FJ40 steering column bearing...

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

kurtnkegger

kurtnkegger

Running Topless and Dirty
SILVER Star
10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Aug 30, 2009
Threads
31
Messages
1,255
Location
Denver, CO. Burbs
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...:bang:

THANKS!!
 
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.
 
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.:wrench:
011.webp
 
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.
 
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??
 
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...
 
I guess I'll have to get a caliper, and measure my bolt spacing on the steering column :doh:. 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.
 
Last edited:
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....
 
Thanks for the confirmation on the spacing!! I will move forward with confidence, and a newly aquired swagger in my step....
 
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....:crybaby:
 
kurtnkegger said:
...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....:crybaby:
Click to expand...

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.
 
Last edited:
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.
 
MTDewX8 said:
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.
Click to expand...


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...:cheers:
 
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

kurtnkegger said:
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...:cheers:
Click to expand...
 
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
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom