Been reading for hours about knuckle jobs...

[HntWhtTail]

I crawled und the cruiser today, to look around.. Guess what I found alot of stuff wrong, Maybe not wrong but definatly in need of some attention, my bell cranks are rusted, and there is enough grease around the knuckle to do 3 rigs. I am guessing that there is not suposed to be grease and dirt packed around the knukle..Newbie to straight axles and knukles...So maybe it is suposed to look like it does. The good news no rust on frame. So what kind of hell and how much money to rebuid knuckles what all should I do when I do It. Other than these minor things, replaced old vacum lines with new still had two I didn't know where they went until about an hour ago overall this summers project is well under way.
$400 for 85 fj60
$150 for oil, filter, plugs, vac line, belts, air filter, misc screw and bolts (repair seat and console)
$60 gas to drive around
$40 turn signal lens(don't have yet)
For the future..
32x11.5s
ome adda leafs (the Long ONes)
rearch springs.
fix body rust
window regulator
rear gate lock?(why wont it lock)?
needs new stereo, and speakers
oh yeah should clean it out inside
will post picture

 

[notatreehugger]

knuckle kit $70-80, comes with everything but your wheel bearings. Add those for $100-150, depending on your tastes(Mine are Napa $100, I'm cheap as hell). Parts washer is optional, but helpful. Read the walk through on the tech page, don't buy the drift pin set if you have a brass hammer, but do get the wheel bearing nut socket.

If your around SO Illinois I can give you a hand.

 

[hightide]

If you whant timken wheel bearing get them at Auto Zone. They have best prices around.

 

[lovetoski]

Lots of older cruisers have never had the front axle rebuilt, so it's not a bad idea to do it. However, just because there is grease on the outside doesn't mean the inside is trashed.

Check the condition of the diff oil - if it's clear and not contaminated with grease, that's a good sign. Also check the condition of the grease in the knuckle. Just use a long zip tie inserted through the square knuckle plug on the top. Also check the bearings to see if there's any play/loosness. Best is to check both wheel bearings and knuckle bearings, with the axle on a stand and the wheel off.

You have a good list of stuff to do, so it's good to have a sense as to which need to be done first...

 

[land crusher]

I've said it before and I'll say it again (because it seems a lot of folks aren't aware of it): Kurt's got the best deal. Complete knuckle/axle rebuild kit (all knuckle, hub, axle seals, knuckle bearings, wipers, etc. (both sides)) with timken wheel bearings $145, or koyo wheel bearings $155. Super fast delivery and great service.