I wouldn't assume that because he has a 40 he knows anything. I'd make him prove it.
Do it yourself. If you have a dog, he can help too. Spread the grease around everywhere, I mean.
Knuckle Rebuild Cost and Help Request
- Thread starter NewbieMcNewster
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Do it yourself. If you have a dog, he can help too. Spread the grease around everywhere, I mean.
You'll get more responses for this operation than other other, with the possible exception of a headagsket replacement. It seems to be a fan favorite.
Reach out to Cruiser Outfitters for all the parts and take Malleus up on that offer, you wont regret it. Oh, and keep it Toyota OEM if you can, or plan on redoing the seals again in 3 months.
I love all these experts quoting prices without an inspection . 3k is spot on to do a knuckle job the correct way depending on what parts you need. Is the shop replacing hardware which is always suggested. Are they replacing wheel bearings ? Does your rig have over 200k if so chances are high your spindles are worn and need to be replaced That is almost 1 k right there if you use Toyota parts. Are your knuckle bolts stripped where the caliper bolts on requiring replacement ? are they replacing the breather changing the oil etc etc etc. Please note so many in here are back yard mechanics (and nothing wrong with that) They don't have taxes to pay, insurance premiums shop rent. So I guess you question should be are you more interested in Price or Quality, Insured professional or shade tree?
"That is almost 1 k right there if you use Toyota parts (2 spindles)"
I would guess that 99.999% of long term members here would never advise people to take their trucks to a shade tree mechanic,
but we do encourage people to learn how to do things themselves. But if someone can't do it themselves there are clubs and individuals often willing to help (see earlier in this thread). Then, if you can afford it, definitely use a shop that is familiar with these trucks.
Not saying people/shops should not be allowed to make a living, just sayin unless a 80 Series owner is fairly well off then some people on the forum need to find ways to save money to keep their 30+ year old trucks running.
Comparison pricing example to save some coin and still get good parts:
Spindle 43401-60081
OEM Toyota (~$500 list, ~$300 with a discount)
OEM Toyota from Dubai (Partsouq) (~$175+shipping, +Tariffs, maybe)
partsouq.com
Compared to Joint Fuji Made in Japan spindle (~$150):
cruiserteq.com
I would guess that 99.999% of long term members here would never advise people to take their trucks to a shade tree mechanic,
but we do encourage people to learn how to do things themselves. But if someone can't do it themselves there are clubs and individuals often willing to help (see earlier in this thread). Then, if you can afford it, definitely use a shop that is familiar with these trucks.
Not saying people/shops should not be allowed to make a living, just sayin unless a 80 Series owner is fairly well off then some people on the forum need to find ways to save money to keep their 30+ year old trucks running.
Comparison pricing example to save some coin and still get good parts:
Spindle 43401-60081
OEM Toyota (~$500 list, ~$300 with a discount)
OEM Toyota from Dubai (Partsouq) (~$175+shipping, +Tariffs, maybe)
SPINDLE SUB-ASSY, STEERING KNUCKLE 4340160081 | Toyota Parts | PartSouq
Quality parts for Toyota auto with fast ✈ delivery! Best prices on market for 4340160081 - SPINDLE SUB-ASSY, STEERING KNUCKLE!
Compared to Joint Fuji Made in Japan spindle (~$150):
Front Axle Spindle With Bushing & Bearing - Fits 8x/LX450/105 Series Applications (FA60080)
Toyota Land Cruiser Front Axle Spindle
cruiserteq.com
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As I said OEM parts . Fuji isn't bad in a pinch but it isn't OEM quality . Partsouq is a different beast. Even know they sell Toyota parts Toyota USA will not cover /warranty any of them because it was not purchased from a USA Toyota Dealer. For that reason as a shop I can not use them because we offer our customers a 1 year warranty. It also poses a different problem as a shop owner because Toyota USA does not view it as a part with a warranty My ever so expensive shop owner insurance will not cover anything if that said part fails ( if they discovered where it was purchased). On that same note a OEM spindle has a very very low chance of any failure. To be honest for the ever so small savings we can get from there it isn't worth the risk to my business or my customer. The OP didn't ask how to do the job or please teach me . They asked if the price that they got from a shop was valid. Thats what I responded too,As a shop owner. To a lot of people spending the weekend covered in grease spending money on special tools and perhaps learning the hard way they got in over their head . just isn't worth the cost of a shop doing it . I'm all for teaching ....I do knuckle rebuild workshops about twice a year Open to anyone for free and We teach them how to do a knuckle job the Toyota way. But thats not what the OP asked.. FYI since your throwing out cheap prices you forget IMPEX they are even cheaper that partsouq !"That is almost 1 k right there if you use Toyota parts (2 spindles)"
I would guess that 99.999% of long term members here would never advise people to take their trucks to a shade tree mechanic,
but we do encourage people to learn how to do things themselves. But if someone can't do it themselves there are clubs and individuals often willing to help (see earlier in this thread). Then, if you can afford it, definitely use a shop that is familiar with these trucks.
