FJ60 Front Axle Rebuild

[FJ60Seth]

The FSM makes it sound more complicated than it is. Ignore the entire section on the knuckle centering tool. It’s only applicable if you change the knuckle, or the shims have been mixed up. Keep the shims together, as in driver’s side top, driver’s side bottom, etc. The total thickness is critical. Reinstall them as they came off. You’ll need a 54mm/1.25” socket. The outer c-clip is troublesome to remove without a pair of pliers like this:

 

[EscapeWagon62]

The FSM makes it sound more complicated than it is. Ignore the entire section on the knuckle centering tool. It’s only applicable if you change the knuckle, or the shims have been mixed up. Keep the shims together, as in driver’s side top, driver’s side bottom, etc. The total thickness is critical. Reinstall them as they came off. You’ll need a 54mm/1.25” socket. The outer c-clip is troublesome to remove without a pair of pliers like this:

X2 on the pliers. Had to borrow some from a mechanic friend.

 

[3_puppies]

View attachment 1867362

last pic
is that a crack in your ball??
aprox 2 o clock

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

last pic
is that a crack in your ball??
aprox 2 o clock

Wow! Good spot. Sure as heck looks like one. @Hojack would be all over that tho....

 

[Hojack]

No that was just some material that was more stubborn to get off.

 

[Hojack]

Did the cut and turn on the axle and installed new bearings. Spent hours cleaning up that front axle... not as much as the rear 80s axle however.

 

[joebattle1]

I replaced rotors when I did this and needed a press if memory serves... How new are your brakes? I used a local motorcycle shop for this. Now I own a cheapo 12 ton press from HF. I also replaced my TRE’s. I have some pics in my build thread and could probably send you more if it helps you.

 

[Gretsch]

I replaced rotors when I did this and needed a press if memory serves... How new are your brakes? I used a local motorcycle shop for this. Now I own a cheapo 12 ton press from HF. I also replaced my TRE’s. I have some pics in my build thread and could probably send you more if it helps you.

So you needed a press to get the rotors on? Now that my cooling system upgrade is done, this knuckle rebuild will be the next project on mine. I'll most likely be redoing the brakes at the same time so wanted to clarify this bit. FSM makes it look as though rotors just bolt to wheel hub from the back. I have not taken mine apart so I am sure it will make sense once I get into it. But if I need a press then I'll have to factor that into the number of bananas needed to get this done.

 

[cps432]

So you needed a press to get the rotors on? Now that my cooling system upgrade is done, this knuckle rebuild will be the next project on mine. I'll most likely be redoing the brakes at the same time so wanted to clarify this bit. FSM makes it look as though rotors just bolt to wheel hub from the back. I have not taken mine apart so I am sure it will make sense once I get into it. But if I need a press then I'll have to factor that into the number of bananas needed to get this done.

It can be done without a press, using a punch, but it would be fewer bananas if you had a press.

 

[Gretsch]

OK thanks. I don't have one currently so will have to factor that in possibly when doing mine. Always wanted one so this might be just the catalyst needed for pulling the trigger on one.

 

[Cruzerman]

The rebuild is a straight forward job that anyone can tackle. It is way more messy than difficult. Every true Land Cruiser lover needs do it. It is a right of passage.

 

[OSS]

Why hasn't anyone mentioned the most obscure part of it all? Separating the birfield joint and putting it back together correctly. There's no info in the FSM to guide a first timer from start to finish and it certainly isn't straight forward or intuitive.
There's a good YouTube vid or two showing a procedure that works well.