25's arent meant to be driven!!!!

[foxfab]

I took her out on the maiden voyage today. This was after checking all fluids and topping things off last night, replacing the tie rod ends that were worn and triple checking the rear driveshaft bolts (so I dont break another e-brake drum). I even installed the TNK's but ran out of time to wire them. But I brought my electrical tool box in case I needed them.

The ride to work was fine, peaceful, how it should be. Nice cool sunny day. I left the doors at home.

At 3pm, the clouds rolled in....

At 4:30 pm the rain started...

At 5:15 pm the TNK's were wired and working so I started home soon after....

At 5:25pm the generator started squealing...

At 5:26, I oiled it AGAIN...

At 5:45, it gave up with a nice electrical smell to boot. ( I had had this rebuilt prior to it going off for the soft top)

At 5:50pm, the front end started violently shaking.....

At 5:51pm, I discovered that the passenger side axle seal must have given up the ghost on the way to work and all of the gear oil leaked out...

At 5:52, I throw my hands up in the air. Im only 5 miles from home so I decide to push on.

At 5:53 both wheel bearings start to sound like a train rumbling down the tracks. Going over 20 mph isnt feasible.

I hop on back roads and limped her home...

25's arent meant to be driven....

 

[wesintl]

LOL.

 

[Lucy_FJ55]

That sucks...

...where are the pics?

 

[67azcruizr]

Is it that they weren't meant to be driven, or that they just demand our attention all the time?

I wouldn't give up any of my cruisers but there is something to be said about a newer/under warranty mode of transportation.

Better luck next time

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

Dude...that's rough

Let's try and find a bright side...how did the top hold up in the rain?

 

[foxfab]

I didnt get nearly as wet as I would have without it. If I had doors on it and a new windshield gasket/windshield vent gasket installed, I bet no water would have gotten into the cab. having wipers that actually worked (had one vacuume manually operted before) was a big plus also.

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

See, your already talking about what you'll need, so this is just a bump in the road, with a little more she'll be good as new...wonder if you can go out and buy an extended warranty from Toyota for her

I have to hand it to you Mike...I don't think I would have taken the time to keep track of the time while all of this was happening...at least you got her home!

 

[JohnnyC]

keep focused and get working on it mike....

you know i say they dont like to sit and do nothing for very long...maybe the rig was mad at you for leaving it at a rover shop for what 4 months? or was it longer?

 

[Living in the Past]

The problem here Mike seems real simple MAIDEN VOYAGE = PAVEMENT. Didn't you also break a axle in a parking lot. I've towed my 25s up to the cabin then used them on forest service roads. Very few problems. Acording to our local head ranger for the Coconino National Forest there are 5500 miles of marked forest roads with another 1500 miles of unmarked roads. Point is old cruisers were not designed for pavement but dirt rocks mud you name it just not pavement. I know that the 34 years I've had my 68 I've had way more problems driving on the pavement then the dirt. My 2000 seems to be happy with both pavement and the dirt but not these old ones.

John

 

[foxfab]

the plan is to move to RI, then once the truck is there, I'll send out the generator again and might pull both axles out and go through them entirely. I was also thinking of possibly sticking mini truck axles under it to save wear and tear on the 25 axles since I really do plan on driving my 25 more than most do... thoughts?

 

[Cruiser_Nerd]

Mike, this wouldn't have anything to do with sitting for an extended period of time, would it?

Thoughts on mini axles..
Sure it would work, but there are plenty of 25 spares available.
The front would require widening the spring perches, or notching the pumpkin, or something like that.
Other than the ring and pinion all the wearing parts are available for a 25?
It would be much better with a five speed synchro box too............

Now I don't feel too bad about my mad dash to DMV about the same time. As I was driving into the storm with no tools, about 5 minutes total drive time over 35mph, no fire extuinguisher, no doors......................but at least I had wipers.

Got to explain the significance of the L in the VIN number and why I don't really care if it's not on my tag but on my title............Got my permanent plates and went back to work!

 

[JohnnyC]

Mike, this wouldn't have anything to do with sitting for an extended period of time, would it?

ahhhh haaaa i'm not the only one who thinks that

 

[JohnnyC]

couldnt you just put locking hubs on the front? then you will not be engaged all the time ?

i would think this would be an easyer thing to do...get the early lift tab type right..they would work?

 

[Living in the Past]

I not sure but I thought Mike has lock out hubs. That wouldn't help the wheel bearings that went bad they are still used and needed. Or are you talking about something else and I'm just off my rocker, won't be the first time.

John

 

[JohnnyC]

I not sure but I thought Mike has lock out hubs. That wouldn't help the wheel bearings that went bad they are still used and needed. Or are you talking about something else and I'm just off my rocker, won't be the first time.

John

i was thinking the gear oil that leaked out wouldnt have done it if it wasnt engaged all the time...oil gets to the bearings washing the grease away/thining it out and wasting the bearing...it could be getting late...i know i'm off my rocker...this could be just another...noooo johnny it cant happen moments also

 

[Cruiser_Nerd]

I assumed rear wheel bearings...............why, I don't know.

 

[IDave]

Sorry I'm late to the discussion, and I don't recall if you've said elsewhere, but, what axle seals? You'll have bronze bushings if it's original.

 

[Living in the Past]

Just found a picture of Mike's 25 I was wrong no lockout hubs. Bronze bushing would be correct. But I think it's the front unless Mike thinks both side of his rear end bearings are toaste.



At 5:50pm, the front end started violently shaking.....

At 5:51pm, I discovered that the passenger side axle seal must have given up the ghost on the way to work and all of the gear oil leaked out...

At 5:52, I throw my hands up in the air. Im only 5 miles from home so I decide to push on.

At 5:53 both wheel bearings start to sound like a train rumbling down the tracks. Going over 20 mph isnt feasible.



Then again maybe the problem was he filled the front hubs with oil instead of grease




























Just kidding Mike

 

[foxfab]

nope, front axle. The rear has its own issues. I pulled on the pinion yoke and it moves in and out almost 1/2"...

 

[Cruiser_Nerd]

nope, front axle. The rear has its own issues. I pulled on the pinion yoke and it moves in and out almost 1/2"...

Cool. Ever think about minitruck axles?