Not saying people/shops should not be allowed to make a living, just sayin unless a 80 Series owner is fairly well off then some people on the forum need to find ways to save money to keep their 30+ year old trucks running.
Comparison pricing example to save some coin and still get good parts:
Spindle 43401-60081
OEM Toyota (~$500 list, ~$300 with a discount)
OEM Toyota from Dubai (Partsouq) (~$175+shipping, +Tariffs, maybe)
SPINDLE SUB-ASSY, STEERING KNUCKLE 4340160081 | Toyota Parts | PartSouq
Quality parts for Toyota auto with fast ✈ delivery! Best prices on market for 4340160081 - SPINDLE SUB-ASSY, STEERING KNUCKLE!
Compared to Joint Fuji Made in Japan spindle (~$150):
Front Axle Spindle With Bushing & Bearing - Fits 8x/LX450/105 Series Applications (FA60080)
Toyota Land Cruiser Front Axle Spindle
Ahhhhh….life is so much better thanks to that “Ignore” button….
@raisinhell2 : Looks like you have a nice shop and do good work, I would absolutely have a shop like yours do the knuckle/front axle service (over the average dealer in fact) once I can't crawl under the vehicle anymore.
Good on you to offer the Workshops
Good on you to offer the Workshops
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I didn't mention a hammer to throw at the wall either, I just assumed some things were de rigueur.
It must be noted that the proper nomenclature for a hammer is...
A FORD tool
You didn’t mention cardboard, covering the floor with it. It’s very helpful !!I didn't mention a hammer to throw at the wall either, I just assumed some things were de rigueur.
Also get a cheap smaller spatula
This is why Mud is so entertaining !
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You came in a little bit salty, but honestly I really appreciate this viewpoint. You're spot on that I asked if that was reasonable, and I even invited people to tell me to get over myself if it was. So I appreciate your input on the matter.
Honestly, I could afford to have a shop do this for me, but a lot of the responses I've gotten to this thread have convinced me that it's worth trying myself even if I might be in a little bit over my head. There's people around the area who can help me stay above water, I think, if needed. And frankly, for me, a big part of keeping an old vehicle like this around as a project/passion car is to see what I can do myself, challenge myself, etc. I have possibly unrealistic fantasies of what I might eventually be able to do to this thing (I'm already planning on replacing all the mounts - body, trans, engine - to try to get it to ride as close to new as it can on a 3.5" lift and 35's, and I'd love to take the whole body off someday and really clean up the frame and running gear), but also this isn't a daily and after a hail storm it isn't winning any shows or fetching top dollar anytime soon.
All of this to say - I really appreciate the input, and it's good to know that this is a reasonable quote. If I've got other big projects that need professional help in the future, I certainly won't count this shop out of the running based on this quote, and that knowledge right there is worth this post. But for now, I'm gonna give it a go - if the great majority of people say that this can be done with patience, diligence, and an investment in some tools and time, then I'm on board to try it out. Too bad your shop isn't in Dallas (I assume?) or I'd be all over that free workshop!
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When watching the Otramm video, I definitely thought "boy, a little silicone spatula would do wonders at getting the grease out of that big round cavity..." hahaha
A spatula is for meant for the kitchen . Man up, put a glove on and use your hand.
Salty, haha, I like that . Sadly that wasn't salty , just brutally honest. A knuckle job is almost a rite of passage to become a 80 series owner. So is redoing 1 that is messed up. There are a bunch of good videos out there OTTram (spelling) prob being the best . Watch that go to the resource section here on MUD download the FSM. Print out a copy of the knuckle section start at the beginning and just do what it says. Take your time and pay attention to what goes where. You will need to acquire a few special tools most important a torque wrench or 2 .. Torque settings are key in this processes. And make sure when you get to torquing the wheel bearings That you under stand the difference between ftlbs and inlbs . Because 1 step requires 43ftlbs on the nut then you back off and re torque to 48 inlb .. I see so many mess up here and wonder why their wheel bearings burn up in 20 miles. also you need the pull scale . Fish scale off amazon works great pay attention to those specs on the trunion bearings and wheel bearing tension . There ares a ton of small tricks that only come with experience.. Give yourself a whole weekend to do it and good luck
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Idaho Savage
GOLD Star
Please keep us updated and document it in this thread. You’ve definitely got the right attitude.
And don’t forget we’re here to help!!
We have your back
We have your back
I am late to the "you can do this" party. Yes ,the small rubber spatula is a time saver. So it a plastic tote lined with a heavy contractor grade garbage bag and cardboard (I used bicycle boxes)...
This was my first time on a 235k mile '94 and the truck's first front end overhaul since new. Car was being handed from my dad to my daughter and I wanted to do it right. It was done in a single car garage that was barely wide enough to get one of the axles out. For the most part, parts came from Japan4x4. I got a ton of help from people above on this thread and by following the FSM.
Mineral spirts is better than alcohol, take your time cleaning and perhaps re-painting the knuckles.