Cruiser specialist Texas FJ80 1992 (1 Viewer)

[Austin6902]

Any one have any recommended cruiser specialist in Texas i need to get a tune up and a knuckle rebuild. I have called a shop in Austin and they priced me at 1300 for a knuckle rebuild with installation then i called 4 wheel parts in San Antonio and they priced me with the kit and installation for 600 the guy i talked to at 4 wheels parts said he has owned several land cruisers and knows his way around them. These two prices had a major difference so i had concerns. do these prices sound right and does anyone have any other recommended shops i should call ? Or would i be better off doing it myself and if i were to do that does anyone have any recommended Tutorials, videos or places to figure out how to do this ?

Thank you

 

[nukegoat]

It is one of those things where a bit of experience will go a long way. I wouldnt hesitate to work with the 4wp guy if he says he knows his way around cruisers.

Everyone will say you should DIY and really only you can answer that. Read the FAQ here to get an idea of whats involved.

 

[BILT4ME]

Depends on the list of parts and what is actually included too.

What does the $1300 include? (Detailed list)
What does the $600 include (Detailed list)

If one includes axle or Birfields, then determine what you really need.

Of course, the guy at 4WP know LC's and works on them all time. Just like they all work on 1970 GMC K20's, 1984 Ford F250's, and Jeeps. There is nothing they can't do............right. Maybe they will, maybe they won't. I'm just saying that I've heard that line from EVERY shop I've EVER taken anything to.........

And that includes working on Studebaker stuff.....then I KNOW they're lying.

 

[Austin6902]

Depends on the list of parts and what is actually included too.

What does the $1300 include? (Detailed list)
What does the $600 include (Detailed list)

If one includes axle or Birfields, then determine what you really need.

Of course, the guy at 4WP know LC's and works on them all time. Just like they all work on 1970 GMC K20's, 1984 Ford F250's, and Jeeps. There is nothing they can't do............right. Maybe they will, maybe they won't. I'm just saying that I've heard that line from EVERY shop I've EVER taken anything to.........

And that includes working on Studebaker stuff.....then I KNOW they're lying.

( Austin specialist 1300 ) included the kit he priced me at 200 for the kit and 880 to get it installed ( 8Hrs to install )
( 4wp 600 ) was 75 for the kit and was 525 to get it installed ( was never told on a time )

This was all the info i got for the two shops

i did my research cruiser corps kit was 120 for the kit and spector offroad was 105 for the kit

The previous owner has been very helpful with the cruiser and recommended these two shops

 

[BILT4ME]

( Austin specialist 1300 ) included the kit he priced me at 200 for the kit and 880 to get it installed ( 8Hrs to install )
( 4wp 600 ) was 75 for the kit and was 525 to get it installed ( was never told on a time )

This was all the info i got for the two shops

i did my research cruiser corps kit was 120 for the kit and spector offroad was 105 for the kit

The previous owner has been very helpful with the cruiser and recommended these two shops

The first thing is there MAY be a difference in parts brand being supplied.

Koyo / Toyota VS Timken / National for bearings and seals.

Also depends on if they know the correct lubricants to use. The birfields take a different lube than the wheel bearings.

You can also order the parts from Cruiser Outfitters (@cruiseroutfit )to compare.

If you have time, do it yourself! It's not "hard", just messy. Takes about 12 hours the very first time by yourself and half of that is cleaning parts.

 

[Austin6902]

The first thing is there MAY be a difference in parts brand being supplied.

Koyo / Toyota VS Timken / National for bearings and seals.

Also depends on if they know the correct lubricants to use. The birfields take a different lube than the wheel bearings.

You can also order the parts from Cruiser Outfitters (@cruiseroutfit )to compare.

If you have time, do it yourself! It's not "hard", just messy. Takes about 12 hours the very first time by yourself and half of that is cleaning parts.

Alright sweet is there any forums on here or videos you recommended this is my first vehicle i am very stoked and happy with it i am just worried about my inexperienced self to work on this vehicle and possibly have to put more money into it then i would have if i got it done by someone for the first time if that makes any sense i plan on keeping this cruiser for another 15 20 years possibly even more i have major plans for it and i am super excited to get it where i want it and thank you for the help.

 

[BILT4ME]

Alright sweet is there any forums on here or videos you recommended this is my first vehicle i am very stoked and happy with it i am just worried about my inexperienced self to work on this vehicle and possibly have to put more money into it then i would have if i got it done by someone for the first time if that makes any sense i plan on keeping this cruiser for another 15 20 years possibly even more i have major plans for it and i am super excited to get it where i want it and thank you for the help.

Yes, there are MANY videos on the front axle rebuild.

Search is your friend here. Do it often and we won't bag on you......as bad......

Seriously, check it out and let us know if you cannot find something.

In the front of this section is one called FAQ and has a link to all the good stuff you need to know.

Also, go find an FSM (Factory Service Manual) (you can get them downloaded for free somewhere here....)
and start reading.

Buy a few tools, Harbor freight is OK to start with for most. Just make sure you use jack stands and safety glasses.

Buy the T-Shirt reference from Absolute Wits End (@NLXTACY ) will chime in here and then you'll have his link.

 

[NLXTACY]

I’d say poster since I haven’t ordered up new shirts yet.

80 Series Front Axle Reference Poster- 18"x27", Version 2

 

[Nostradamus]

Here are two videos I watched before doing the knuckle rebuild. I used Marlin Crawler seals when I did it. Took a weekend to do -went really slowly and took lots of pictures. Most of the time was cleaning nasty grease from everything, and soaking/cleaning/drying all the fasteners. It's not a hard job, but first time thru was slow for me. Kind of a right of passage as an LC owner

 

[Ruggedly]

Yes, there are MANY videos on the front axle rebuild.

Search is your friend here. Do it often and we won't bag on you......as bad......

Seriously, check it out and let us know if you cannot find something.

In the front of this section is one called FAQ and has a link to all the good stuff you need to know.

Also, go find an FSM (Factory Service Manual) (you can get them downloaded for free somewhere here....)
and start reading.

Buy a few tools, Harbor freight is OK to start with for most. Just make sure you use jack stands and safety glasses.

Buy the T-Shirt reference from Absolute Wits End (@NLXTACY ) will chime in here and then you'll have his link.

@BILT4ME - Great advice for any newcomer. Thanks for taking the time to help out.

 

[Austin6902]

Yes, there are MANY videos on the front axle rebuild.

Search is your friend here. Do it often and we won't bag on you......as bad......

Seriously, check it out and let us know if you cannot find something.

In the front of this section is one called FAQ and has a link to all the good stuff you need to know.

Also, go find an FSM (Factory Service Manual) (you can get them downloaded for free somewhere here....)
and start reading.

Buy a few tools, Harbor freight is OK to start with for most. Just make sure you use jack stands and safety glasses.

Buy the T-Shirt reference from Absolute Wits End (@NLXTACY ) will chime in here and then you'll have his link.

I’d say poster since I haven’t ordered up new shirts yet.

80 Series Front Axle Reference Poster- 18"x27", Version 2

Here are two videos I watched before doing the knuckle rebuild. I used Marlin Crawler seals when I did it. Took a weekend to do -went really slowly and took lots of pictures. Most of the time was cleaning nasty grease from everything, and soaking/cleaning/drying all the fasteners. It's not a hard job, but first time thru was slow for me. Kind of a right of passage as an LC owner

Thank yall for all the help.

 

[96FZJ80]

For a shop, if Houston is an option for you, I highly recommend Duggy's Garage. Excellent work, excellent communication and customer service. And a LC specialist and owner.