Classic Birf question (1 Viewer)

[SR.GRINGO]

I got my cruiser in Dec and have slowly been updating the maintenance--Got all the new stuff from Dan to rebuild both axles. My question is I know I need to repack my birfs with new seals/bearings and such but I want to wheel it on a two day trip next weekend. My parts are in AZ becuase I can only bring a few things over the border at a time. Would you worry about breaking anything? It has about 135k and the PO was good about the general maintenance--wheel bearings were just repacked etc.... Pretty sure it never had a birf job though.......

 

[stayalert]

contemporary answer - if you know you need to do the birfs because of mileage and not noise or other symptoms, I wouldn't worry about it. EVen if noise was you're clue to do the birfs I wonder if I would still be concerned. For me? prolly not enough to warrent changing plans.
Just an opnion and certainly not worth much as I'm no expert
Rob M

 

[concretejungle]

I agree with Rob. Unless the birfs are leaking like crazy and making noises, i wouldn't change my plans. Just remember, these trucks are around the globe being abused by others who don't even take 1/4 the care of them that we do.

 

[semlin]

I agree, but stick to the rear locker if you have lockers and for sure avoid turning with the front wheels locked and stay out of deep puddles...

 

[SR.GRINGO]

I agree, but stick to the rear locker if you have lockers and for sure avoid turning with the front wheels locked and stay out of deep puddles...

uhoh--I have been doing water crossings mid way up my headlights--we traverse many rivers here..... And yes I do have the noise when I turn....... Any thoughts? So as long as I don't turn when I have my front locker engaged I should be fine? May have to sit this trip out......

 

[concretejungle]

I guess it depends on how much risk you can take and how much money you are willing to fork out to Dan if something happens. It's up to you. I personally would go, and worry about it when i got back. But that's just me.

 

[SR.GRINGO]

I guess it depends on how much risk you can take and how much money you are willing to fork out to Dan if something happens. It's up to you. I personally would go, and worry about it when i got back. But that's just me.

What could happen?

 

[concretejungle]

What could happen?

Break a birf. I think that's about it really. So it'll cost you a few hundred bucks for a new birf and the time to replace it.

 

[SR.GRINGO]

I just got done driving the cruiser --it only creaks when you drive over something like a median. Also when turning and going over a bump..... They do have grease on the ball--lots of crusty sludge on the edge..... I suppose a picture might help.

 

[stuck in GA]

Yes I say go ahead and wheel. I had the same problem but with the clicking symptoms and i went wheeling with it. Like everyone else said try and stay away fromt the front locker cause that will put presure on it but i wouldnt worry. They are stronger than people think and I put mine through some real hell during the clicking. So just be careful and have fun wheeling cause next time it might be something more serious from stopping you to go wheeling.

 

[semlin]

do you have a CDL dash switch? If not, that would be worth having before you go. Also ok if someone on your trip owns a 91 or 92 and could lend you their switch if you broke a birf. That way you just drop the drive shaft and can at least get home in 4-hi if birf trouble happens.

 

[SR.GRINGO]

do you have a CDL dash switch? If not, that would be worth having before you go. Also ok if someone on your trip owns a 91 or 92 and could lend you their switch if you broke a birf. That way you just drop the drive shaft and can at least get home in 4-hi if birf trouble happens.

All the guys on the trip would love to have a cruiser--they were not offered here and you can't import them--Most of them have heep rubicons or wranglers. There is a 1st gen and 2nd gen 4Runner...... Anyhow I have the cdl switch--I just popped the covers off where it goes and can't see the plug--guess I'm going to have to pull the dash apart to install it?

 

[semlin]

are you sure you can't see it in there with a flashlight and hook it with something? If not, pulling the dash is not hard. 2 screws in the ashtray and one screw to the left of the heater switch, then the slots along the top should pop out. Keep in mind it's one piece all the way over to the other side of the wheel.

 

[Rookie2]

All the guys on the trip would love to have a cruiser--they were not offered here and you can't import them--Most of them have heep rubicons or wranglers. There is a 1st gen and 2nd gen 4Runner...... Anyhow I have the cdl switch--I just popped the covers off where it goes and can't see the plug--guess I'm going to have to pull the dash apart to install it?

When I did mine, the harness for the switch was hanging around the left side of the factory stereo. You spent more time writing this e-mail than it would have taken to pop the dash cover .


Rookie2