What is this strange bushing between the lower ball joint and lower control arm?

I’m replacing the ball joints, and this thing was sitting between the lower ball joint and the lower control arm.

It doesn’t show up in any diagram nor is it in any of Timmy the Toolman’s videos. Should I bother replacing it or should I just leave it out?

 

I think that goes around the ball joint and holds it in place. Check the other side to see how it fits together. Unless the new ball joint came with one don't leave it out it's there for a reason.

 

I don’t see why the ball joint would need this hold it in place. You already have a castle nut and four bolts.

 

I should also note that the bushing is basically torn at the wings where the bolts attach. It’s also extremely soft. I could hardly call it a bushing. My best guess is that it’s a dust shield.

 

Is that the remnants of the boot?

Some LBJs had a boot.

 

It was completely separate from the boot.

 

Well hope you skipped it

LBJ is like a 10-15 min job, all buttoned up I take it

 

Yeah I skipped it. It was halfway rotted and served no purpose really

 

You went OEM right?

 

It is a ball joint Protector , Dust cover came on later 01-02 3rd gen 4runners. https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem...~lower~ball~joint~dust~cover~43346-60011.html

It also uses longer Bolts for the ball joint so if you did not buy new bolts that are shorter you may have clearance issues and Or if you bought new bolts and used your VIN number you may have clearance issues.

 

>You went OEM right?

Yessir. OEM Always.

>It is a ball joint Protector

Yeah that's the exact part. I just put it back together yesterday morning. You think I should buy these and put it back on?