1991 FJ80 - Replacement Front Axles

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Modmotor70

Modmotor70

Joined
Oct 25, 2023
Threads
1
Messages
4
Location
Long Island, NY
Hi All,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I got my first 80 last fall, and had clunking/leaking coming from the front birfs. Both knuckles were serviced with a full rebuild kit from Marlin Crawler. New seals, wipers, races, etc. Work was actually performed by Penn Toyota on Long Island. They did a great job (pics attached)

However, I'm still hearing the clunking when turning at full lock in forward and reverse. Seems slightly more pronounced in reverse. I've topped off the grease using the NPT plug at the top of the knuckle which didn't help either.

I've been reading that this could mean the bearings in the birfield joints are shot and may need to be replaced. I've found some axles from Marlin Crawler, but they're $1,000. I've also found some on Parts Geek for $91, but they say they're only for 93+. Those prices are wildly different... o_O

Two questions:
1. Is there an actual difference between '93+ axles other than the ABS tone ring?
2. Where is the best place to source affordable replacement axles? I don't do any real off-roading, so the upgraded Marlin Crawler ones seem overkill for me

RCV 30-spline Axle Set for 80-series Land Cruiser – Marlin Crawler Off-Road

www.marlincrawler.com www.marlincrawler.com

1993-1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Axle Assembly - SurTrack TO-8446 - Front Left - PartsGeek.com

Buy 1993-1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Axle Assembly Front Left SurTrack for a low price of $91.97 at PartsGeek. FLAT RATE SHIPPING on most SurTrack TO-8446 orders.
www.partsgeek.com

IMG_9555.webp


IMG_9556.webp
 
In the spring of 1994 the drive flange was thickened to provide greater spline engagement thus the outer/stub shaft of the birfield bell was a bit longer. You need the shorter version unless you choose to source the 94+ flanges and then run the 94+ shafts.

It would help you to only buy Cruiser parts from places that specialize in Land Cruisers (not Cruiserparts.net in NH). These vendors know what you need and will reduce your guess work to zero.

Usually, worn out CV joints make a clicking noise rather than a clunking noise. I’d hope that the shop who did the knuckle service for you could identify CV’s and/or inner spindle bushings that are so worn that they would allow enough unwanted movement as to make a clunk sound.

Do you have a Factory Service Manual? Are you willing and able to do this work yourself? If not then you really need to find a Land Cruiser shop to do the work so it’s done correctly and the first time.
 
baldilocks said:
In the spring of 1994 the drive flange was thickened to provide greater spline engagement thus the outer/stub shaft of the birfield bell was a bit longer. You need the shorter version unless you choose to source the 94+ flanges and then run the 94+ shafts. - Ah that makes sense.

It would help you to only buy Cruiser parts from places that specialize in Land Cruisers (not Cruiserparts.net in NH). These vendors know what you need and will reduce your guess work to zero. - What vendor do you recommend?

Usually, worn out CV joints make a clicking noise rather than a clunking noise. I’d hope that the shop who did the knuckle service for you could identify CV’s and/or inner spindle bushings that are so worn that they would allow enough unwanted movement as to make a clunk sound. - It is more of a clicking sound. I’ll try to get a video of it tomorrow if it helps people diagnose it better.

Do you have a Factory Service Manual? Are you willing and able to do this work yourself? If not then you really need to find a Land Cruiser shop to do the work so it’s done correctly and the first time. - I don’t have an FSM, but don’t mind doing it myself. However time is an issue, so I had Penn Toyota on Long Island handle it. They still work on Land Cruisers, came highly recommended, and did a fantastic job on the knuckles. If you have a shop in NY you recommend I’m all ears, but there was almost no shop on Long Island willing to touch a 30+ yr old truck.
Click to expand...

Still looking for an answer to this though :)
Where is the best place to source affordable FJ80 replacement axles?
 
Outsane said:
cruiserteq.com

Cruiser Teq | Powered by Cruiser Outfitters

Cruiser Teq is powered by Cruiser Outfitters. Get high quality OEM and aftermarket Land Cruiser parts direct to your door, fast!
cruiserteq.com cruiserteq.com

ValleyHybrids – Built to get you Home

valleyhybrids.com

Are great resources to get the right parts from.
Click to expand...
This is great! Cruiser Teq looks like they have what I need.

Also for anyone curious, this is what it’s doing during sharper sow turns. More prominent on the driver side:

 
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