Do I need to rebuild my axles?

[hogula]

It seems like half the posts on here are about axle rebuilding so I thought I'd ask the question. My 81 FJ40 has 63000 miles on it and I am sure they have never been rebuilt. Everything works perfectly and the grease on the joints looks fine. Is it something that needs to be done just because the truck is 28 years old?

 

[mikealeus]

I think most do it because the seals are leaking. I did mine because I am doing a restoration and wanted to clean and paint everything although when I took mine apart ALL bearings and seals were fine and mine had 79K on it.

 

[spdwaver]

It seems like half the posts on here are about axle rebuilding so I thought I'd ask the question. My 81 FJ40 has 63000 miles on it and I am sure they have never been rebuilt. Everything works perfectly and the grease on the joints looks fine. Is it something that needs to be done just because the truck is 28 years old?

With the low miles, no noticeable issues and, according to the picture in your avatar, you are not running over-sized tires - I would say that you are safe until you notice any issues.

But, it is entirely up to you. Nice rig.

 

[car-car]

If it aint broke....

If all is good with the seals and grease inside, you should be okay. Make sure none of the wheels bearings are loose (jack up the front, and make sure the wheel can't rock back and forth).

I rebuilt mine because of a loose wheel bearing and all of the seals were shot and was oozing from the back of the knuckles.

 

[matt.mcinnes]

If all is good with the seals and grease inside, you should be okay. Make sure none of the wheels bearings are loose (jack up the front, and make sure the wheel can't rock back and forth).

I rebuilt mine because of a loose wheel bearing and all of the seals were shot and was oozing from the back of the knuckles.

You should rock the wheel top to bottom or between 12 and 6, there should be no play. While jacked up.


Just about to rebuild my rear after my cup of tea, stripped them down last night, also have the fronts to do, ones leaking. But first up the rebuilt diff's going in then the new heavy duty tail shaft.

It's a never ending labour of love.

 

[hogula]

Thanks for the replies. Good advice.

 

[bsmith123]

PICS

Oh now we just want more pics,

nice rig and nice doggies!