2017 Author Share Posted July 25, 2017 Pre facelift control arms. Facelift are available and fit prefaclift. Will need different bolts to iirc. Top tip. I've ordered the facelift lower arms so here is hoping it all fits well together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooter Posted July 25, 2017 Share Posted July 25, 2017 Also re the ball joints I think there is a section in the Toyota manuals that has a torque range to decide if it's in spec, ie as stated it can be too smooth/easy to move Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iky Posted July 25, 2017 Share Posted July 25, 2017 I think I remember Chris Wilson saying he opened a balljoint up to see how it was on the inside. Not sure what came of that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh42 Posted December 31, 2017 Share Posted December 31, 2017 Did you get anywhere with this Barry? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rider Posted January 3, 2018 Author Share Posted January 3, 2018 (edited) No, I didn't take it any further as I did finally manage to track down a full set of new front and rear arms. Edited January 3, 2018 by rider (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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