Knuckle Rebuild Kit Recommendations?

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Thanks for all of your replies. I know what I need to proceed now and will definitely be replacing bearings with Japanese. I always use OEM and top quality parts whenever possible and it's great to get informed recommendations. Cheers...A
 
if my birfs are clicking should I order new birfields to have on hand during my front axle service in case mine are worn out, or will swapping sides remedy the clicks in most cases?

and thank you for the thread @jet200, I needed a lot of this info
 
Beau Diddly said:
Yes, it comes with trunion bearings too. Without wheel bearings its $75, with wheel bearings $125: Trail Gear

This was just a recommendation to me by friends who have used Trail Gear and have been wheelin' for a year or two afterwards. I'm sure some will say if it isn't OEM, it'll break tomorrow. I use mostly OEM, but at times I won't, and I've had a few recommendations for TG, all had good experiences with the kit.
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At $13 a bearing it's a gamble and a bargain.
Run Chinese bearings on my boat trailer with zero issues, but it does not see rough or prolonged use.
 
hamishpotter said:
if my birfs are clicking should I order new birfields to have on hand during my front axle service in case mine are worn out, or will swapping sides remedy the clicks in most cases?

and thank you for the thread @jet200, I needed a lot of this info
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Switch them 1st and change grease as it only cost 2 Circlips and grease.
Birfields are not cheap.
 
Hornd said:
That price is Unbelievable!
Cruiser Outfitters

Cruiser is charging $205 for the same.

Something tells me you meant to say it comes with Trunion Bearings not Wheel Bearings.
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The devil is in the details, i.e. not remotely the "same" Kit. Japanese parts versus Chinese/Taiwanese bearings and seals. Our kits are 100% Japanese and we stock all of the OEM components for those desiring to upgrade any particular components.

A bit more about our kits:
Product Spotlight: Cruiser Outfitters Knuckle Rebuild Kits
 
Pin_Head said:
Koyo is part of the Toyota kiertsu holding company JTEKT which is a global manufacturer like most automotive parts companies. They make bearings all over the world, including China and the US. If you really want Japanese made bearings, you better look at the fine print on the box and not the Koyo label.
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We are pretty good at looking at the box ;)

Oh, and the "Japan" on the bearing helps too

That said, there is a fundamental difference between a theoretical "made in China" Koyo bearing (which I have not personally ever seen) and a bearing that offers no manufacture name, just "China" stamped on the face and a documented track record of bearing mortality. Look, we've been a Trail Gear Dealer for longer than most... But their knuckle bearings as not something we'll resell.
 
The larger issue is that if Koyo makes bearings in China, Phillipines and Romania, it apparently thinks they are good enough to put their name on and for Toyota to put in their cars. Not everything made in other countries is crap. That attitude is 30 years out of date. The US can compete globally in any market, but don't underestimate your competition.
 
My earlier Trail Gear recommendation is based solely on the antidotes of local wheelers, and my personal installation of their kit last weekend. I'm not claiming it's better, or even as good--I don't know. I'm also suspect of anyone who claims "anything made in China is bad". iPhones and Macs are made in China, even Toyota has contracted plants in China. Nearly all of us have been burnt by non-OEM parts, and I think we've also had some limited success with non-OEM. I'll share first and second hands accounts and leave it at that.

Please don't misunderstand me, Cruiser Outfitters and similar vendors are a blessing. If we don't patronize them, they go out of business, which isn't good for any Cruiser lover. I'm not saying I buy everything from these supporting vendors, but I always start with them first and hope everyone does too.
 
paladek said:
Hey,

Do yourself a favor and go buy OEM parts from Amayama.com (Amayama Trading).

few months ago I bought the following parts for rebuilding my knuckles:

2 x 12157-10010
2 x 90310-35010
2 x 43204-60032
2 x 43435-60020
2 x 43436-60011
2 x 90313-93003
2 x 90311-62001
2 x 90214-42030
2 x 90215-42025
2 x 90521-34005
2 x 90520-31007
2 x 43422-60060
4 x 90366-20003 I went for the Koyo 30304AJ ($5.5 each...!!!!!)

total: 130.56 USD

For me the parts shipped from single location (UAE warehouse) and it was around 30 USD.
So the total including shipping to 98230 was around 160 USD which is actually cheaper than any aftermarket kit.....!!!!!?????

regards,
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Out of curiousity I'd love to see you duplicate that order and see what the current price is from Amayama. Fwiw our standard kit w/Koyo knuckle bearings is $115, perhaps $130 shipped anywhere in the US. You're listing a few parts we don't include standard with our FA9097 but we have them, can provide them and still beat the ~$160 price and that is assuming their prices haven't gone up which they seem to have. For example they no longer list a the Koyo 30304AJ, they have NSK & Nachi, both are good bearing suppliers and used OE by Toyota for different applications but not knuckle bearings. Unknown if they have the correct taper as some interchange bearings do not.
 
Something that I have considered is the help that we get on this forum after the sale from a Mud Vendor. That is worth something to me and another reason to support our vendors. Also it's been stated by Onur that if you don't buy OEM, demand falls for that particular part and they quit making it. I have plenty of room in my Cruisers to buy from our vendors, be it OEM or other quality parts.
 
Go cruiser outfitters my kit was perfect, when I worked with Robbie that was the only supplier we would use for t case and axle needs, I wouldn't hesitate to buy any axle related stuff from them Kurt knows what he is doing and gives a great price and service!!
 
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