I have a 2001 tacoma with the add front end. It was stolen not too long ago and the kid who stole it brought it through the woods and beat the hell out of it and the front shock was stripped at the top. I didnt have the money to fix it and now it wiggles around alot and makes noise. This hasnt been too big of an issue, but lately the lower ball joint has been falling out. It normaly only happens on the trail, but it will snap the 4 bolts that bolt the ball joint to the spindle. It has happened about 8 times now and I just keep replacing the bolts, I was just wondering it this shock thing could be causing this problem or if it is something else. If anyone else has had this problem let me know. I am now trying to sell this truck, but I cant let it go with the ball joint falling out. Any help would be a big help. Thanks alot guys

Check if it qualifies for the ball joint recall.

I went to the toyota dealership and they said that my VIN doesnt match the recall. I got a little angry because this fell out going down the road and it did alot of damage and they werent helping at all, so then one of the service guys I talked to said to call toyota direct and talk to them and see what they can do about it.

The 4 nuts + bolts that hold the balljoint in place, is not what the recall is about.The recall is about the ball + socket being damaged when assembled during the manufacturing process,before it was installed in the truck.You broke the bolts how many times?Did tou use grade 8 nuts + bolts?The damaged shock can cause alot of extra stress on frontend components.That should be fixed.