Front axle rebuild kit...anyone used this one? (1 Viewer)

[toomanytoyzz]

Saw this on ebay a few weeks ago and was wondering if anyone has bought and installed this kit? Any advice would be, oh so great!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Knuckle...738&pid=100011&prg=1005&rk=1&sd=321093656279&

 

[edwjmcgrath]

After all of the hours and hours I put into my front axle rebuild, would I use parts from an unknown manufacturer to save $35? NFW! This is not a job you want to do over.

 

[toomanytoyzz]

After all of the hours and hours I put into my front axle rebuild, would I use parts from an unknown manufacturer to save $35? NFW! This is not a job you want to do over.

I hear ya but you'd be surprised how many vendors rebadge "unkown" manufacturer's parts and put their logo on it. Not saying this for the axle rebuild kits because I do not know (thus the post), but seen it alot on other rebuild kits for different parts/vehicles through the years. Basically, the $35 you are referring to may be the pretty paper the item is wrapped in, OR the night and day difference in a quality rebuild kit over a pile of junk.

Really just like to hear from someone who has installed it and ran it for 20k or so and can give a + or - update on how it's held up.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Yep, I bought one. I had some mad money sitting in my Paypal and bought it to throw in my tool kit. I figured if broke a birf or had some other front axle catastrophy and had to do a field repair it would be good enough, knowing that when I got home I'd be tearing it all down again to recheck everything anyway.

It's Okay, quality is so-so, but I would not use it on a rig that see's lots of hard use.

 

[edwjmcgrath]

toyzz, I hear ya too. We all want to save a few bucks. Anyone can make stamped sheetmetal and paper gaskets. It's not the packaging, it's the bearings and axle seals that I care about most. If you're a vendor and can say that your bearings or seals are Koyo, Timken, Yukon, OEM, or Marlin, you will. If you don't or won't say who makes the critical components, I'll go elsewhere. JMHO. I've bought these parts from Cruiser Outfitters and Marlin with no hesitation.

 

[Spike Strip]

Second that - I'd find out the brand of bearings. Most likely, since it's not stated, they are Chinese components. Even JTO on ebay uses Koyo or Timken.

Personally, I too would only buy quality parts from a known vendor, preferably a MUD vendor.

 

[toomanytoyzz]

Have most of you guys had luck with re-using the original wheel bearings or do you recommend getting the full kit with new bearings?

 

[edwjmcgrath]

I bought new wheel bearings before I took mine apart. The old ones looked great and I probably could have reused them, but since I already had the new ones, I replaced them.

 

[landyNZ]

I used the front axle kit from Marlin, could not be happier. Damn it's a messy job, not one you want to have to do again because you tried to save on the parts.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Just call Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters.

 

[nuclearlemon]

Anyone can make stamped sheetmetal and paper gaskets.

but not properly. i don't know how many aftermarket hub gaskets i've installed, or helped others install that arent' cut properly and rip when you put them on.

 

[roma042987]

I certainly wouldn't skimp on a cheaper kit that doesn't use quality bearings to save a few bucks. It's a messy job that you don't want to do over.

 

[toomanytoyzz]

I love the smell of burnt gear oil and axle grease in the morning !! You guys have answered my question. Thanks!!!

 

[MicahMan]

I'm a little late to the party but for what its worth all the upgrades I did to my front axle I did as much OEM stuff as I could and I got everything from Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters. I figured if I did this once and did it right it would last another 40 years!

 

[DSRTRDR]

another vote for Kurt

 

[1911]

Cruiser Outfitters (Kurt) and never look back. By far the easiest way to get all quality components.

 

[MicahMan]

I even had a more complex issue as I was changing to mini truck and fj60 components. He had everything I needed. Including the knuckle studs with the top fittings to actually torque them!

 

[bigfj62]

I just bought Marlins kit( Kurt is out of town) and I am armpit deep in grease as we speak. Marlins kit comes with good quality stuff and koyo wheel bearings if you order them. The trunion bearings are Yukon though. Looked to be good quality.

I would say that would be a good kit to have in the truck for repairs not for a full long term rebuild. I don't think the Marlin Kit was much more expensive.

 

[Bodean]

You guys don't need to forget Georg @ Valley Hybrids for these and other rebuild parts. He is a big time supporter of the sport and attends many TLCA rides across the country. He also donates to the raffles at these events. I always buy from those that give back to the sport! The fact that I can call Georg at any time while I'm elbow deep in grease and ask hima question is worth a few extra dollars. I just bought a heavy duty tie rod from Marlin (thru Georg) and Marlin is top notch! You can't go wrong with buying from a Mud vendor!

 

[lcwizard]

Karson products are made in India. They also mfg many of the shackles, spring pins, driveshaft bolts, and
other hardware parts. What's odd is usually that kit came with the spindle bushings. Maybe they've cheapened it. You could buy it for the gaskets and shims but I'd prefer the Koyo knuckle bearings.