6-Shooter-Any Problems?

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Cruiserdrew

Cruiserdrew

On the way there
Joined
Mar 15, 2003
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Location
Sacramento, CA
Plotting my next build. Having 6 steering studs is just too tempting to not do. Any problems at all with the 6 shooter knuckles from Trail Gear? Like anything you didn't like, wasn't right etc. Any problems setting them up? Anything out of spec.

I am aware you need to grind a bit off one of the ears to fit the caliper bolt.

I know some don't like the parent company. I don't want to debate that, I just want the best knuckle to use in my truck. Many thanks for any replies. The plan is the 6 shooter knuckles, 4x4 Labs High steer arms, Longfields etc. I want a front end I don't need to worry about.
 
Andrew,

how about the 5th stud fix from Longfield? Add that to your 4x4 labs arms

(biting tongue) ;)
 
i heard a couple rumors about the qaulity behind the 6-stud knuckles... i know nothing for sure so i can't go ahead and contribute a lie when i don't know the whole truth behind...


but do some digging ...
 
yzftaco said:
Andrew,

how about the 5th stud fix from Longfield? Add that to your 4x4 labs arms

(biting tongue) ;)
Click to expand...

Actually, I just got an email from Luke Porter. he has a new set up to add 2 studs to an existing Toyota knuckle. Since I have a set of extras, that seems like a no brainer.

I'm going to go up there and check it out in person.

Still, I like the look of the "Marlin designed" trail gear knuckles. It's a clean set up. I just wish Marlin was selling them.
 
have had no problems at all.
didnt have to grind anything, just a simple plug and play and they go beautifully with the 4x4labs stuff
been running ram assist with them and so far so good
 
Azrocks said:
Why not use the Trail Gear knuckles and high steer setup?
Click to expand...


Trail gears High steer is more set up for the Mini's than the FJ40's. I agree that 4x4 labs stuff rocks.

Andrew- I am putting the knuckles on a MINI project I am doing (not giving up on the 40 just building something for some of the harder trails out there) but haven't had a chance to abuse them yet, still a month or so away from finishing (at least). They definitely appear to be thicker over all though. I have know Idea on the Metallurgy of the knuckles. Trail Gear had some video posted up on their web site of some break test but I am not sure if it is still their. The problem with their break test, as I recall, is it did not recreate the action that your knuckle will be put through on the trail. However that would be hard to recreate. How could you set up a knuckle in a lab with the same forces that will be applied when: your front locker is engaged, your wheels are turned, you're wedged against a rock and you are rocking back and forth and trying to turn the steering wheel at the same time. Sounds like a good study for an engineering student at Cal Poly.

If you want to see the knuckles in person my truck is at Dave'z Off road in Diamond Springs. Dave has installed a few pairs but I am not sure if has had much feed back yet. I am going to carry the original mini knuckles in the 40 as spares.

Looking forward to Rubithon.
Dave Thomas
 
Last edited:
What makes them better for mini trucks vs. landcruiser applications?
 
Just installed one on the driver's side of my 40 last night (waited till the studs on the old one sheared). I had to reshim twice as I'd forgotten my starting point, but was a cinch. Installing the brakes tonight - will post back if there's grinding - but there damn well better now be. I did the passenger side last year, no grinding and nary a problem yet. I also waited for Luke to fab up a set of 6 bolt stuff - CamCruiser nailed the summary on that - only thing is I would ask Luke to drill and tap a bolt hole like the TG krap has so as to aid in removal. May not be an issue as with all new hardware it was easy to install and remove while reshimming last night - still, looks like a good idea.

I'd be interested to see the other 6 bolt option.

I'm pretty happy with the six shooters, Luke's high steer and 30 spline longs - it's a damn stout axle for the weight. Maybe a Dana60 in a few years.
 
Jetboy said:
What makes them better for mini trucks vs. landcruiser applications?
Click to expand...

Mini truck steering Geometry and Land Cruiser Steering Geometry are different. Also the arms are different lengths.

All Pro has separate arms for FJ40's than minis as well as Marlin. just my recollections though. Best to check with a vendor rather than really on everything you read on the internet.
Dave
 
Thanks for the comments. I am very tempted. It looks clean, and if there are no fitment issues, then it's a good product. I know nothing else about Trail Gear, but I do know Marlin and really wish HE was the one selling the goods.

Probably make a run to Luke's this week. It's best to see this stuff in person. His solution adds 2 studs and you have to weld to the cast steel of the existing knuckle. Like I said, I have an extra, so I don't see a downside.

No matter what, though, I am using 4x4 Labs high steer arms. I love the ones on my 40 and they are even custom bent to my exact specs. No one else can do that. They are simply the best available.
 
Any updates?????
 
This might be a crazy question, but is there anything that would stop you from running two sets of calipers on the front? It looks like the 6shooters are set up for either side, so in theory you could just plumb a T into the brake line or plumb one bleeder valve into the other caliper. You'd have a huge brake area. I don't see why you'd need it my stock front disks brake 38's just fine, but just wandering if it's possible. I had also kicked around the idea of flat towing my 40 and thought it might be kinda kewl to have trailer brakes, which could be done with a elec/hydro controller and a second set of calipers up front.
 
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