FJ40 steering column bearing...

[kurtnkegger]

I'm in the process of doing a Sag steering conversion on the 40, and bought a steering column bearing from TPI, but the holes in the housing have not been modified. Does anyone have the spacing dimensions for the bolts? I've looked but can't find the right measurements, thought I would try you experts than use my tape and mess the whole thing up...

THANKS!!

 

[POTATO LAUNCHER]

Pull your column and match the four holes on the bottom.

 

[kurtnkegger]

thanks, thought I would get the measurements, and have the holes drilled prior to starting the job. don't want to waste half the day running errands, on things that could already be done.

 

[POTATO LAUNCHER]

This might help. I used 5/16 caps with 5/16 flat washers. Dont have an actual measurement though. Used my dads mill to do this.

 

[kurtnkegger]

THANKS!! Hopefully someone will come through with the measurements to oblong the bearing holes. otherwise, I'll be filing away like an SOB. Doing the knuckles right now, and will be moding the steering in a couple of weeks.

 

[Downey]

I can't understand why TPI didn't sell the bearing with the bolt holes already milled for you. Perhaps you didn't know these bearings are available pre-machined??

 

[kurtnkegger]

I agree! I thought this bearing was already altered, but the bearing is stock. It was advertised as the column bearing, and I assumed it was already machined...feel I got kinda burned by them...

 

[D'Animal]

AdvanceAdapters.com | Engine & Transmission Conversion Adapters - Advance Adapters

Here is a picture of one for a 1973 and newer.

Hope it helps you.

 

[kurtnkegger]

I guess I'll have to get a caliper, and measure my bolt spacing on the steering column . I thought there would be someone out there who had just done theirs, or was about to, that could measure the spacing. I'm not planning on getting to it until next week, so have a little time to measure, and get it machined, or file the pi$$ out of it.

 

[kurtnkegger]

OK, got the tape out, and looks like the studs are at 2 3/16 on center. Can anyone confirm this? I plan on contacting TPI as this bearing has holes at 2 1/2 inches. any help from a real life cruiserhead would be appreciated. I'm sure there is someone out there with a milled bearing that can confirm measurements and help out....

 

[POTATO LAUNCHER]

You're correct sir & you answered your first question. 2 3/16" on center will get it done.

 

[kurtnkegger]

Thanks for the confirmation on the spacing!! I will move forward with confidence, and a newly aquired swagger in my step....

 

[kurtnkegger]

A quick update....I contacted TPI about their bearing, and was instructed to "just throw a 1/4" bolt in the holes". Seemed too cheesy to do...after all, the job should be done right. Anyway, I took the bearing to a machinist, and had the holes opened up to accomodate the spacing of the existing fasteners. TPI offers a great price on the bearing, but it definately is not machined to accomodate the vehicle...even if the picture on the website shows it is....

 

[fj40forlife]

I would call kurt. I got the bearing from him less then 20 bucks If I remeber correct.

 

[dgangle]

...A quick update....I contacted TPI about their bearing, and was instructed to "just throw a 1/4" bolt in the holes". Seemed too cheesy to do...after all, the job should be done right. Anyway, I took the bearing to a machinist, and had the holes opened up to accomodate the spacing of the existing fasteners. TPI offers a great price on the bearing, but it definately is not machined to accomodate the vehicle...even if the picture on the website shows it is....

TPI's bearing is $35, other sources are double that. Would that not raise a flag as to some type of differences? Machining/time costs money. Either will work, you just didn't get an answer you liked.

 

[MTDewX8]

I am needed to do the same thing cause the 40 I just bought dont seem to have one.
can you bring that bearing down from the top with the column taken apart? i only ask cause the shaft that comes through the fire wall is welded to the knuckle that connecst to the longer rod that goes to the pump.

Have dove into this just yet for I am reading LOTS. but will start taking the column apart soon to really see what is missing.

 

[kurtnkegger]

I am needed to do the same thing cause the 40 I just bought dont seem to have one.
can you bring that bearing down from the top with the column taken apart? i only ask cause the shaft that comes through the fire wall is welded to the knuckle that connecst to the longer rod that goes the pump.

Have dove into this just yet for I am reading LOTS. but will start taking the column apart soon to really see what is missing.

No, if I understand your question correctly, the steering column shaft is a metric size, and has to be filed down, or resized to accomodate the 3/4 inch bore of this bearing. it wouldn't work to try to slide the bearing all the way down the steering column shaft to fit this bearing. I think you would need to cut your weld, and modify fro the bottom...

 

[MTDewX8]

that is what I was afraid of. partly cause I have limited tools. lol

but at least now I know which direction to take.
thanks

No, if I understand your question correctly, the steering column shaft is a metric size, and has to be filed down, or resized to accomodate the 3/4 inch bore of this bearing. it wouldn't work to try to slide the bearing all the way down the steering column shaft to fit this bearing. I think you would need to cut your weld, and modify fro the bottom...

 

[kurtnkegger]

If you have a standard bearing to take to the machinist to have milled, get the holes set for 3 3/32 diameter (or 1 35/64 radius) when they center it. Super easy for the machinist, and fits perfect.

FYI

 

[D'Animal]

So are you below the $69 that AA changes for the bolt on bearing assy?