3rd gen vs 4th gen/FJC rear upper links

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Anyone know how different these two are? I have a set of metaltech rear upper links, and one of the johnny joints is rusted in the link. I really like them, but metaltech no longer makes them.

I've heard that 4G/FJC links are almost identical, but are like 1/8" longer. Can anyone confirm? I've had my 3rd gen links set about 3/16" longer than stock to correct pinion angle, so another 1/8" won't hurt.
 

4runner DOA

Hold my beer
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Anyone know how different these two are? I have a set of metaltech rear upper links, and one of the johnny joints is rusted in the link. I really like them, but metaltech no longer makes them.

I've heard that 4G/FJC links are almost identical, but are like 1/8" longer. Can anyone confirm? I've had my 3rd gen links set about 3/16" longer than stock to correct pinion angle, so another 1/8" won't hurt.

Why can't you just replace the johnny joints?
 
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Why can't you just replace the johnny joints?

I can't get one of them out of the link. I was hanging off a breaker bar trying to get it loose and started tearing the bench vise off the top of my bench. I've burned the paint off with a torch, tried penetrating oil, smacked it with a mini sledge trying to break it loose, no joy.
 

AssBurns

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I can't get one of them out of the link. I was hanging off a breaker bar trying to get it loose and started tearing the bench vise off the top of my bench. I've burned the paint off with a torch, tried penetrating oil, smacked it with a mini sledge trying to break it loose, no joy.
My brother and I broke my dads vice trying to get a tie rod off his track bar back in the day. We learned how valuable anti-seize was that day because not only did he have to buy a new track bar, but we also had to buy a new vice lol. We tried all the things you did too. Idk if he ever got it loose or just tossed it.

Something to consider is you only need one upper link on these rigs. The second upper link actually causes binding.
 
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My brother and I broke my dads vice trying to get a tie rod off his track bar back in the day. We learned how valuable anti-seize was that day because not only did he have to buy a new track bar, but we also had to buy a new vice lol. We tried all the things you did too. Idk if he ever got it loose or just tossed it.

Something to consider is you only need one upper link on these rigs. The second upper link actually causes binding.

Yeah I’ve started coating everything in antiseize since then, especially living in the rust belt (fuck road salt).

Glad I’m not the only one who’s had to deal with this...
 
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Well, just for future reference, these are effectively interchangeable.

Stock (Moog, not OEM) parts:
3rd gen 310mm eye to eye
4th gen 314mm eye to eye

The bushing on a 4th gen is a couple mm wider than a 3rd gen.

Metaltech links are the exact same part. Identical. Metaltech said they don't market them as 3rd gen parts because they don't fit all 3rd gens (?) but they fit my 01 with a 98 rear axle just fine. The bushings and johnny joint are maybe a couple mm too wide, so getting them installed can be a fight, but they'll go.
 
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