Rtrax/Milners/Blueprint ADT

[malxwal]

Does anyone know if bottom balljoints supplied by RT and Milners are from the same manufacturer, as if memory serves they were identical, unlike the top ball joints. Blueprint ADT do them as well, but at a much greater cost (£73 from Camskill), supposedly very high quality. Toyota want about £120 for a genuine one.
I'm wondering, after having a Milners supplied one fail with only 6 months service, if I'm actually any better off with a Rtrax one, being of similar cost.
Any info/opinions welcome !!

[blackpoolsparks]

If you email Barry at Roughtrax, through his website, he'll tell you the manufacturer.

[malxwal]

I'll enquire, he's always been helpful in the past, I'd like to think he would source higher quality stuff than Milners.
Milners offered me, dependant on the inspection of the failed item, a replacement part; yeah, great idea...

[red barron]

roughtrax ball joints

fitted two sets on both sides 18 months ago, good quality parts.

[TonyN]

The milners ones don't have grease nipples (last ones i got from them anyway), Roughtrax ones do, so must be different.

I only really use Roughtrax for bits now, Milners have great prices, and always replace stuff thats broken, but that dosn't really help me when I'm fitting them to other peoples trucks, I'd rather spend a little more and trust the parts.

If you're really worried, then fit genuine parts, no matter what aftermarket makers claim they are rarely as good, Toyota parts especially.

You sometimes get Blueprint parts from Milners or R/T, they are the biggest name in import aftermarket parts around.

[blackpoolsparks]

The milners ones don't have grease nipples (last ones i got from them anyway), Roughtrax ones do, so must be different.

I only really use Roughtrax for bits now, Milners have great prices, and always replace stuff thats broken, but that dosn't really help me when I'm fitting them to other peoples trucks, I'd rather spend a little more and trust the parts.

If you're really worried, then fit genuine parts, no matter what aftermarket makers claim they are rarely as good, Toyota parts especially.

You sometimes get Blueprint parts from Milners or R/T, they are the biggest name in import aftermarket parts around.

How do you rate Blueprint?
I always try and use them if poss. UJoints, etc.

[TonyN]

How do you rate Blueprint?
I always try and use them if poss. UJoints, etc.

I've not had any issues with them, local places supply them, but usually dearer than R/T, so only get them if I forget to order anything.

[malxwal]

Aye, pondering this just now. That ball joint could have failed at 60mph with the kids on board.
Got stuff coming from Toyota for my motor and for another head we're in amongst just now (Landcruiser 1KZ-TE), so for the extra dosh, I think I'll go genuine.
No grease nipple on either of the ones fitted; Drivers side was RT, passenger was Milners.
I've asked the question to Barry, waiting for an answer, but I doubt he could be getting Blueprint ADL at that price. My local factor have one at around £80 plus VAT, Camskill list them at £73 incl VAT. Toyota about £120 (can't remember if VAT excl or incl).
It's all the banks' money anyway.....

[TonyN]

No grease nipple on either of the ones fitted; Drivers side was RT, passenger was Milners.
.

OK, maybe they've changed them recently, or I have a crap memory, lol.

I do check them when pre-MOTing a truck, would expect them last between MOTs to have a chance of finding out any wear.

Did you change them? if someone random did them they might have butchered it, sometimes 3rd Gen ones are tight to get in/out, if the joint body gets beaten out of shape, or the gaiter is split and the grease washes out they won't last long.

[malxwal]

I changed them all myself, and had no problems doing them. I guess I should really check the o/s one as well (it was an RT one), as I fitted it a week or so before.. strange the TR ends should have a grease nipple, but not the balljoints ?

[KERRSURF]

When we did yoshies 3rd gen balljoints the top ones had to be pressed in.
Is this what you did?

[Ben_D]

Do 3rd Gens have grease nipples on balljoints and TRE's? Can't say I've noticed them on my tuck and to my knowledge all bits on steering and suspension are original other than milners inner track rod on OS.

Need to look at mine as steering is a bit vague right now.

Ben

[TonyN]

nah, you're right, i forgot we where talking about a turd gen, you won't have grease nipples on the ball joints even if genuine.

Maybe some aftermarket brands do, but don't know

Doh, lol.

[malxwal]

Yeah, the top balljoints have to be pressed in/out.
The TRE's supplied by RT have grease nipples.

[Bogus]

3rd gen lower balljoints currently on price reduction at RT. 35 quid a side, reduced from 90. ????

Bogus