Here at last...

[PAFJ]

Finally the time has come...tomorrow I will be rebuilding my knuckles. After weeks of researching and getting all the necessary supplies together...I think I'm ready. I hope not to anything up--this is my first time.


Any last minute words of wisdom...do's....don't do's??




TIA-

 

[YODA 88 62]

clean as much crap off and around the knuckles as possible. degreaser and a pressure washer would be the best. have a lot of paper towels nearby.

 

[overhanger]

3' x 3' of cardboard under each knuckle.

 

[PAFJ]

Awesome!! Keep it coming...I need all the advice I can get...especially from you guys that have done it.

Thx-

 

[chicago]

Hey bro,
no wisdom to impart, just wanted to wish you good luck! Ill be doing that when I do the SOA this year.
Lemme know how it goes.



Chicago

 

[PAFJ]

Hey bro,
no wisdom to impart, just wanted to wish you good luck! Ill be doing that when I do the SOA this year.
Lemme know how it goes.



Chicago

Thx...and I will. I hoping for a smooth operation.

 

[Weaver]

i'm quite fond of beer.

 

[Dirtgypsy]

Hey good luck PAFJ! I will be doing the same next week as I am getting the last bits in tomorrow as well. Please post your experiences both good and bad when you finish.

Also along with a few cold ones I always find it helpful to have some tunes in the background!

 

[erfworm]

beer and latex gloves...... No but seriously buy a box of cheap latex gloves, it gets nasty in there.

 

[lonelydriver]

clothes u can ruin

a little stool you can sit on.. your back will thank you soooo much

and some knee pads would help alot.

and goood light.

 

[Gappy]

My first thought on a job like that is the same as Weaver and Worm...a few cold beers and i like to have some good tunes, great for the attitude if things start going wrong!
I will be doing mine this fall, never done it, let us know how you do!!

 

[chitown40]

Jim's Knuckle Rebuild DVD. It is priceless. I just finished doing the 80 last month and after watching Jim and his buddy on the DVD it was a cakewalk. I'd recommend doing one side at a time if this is your first time. That way you have a fully assembled reference point if you're not sure how something goes or looks. I'd also recommend finding someone who has a parts washer (especially if you are going to re-use your bearings) or getting access to one. The sludge that everything is covered with is nasty and the washer helps a ton.

Just take your time and enjoy the experience.


Oh yeah, and use a torque wrench and fish scale.

 

[overhanger]

I agree with doing one side at a time. Also, when reinserting the axles, they might not want to go the final inch or so and it will frustrate you being so close yet so far. Have an assistant slowly rotate the wheel on the opposite side of the axle so the axle splines line up with the diff splines and you will feel that satisfying slipping in of the last inch or two.
IMO, leave the beer alone until you are at a stopping point. The first time through this process you should be as clear headed as possible. Good luck.

 

[soggy60]

Minimize fustration :
Do the long axle side first.
As said above, axle may not 'just slip right in' to diff.
Not only because diff needs a tad of rotation to line up slines, axle length make it hard to keep splined end up...

otherwize, the job is quite easy, just time consuming and very very messy.

 

[SleekFJ62]

I used my backpacking headlamp when I did the front axle rebuild (knuckles, too) and it worked out great! You get hands-free light where you need it at all times. Since that time, I've used it countless times on other Cruiser-related projects - wish I'd thought of it sooner! If you have the means, I'd highly recommend it!

 

[SleekFJ62]

Also...Make sure you mind the "flat" side of the Birf when removing and installing the axle shafts. I did well on the first side and temporarily forgot about it on the second half. It was REALLY pissing me off 'til I remembered to rotate the flat side up...

 

[PAFJ]

Thanks guys for the helpful tips...one question before I get started...if I am using new bearings (KOYO) do I need to clean them before packing with grease? If so, what is the best method?

Thx-




BTW standby for real time help/questions.

 

[incogrhino]

keep the shims where they are.Don't mix em up... good luck, it's not to bad.