Needs New Right Front Axel/Bearing

[landlocked]

There is a '94 FZJ80 for sale near me that "Needs New Right Front Axel/Bearing". I know there are going to be variables, but can you guys give me a range of costs that will be involved if I do it myself. I would plan on doing a rebuild on the other side at the same time as well (and of course following Romer's thread ). The guy is asking $3,500 and it has 200k on it, it is very clean in and out. What type of offer should I make? Thanks for your help.

 

[wilkins.g.1]

I've had the pleasure of doing this both ways on my '94. In the my garage and having someone else do it.

I believe the cost of parts to service the front axles is somewhere in the range of $400-$500 from Cruiser Dan. Call him and he will look up all parts and have them shipped to your door, this makes it easy so you don't have to look-up all the parts #s. He may ask for your VIN to ensure getting the correct parts.

You don't want to know what I payed to have it serviced by someone else. BTW they did a great job and did it all correctly it was just expensive $2000+.

It's about 8 hours of work if you have all the tools. (that's what it took this first timer) It's not hard just messy and keep the parts organized when they come off.

Good Luck.

 

[elhombre]

It could be that the birfield has blown up and he may have driven it with all that metal thrashing around inside. That may be why it needs a new "front axle/bearing". Worst case is that it needs a complete used front housing from a junker. Maybe not

Could be as simple as a new bearing only for that side. Need more information!

 

[firetruck41]

You can get all the seals/gaskets along with Koyo trunion and wheel bearings for both sides of the front axle for $185 from Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters. If you need a new birfield, spindle, drive flange, etc. the cost will go up. Servicing the front axle is not hard, but it is time consuming and messy, just doing the wheel bearings is not as hard/messy.

 

[landlocked]

If I do buy it and dive in, I will probably do the full rebuild plus 100 pads. Thanks for the recommendation for Cruiser Outfitters. I am in Salt Lake so that would work out perfectly.

 

[slopppy75]

I wouldn't recommend buying a truck with any powertrain issue unless you enjoy working on it constantly or have extra money that needs to be gone. Having an blown(?) axle and bearing may indicate that the owner neglected PM done to the truck.
you may just need the seals/bearing and birf. you may need a hub or spindle. You may need axle on the other side. You may need the whole front end.
I would look for another 80 with no driveability issue.
or, I would buy for less with the plan of installing new fornt end.

 

[landlocked]

slopppy75-
I am looking at it as if I need to rebuild both sides and possiblly replace both Birf's. What kind of offer do you suggest on an 80 like this that is in excellent condition in and out w/ 200k on it?

 

[Kernal]

IME clean and rust free is getting harder to come by in a 16 year old rig. Could you pay a dealer to do a complete inspection (with estimates) and then make the decision??

 

[slopppy75]

I would start an offer at 2500ish and walk away if the seller don't like it. Sometimes it's better to buy one well maintained and upgraded to minimize the headache. My last 80 was one of those fixer uppers and I got sick of it because the truck constantly needed one repair after another. Sorry to discourage you, but it was my experience and if I start over, I'll pay the premium for THE ONE that has all the options I want and has been well cared for. My current LC is just that.

 

[chtucker]

Figure on at least one birf, inner axle, wheel bearings and a full front end service and you over $1000 in parts alone...

Unless they can show a mechanics written statement... I would assume the worst...

 

[firetruck41]

slopppy75-
I am looking at it as if I need to rebuild both sides and possiblly replace both Birf's.

I think that is a reasonable assumption to help you decide what the truck is worth.

 

[landlocked]

Good advice. Thanks guys.