Need advice on a rusty rear axle (1 Viewer)

[waLIEN]

I bought a LX450 from the rust-belt (IL). It's a low mile example (88k mi), but does suffer some rust in the rear undercarriage. The rear axle's spring mounts seem to be collapsing a little (at least the mounts seem to be slightly bent inward). When I tried to remove the brake line mount clips, the bolts were so rusted, it almost sheared off the brake line mount clips mounts. Also, the hubs appear to be pretty damn rusted as well, as the parking brake cable seems to have sheared off both hubs.

I have the means to remove the rear axle and possibly take it to someone to get the mounts refurbished. I've never heard of rear axle repair before - would that be something a fabricator would have to repair? Should I just find a low mile rear axle and just swap them out? I'm wondering what would be my best option?

While the differential is out, I may as well do some rust conversion on the rest of the frame/body, which I will do my self.

I'm in Southern California, btw. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[waLIEN]

1996 LEXUS LX450 Rear Axle Assembly - this seems to be an option, but seems kinda pricey.

 

[dogfishlake]

You could refurbish it, for sure. With the rear out, first get it degreased, have it sandblasted, take it to get repairs done, rebuild the driveline pieces, do a quality paint job (I like chassis saver for the $, read up on it), and put er' back in. Weigh a fair estimate on this vs. replacement with another used unit and roll with it. If you could get a replacement for near free, it would be better but it just depends on what you can source.

 

[waLIEN]

TY for the advice. I agree -- $1400 seems like I could even take it somewhere that'll pull it, refurbish it, and reinstall without having me to lift a finger.

 

[dirtyboots]

Pick and Pull is usually a good resource for stuff like that. Depending on how much you are going to put in to the build, and how long you plan on keeping the truck, I would consider selling it and starting with an 80 from around there. Some of the best condition vehicles in the US can be found in CA. Even if you are going to flail on it as you've seen before even doing basic stuff is a huge pain. I lived and wheeled back east and there is no comparison how much more pleasurable it is wheeling and wrenching out here in CA. Not meant as a troll just attempting to introduce other ideas if you haven't thought of starting over.

 

[silverhorse]

i had the same issue on a rig i got from Detroit.. i pulled the rear axle and took it to a sandblaster, primed and painted it. no issues, if you mounts are bad have a welder/ fabricator look at them...

like dogfishlake said chassis saver is awesome!