Birfield Snap Ring... Needed or Not?

[FJ40-40]

I rebuilt my front knuckles ('77 front axle) a while back and I am installing fine spline Selectro (yes, I know "ejectro") lockouts. I threaded a bolt into the end of the birf to help hold it out, while I install the snap ring. When I push in on the birf, it stands proud of the inner gear by about 1/16 inch. When I pull out on it, it moves about 3/16 out from there, but not quite far enough to get the snap ring on. They seem to turn fine through the full range of motion. I've read about putting a bolt and washer on it, but I don't think that will do anything, because when I push in, the birf still stands proud of the inner gear. So, do I need the snap ring? Thanks for the help.

 

[inkpot]

Howdy! I would try to eliminate that 2/16 sideplay. You might have to work that birf back and forth a lot to gain enough room to install the snap ring. Or, you could find a bushing that can be cut down to fill the space between the big flat washer, and the drive gear on the selectros. Dremel is your friend! John

 

[FJ40-40]

Thanks for responding inkpot. Are you saying that the amount of play is too much and I need something to hold it in the "out" position?

So I should use the bolt and washer method, with a thin ring pressing on the drive gear? I like that idea, I can probably find something that would work.

 

[inkpot]

Thanks for responding inkpot. Are you saying that the amount of play is too much and I need something to hold it in the "out" position?

So I should use the bolt and washer method, with a thin ring pressing on the drive gear? I like that idea, I can probably find something that would work.

Howdy! Yea, I think you got what I meant. Just something under the washer to keep the birf from moving in and out of the knuckle. It won't really have much load/stress on it so it doesn't need to be bullet proof. John

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

My understanding is that by not retaining the hub-end of the CV (Birfield) joint it moves back and forth damaging the seal between the knuckle and the axle, allowing knuckle grease to mix with differential oil.

Regards,

Alan