Local shop for knuckle rebuild

[xrock]

I probably COULD do it with the instructions and help from friends, but does anyone know if there is a local preferred shop and what it would cost?

After reading around the board here- I'm pretty sure it will need it. There is grease outside and even dried grease "stalagmites" built up around the inside of the front wheels.

Sound right? I just got the 60 last weekend (for cheap) in Salt Lake and drove it all the way here with no problems. Didn't feel like the power steering was going out (a symptom of needing the rebuild??)

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[accasbel]

Time for A Birfff Party

I too have never rebuilt the knuckle, replaced the seals,etc... A Birdfield party with some of the more mechanically inclined types may be the way to go. It would help me prepare for the possibility of an off-road Birf replacement.

 

[xrock]

Looks like it's just you and me Lee!

The bad thing is I'm 100% certain that's what it is. It has some of the symptoms, but not all.

 

[Lars]

I'd be interested in a birf party.

I come from the land of Dana axles so I would be of little use.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I’m always up for a party I can drink, advise, and point. I will not be doing mine ….It takes me usually 3 days to do it my anal way. Clean-wire brush-tape-paint-admirer. Also I have an 80 knuckle wiper seal kit for sale on the board (knuckle bearing not included anymore just knuckle wiper/seal) $20. Done this service several time not hard but can be intimidating the first time.

Phil

 

[hj60]

Count me in.
Mine're starting to make noise.
I have a little know-how in the axle department, so I can guide the timid and inexperienced.
Also, who's got enough room to accomodate half a dozen partially disassembled vehicles?

 

[xrock]

Depending on how many trucks were going to need the work, I would have some room.

We could do a couple vehicles at a time. Looks like some are willing to assist for future knowledge.

 

[JTinAZ]

Hi. Did you guys get together for the knuckle rebuild yet? If not, I really would like to see how it's done. My 1975 JF40's right knuckle leaked so much that I have no brakes on that front side. Thanks.

John

 

[RUSH55]

Guys Guys Guys! Knuckle rebuilding is a piece of cake, just time consuming. Your Haynes manual covers the whole shebang. The only "special" tool you should have is a spring loaded "fish scale" for measuring knuckle preload. Everything needed to do the job is pretty basic, except maybe a torque wrench.

 

[Tools R Us]

And a hub nut socket.

The other thing to be prepared for is it's VERY messy! If the axle seals are bad, the knuckle will be full of grease mixed with diff oil making thick soup. A couple of rolls of disposable paper shop rags, lots of cleaning supplies and plastic trash bags to dispose of it in. I like to use big sheets of cardboard on the floor, stack up a couple of layers, pull the axles and knock most of the soup off, fold and throw away the first layer, then finish up with the last layer. Much better than scrubbing that stuff off the floor!

 

[xrock]

Let's pick a day and get 'er done! Lee and I both have babies coming in 4-5 weeks, so we won't have much time after that!

 

[grrlscout89FJ62]

Ack my 62 has HEAPS of grease all caked on the inside of the front wheels. I thought it was just age. Could it be something more? What are the other signs?

 

[JTinAZ]

Let me know when it will be. XRock and Lee, Congratulations on the babies. I just had one three months ago. I love it. I bought the landcruiser a couple of months before having her. It's been sitting around since then, because I haven't had time to work on it. But things have settled down some. I tell you what, if you let me watch/help you with your rebuild, I will bring a twelve pack of your favorite beer. Thanks.

John

 

[BMAN]

LEt me know when you guys plan this. I may not do mine but it'd be nice to kick back and watch so I know what I'm doing when I do mine. With my baby due around the same time as Xrock and Lee I'm startin to feel the pressure. The 60 still needs some major surgery to get her up before that little sucker gets here.

 

[RUSH55]

Grease on the knuckle of the axle is normal. Excessive amounts are due to bad felt seals, and if you haven't pumped any grease into the fill hole lately, your grease is probably pretty old, and you're lacking lube to your Birfield. If you've completely gone thru everything, having a little grease squeeze by your felt seals is actually a good thing, communicating adequite lubrication.

 

[azaussie]

I'm interested in a Birf Party, it would be nice to have the experienced folk there to offer advice. Let me know where and when.