FJ40 / FJ55 Rear Axle Questions (DB conversion / Axle Rebuild)

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I posted this in my build thread but decided to pull it out into it's own post because I was not getting responses. Any help is appreciated. I think FJ40 and FJ55 axles are basically the same and use all the same parts??

Noah

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So I will post up some pics and try to be as clear as mud with my questions,

REAR DISC CONVERSION
I am going with the usual GM rear disc setup and think I have all the facts after doing some searching but a few q's come to mind:

?? - I am going with an H55 tranny / TC combo in the FJ55 because of the 5 speed. Does the TC on this combo have the same rear emergency brake as the fj40? I believe I read that it does not and uses the common linkage to the caliper for an emergency brake. When going with GM rear discs I could not find a solution to implement an e brake?

I have heard others mention a "line lock". I believe I understand what a line lock is that it basically uses the standard braking system to lock the brakes on, correct? where does one get one of these and are they all electric or are there hydraulic ones as well? Are they safe to use as an ebrake? I think I would feel better using a hydraulic one rather than an electric one, just seems more reliable to me.

I also saw that JTO or another supplier ? has rear calipers with the e brake mechanism on them BUT they are very expensive and I just don't have the budget now, so I am looking for a solution that is reasonably priced. I saw a post that POSER put rear calipers with the ebrake mechanism on but could not figure out the linkage to get it to work right?

What are my options and what do you reccomend for a solution?

?? - Am wondering if anyone sells just the milled rotors for the GM rear disc conversion? I already have the brackets from the previous owner and could get them milled at a machine shop but for a few extra $ I would not mind just ordering a set that are pre-milled.

REAR AXLE QUESTIONS

?? - I have inspected the differential and attached a pic of my pinion gear where you can see if you look closely the chip in one of the gears? Is this a fatal problem or can I just run this as is? If it is not a big deal I will just run it but wanted to get some opinions as to issues I may run into because of this small chip in the gear tooth. The rest of the gears look fine. I have attached a pic of the splines on the axles as well as the ring gear, what does everyone think of the shape of these? What should you look for when inspecting gears on a rear differential?

?? - I also inspected the pinion bearing and don't see anything obvious. I have no idea how long it has been in the diff as I bought the project as is. Is it reccomended that I replace this and the rear pinion seal or should I leave it alone? The rear pinion was not leaking at all from what I could tell. I suppose if I have to replace the pinion gear this is a mute question. Any opinions appreciated?

?? - When I pulled the rear axles and c clips the spider gears fell out, 4 of them. I see how they fit back in but was wondering if there is any specific way that they need to be placed back in? or can you just place them back in as best as possible and align them with the axles when you slip them in?

?? - What is the best way to install new rear axle bearings? I was thinking of freezing them and then installing them in the rear axle to help them shrink a bit. I have a seal/bearing driver kit. If I do put them in the freezer should they be packed with grease before hand? this way they can go in right away while still cool. I am sure my wife won't mind some axle grease on the frozen lunch meat,

Sorry for the long post, any help is appreciated!!

Noah
 
2 more pics....
fj55 frame and rear axle001.webp
 
s*** Noah....there are at least three threads in this post alone, and I am not even done reading the first part...



H55 tranny/tcase....

You can get the conversion to install a different mainshaft and rear bearing retainer on the split case so that a 40 series one-piece parking brake can be used on it. I have a H55/splitcase with the parking brake conversion on it that was ordered as an assembly from MAF, that will be installed in a 1979-40 series here shortly.


You can make the caliper mounted parking brake work, you will just need more leverage and cable travel than what is provided with either the dash mounted lever or the floor mounted lever....meaning you will need to either install a different parking brake lever assembly, or make some bellcrank assembly to give your stock lever the travel/advantage that is needed to properly set the parking brake on the rear calipers.



Rear gear set....


I would find a replacement gear set....it is only a matter of time until that tooth creates a bit more drama...gear sets are cheap compared to the alternatives.


Spiders go back in any order, just remember the thrust washers. :)



Rear axle wheel bearings...


I have not ever 'frozen' a rear axle bearing, I have just driven them home....a slide hammer and modified bearing puller attachment has worked well for removal, as has a long piece of 1" tubing, provided the center section is out. I do not 'pack them' with grease, but I install the seal after the bearing is seated, and put gear oil on the bearing so that it is not dry...



Good luck!


-Steve
 
Last edited:
Thanks Steve

- your solution for the parking brake is perfect! Is man a fre the only vendor for this or is it AA or ? whom sells the actual conversion pieces for install into the split transfer case?

- only the gear set, thanks for the advice, I will plan on replacing, is it best to replace both the ring and pinion together or can I only change the pinion gear? The ring gear looks in good shape. Is a used gear set a bad idea or should only new pieces be put in?

- any ideas on where to get a premilled set of rotors for a rear disc brake conversion?

ok, I will shut up now, :)

Noah
 
1973Guppie said:
Thanks Steve

- your solution for the parking brake is perfect! Is man a fre the only vendor for this or is it AA or ? whom sells the actual conversion pieces for install into the split transfer case?

- only the gear set, thanks for the advice, I will plan on replacing, is it best to replace both the ring and pinion together or can I only change the pinion gear? The ring gear looks in good shape. Is a used gear set a bad idea or should only new pieces be put in?

- any ideas on where to get a premilled set of rotors for a rear disc brake conversion?

ok, I will shut up now, :)

Noah




MAF and SOR sell that conversion 'kit' for installing a parking brake on a split case....


Ring and Pinion gears are 'matched sets' and are not 'mix and match'....a good used complete third member can be found for not a pile of cash...I would go that route.



-Steve
 
ok, will look for a used complete 3rd member, what year 3rd members from fj40/55's do I want to look at? are the fj40 and fj55 3rd members the same? Is the 3rd member from a 1970 a 4.11? I am wondering as I have a 73 fj40 that is more of a trail truck and am thinking I can use the gears from the existing 3rd member as spares as the gearing in the fj40 is stock 4.11's. The pinion is chipped but would work as a spare to get me off the trail if need be.

thanks,

Noah
 
55 gear sets should be 4:11, same as a 40 easily verified by looking at the 37/9 scribed into the side of the ring gear. The 55's that I have worked on have all been 4:11 ring and pinion...


:beer:
 
1973Guppie said:
- any ideas on where to get a premilled set of rotors for a rear disc brake conversion?

Noah

I got my rotors pre machined from Sky Manufacturing IIRC.... (I'm pretty certain it was them). They had the best price for rotors a few years ago.
PMK
 
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