Birf Question

[srgould41]

I picked up a LC front axle out of a '75 that had a pick up knuckle disc brake mod. The axle housing in my '71 is in better shape so I am swapping the knuckle and birfs over.

While disassembling the knuckles I found the long side birf to be very stiff. This morning I tore it down and cleaned it up. Not having taken one apart before I am not sure what I should expect. I didn't note any significant wear (except for the birf flats where someone ground on them), but the ball bearing retaining frame has me wondering. I didn't have time this morning to shoot pics so you will have to imagine what I am describing.

Anyway, I struggled to turn the inner assy enough to extract the ball bearings, it took some effort. Once cleaned up I put the inner race back inside the cage and then attempted to set a ball in. The ball bearings are larger than the slots in the frame. That just doesn't seem right to me. There is no way they would recess enough to be free to roll in the slots. This makes me think I have mismatched parts, like some of it is pickup truck and some Land Cruiser.

So, question, where the ball bearings and races, etc., different sizes based on year, model (truck vs. LC), etc?

Steve

 

[Poser]

I didn't note any significant wear (except for the birf flats where someone ground on them)...

Stop right there. It is garbage and you need to get a new one.

You grind on the axle housing, NOT the birf. The PO did not know what they were doing. You are likely in for a few more surprises with this.

 

[srgould41]

I was kind of thinking along the same lines. I need to check the other birf to see if the f'd it up too. I was thinking I might be able to keep this one as an emergency trail spare...

Thanks for the reply Steve

Stop right there. It is garbage and you need to get a new one.

You grind on the axle housing, NOT the birf. The PO did not know what they were doing. You are likely in for a few more surprises with this.