Longfield Birfs

[Cpt. Kirk]

One more question guys, I just bought some new Birfs from Longfield and they arrived and are about 1/2" longer than mine, my cruiser is a 93 and I believe they are shorter than later models. Bobby told me this won't be a problem but I'd still like some confirmation from a different source on this forum. Does anybody out there have any info on this matter before I slam the new birfs on the axle, one more thing he says they are the only length Birfs he makes for the FJ80 but I seem to remember a thread from a few months ago talking about how to rectify the different lengths.
thanks again

 

[Heffenoche]

I may be wrong but I think you mat need to update your drive plates to 95-97 to accommodate the difference in the birfield lengths.

 

[Junk]

Swap your drive plates.

So like don't take this the wrong way, but if you are that unfamiliar with birfields and driveplates then I'm going to assume you don't aggressively wheel with 35"+ tires. So why would you buy longfields. Am I missing something here?

 

[Cpt. Kirk]

driving habits

Your right I don't drive that aggresive, I do 4X4 every week or so, The Longfield Birfs were recommended by a friend of a friend he said they were the best after market available and would work for my expected use. Now I'm thinking twice about the purchase was there a better alternative and where would I get new drive plates?.
starting to get that nervous feeling now.
thanks

 

[woody]

see the Vendor corner....cruiserdan has posted the part numbers, specifically in the Longfield vendor thread.

IMO, they ARE the best aftermarket and are also cheaper than OEM. If they needed replacement, you made an informed choice.

 

[CruisinGA]

What junk is pointed out is that if you don't wheel agressively with tires well over 35," longfields are overkill and unnecessary.

He is making an assumption that someone who wheels agressively with tires over 35" would also understand about drive plates etc, which it appears you do not. That is totally fine, we are just trying to get the facts straight.

So, what size tires are you running, on what type of terrain do you wheel, and how much skinny pedal do you use? Longfields are the best, but are quite possibly way overkill for you. The OEM birfs you already have are servicable even with tires over 35," and may be all you need.

Edit: What woody said-if they needed replacement is an entire different story. Lets get some background.

 

[Junk]

Cpt, not trying to give you a tough time. Yes, Longfields can be considered superior, but that is when talking about pure strength. For a daily driver and wheeling with under 35" tires, I think your best bet is still OEM. Just my view though.

Your friend of a friend may have great intentions, but unless someone understands what you are intending to do they may provide a solution for a different problem.

 

[woody]

price: Longfields are cheaper than OEM
strength: Longfields win
wear: I would wager that the 4340 exhibits improved longevity over stock

Other than having to purchase later drive plates, I see no downside....

 

[Cpt. Kirk]

overkill

Hi guys no offence takin here, any advice given is appreciated. I am replacing some popping Birfs and yes I've already swapped them. The driving I do is mainly on old logging roads that have been decommissioned so not that aggresive. The tires I run are stock size Michelin LTX so I don't need to super size my Birfs to accomodate these. One reason I bought these was there reputation and price about half of OEM I'm told, is this true.
Now I'm thinking I've bought the wrong birfs for the application what do you guys think should I go OEM.
thanks

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I think your birf choice is great-I'll do the same when the time comes. I just put on new drive plates-mainly to get some spares but they did improve the clunk under braking. About $35 each from Dan. I'm thinking the birfs are a better choice than OEM. Stronger material, good wear characteristics and less expensive. What's not to love? The only issue I see is that ABS ring, but assuming that swaps easily, I'll go Longfields next time around. The real test would be if Christo put some Longfields on the Short Bus in time for Moab.

I have to hand it to Longfield on this one-he has given us a real choice in the 80 series birf market. Now if he'll do chrome moly inners front and reat, that would essentially solve 80 series drive line issues, though the front R&P may prove to be the limiting factor.

 

[Echo_29]

I think your best bet is still OEM. Just my view though.

Why?

 

[Curran]

Ditto Cruiserdrew's post. Given the cost of bobby long's products relative to OEM I can't justify the added expense of OEM bifs to anyone -- stock or hard core.
IMHO, your friend steered you in the right direction for your purchase.


Curran

 

[sleeoffroad]

The real test would be if Christo put some Longfields on the Short Bus in time for Moab.

I have to hand it to Longfield on this one-he has given us a real choice in the 80 series birf market. Now if he'll do chrome moly inners front and reat, that would essentially solve 80 series drive line issues, though the front R&P may prove to be the limiting factor.

They are sitting on my bench ready to be installed Together with http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/home.php inner axles. And a working crawler box this time. Marks from Marks adapters are personally coming to fix it

Also, one should distringuish between Chromo Longfields and oem birfields treated by Boddy. I have run the latter for a 18 monhts and have not broken them. However they are clicking like mad.