'66 vs '68 front axle compatibility for brake conversion

[Oregon FJ40]

Can someone tell me the differences between the front axles in the '66 and the 68'? Want to do a disc conversion and like the kits from manafrelv. They have a kit for rear axles that fits a '60-'80, but the front kits are only for '68+. Can someone tell me if there is a workaround for this?

Wilwood Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit for 1968-1970 Toyota Land Cruisers - Landcruiser Parts

Wilwood Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit for 1968-1970 Toyota Land Cruisers. We recommend upgrading your Brake Booster and Master Cylinder Combination.

manafrelv.com

 

[allworknoplay]

The 66 and older (I believe) have a "ball and claw" type of end that is significantly more involved to convert to a disc brake.

 

[allworknoplay]

Someone much smarter than me will chime in about your options. But I recommend sourcing a 68+ axle to convert. Shouldn't be very expensive as long as you don't have to ship it. I'm not sure if you can just swap out the inner axles or not, but I bet if you do some searching you'll be overwhelmed with the results.

 

[pjohnson]

I really recommend researching other options than a non-OEM kit, from any vendor. I think you'll find the best options involve sourcing OEM parts from later years or mini truck axles, which are available from vendors here on Mud.

Ask yourself, how important is the safety of myself and my passengers?

Edit - I was specifically referring to any non-OEM solution.

 

[Oregon FJ40]

Thank you both for the info. I have a ton of tabs open in my browser about later year axles and the mini truck parts, but this is the first time I have seen the ball and claw information.

 

[65swb45]

I really recommend researching other options than a kit, from any vendor. I think you'll find the best options involve sourcing OEM parts from later years or mini truck axles.

Ask yourself, how important is the safety of myself and my passengers?

Phil, several vendors offer OEM knuckle-out changeover kits.

 

[pjohnson]

Phil, several vendors offer OEM knuckle-out changeover kits.

Thanks for correcting me Mark. I edited my post to reflect my reference was to non-OEM kits.

 

[Oregon FJ40]

I learned a buddy has a couple sets of front and rear axles from a ‘76 so I’ll probably purchase a set of those from him. Anyone know if I can just swap them with the existing hardware or would I need to get new stuff?

 

[navydivedoc]

Brake line caliber is different. 50+ years is a long time on steel brake lines, may want to consider replacing them all anyway. You'll need a different master cylinder as well.

 

[Oregon FJ40]

Brake line caliber is different. 50+ years is a long time on steel brake lines, may want to consider replacing them all anyway. You'll need a different master cylinder as well.

I was thinking I would go ahead and replace the lines while I had everything out. Do you know if I’ll need any different hardware to put the newer axles on or just unbolting the old ones and bolt the “new” ones in?

 

[pjohnson]

Replace the u-bolts, nuts and center pins. The driveshaft flange will likely be a different pattern, but I think you can just swap the old flange. I don't know if the drag link to pitman is different, but I would probably replace the steering joints anyway.

 

[mrboatman]

Get in touch with @Rainman for your brake lines.
JP

 

[Rainman]

I've already got a build card made out for him. Thanks @mrboatman .

 

[LCNuts]

My 66 has a front axel swap like you are talking about. It was done by the PO. I believe he told me he put a Geo Metro master cylinder on it. I'm not sure but I know it's not OEM. The front drive shaft flanges did no match but it was easy to swap with the flange from the original front axel. It's just a cotter pin the castle nut. It's good time to change your input seal while you are there.