Next: need to re-build the front steering knuckles ‘75 FJ40 ….May 1975 production

[knuckle47]

I have completed several un-needed maintenance items but I really should address the knuckles in their entirety.

Does anyone have an idea regarding cost of parts for the entire job? My reasoning is, I have an option to change the front drums to disk…something I think it should have. Going that route, it might run about $1700 for all of it including disk brakes, birfs, bearings, seals, etc..( FJ60 parts) If I just do the rebuild and keep the stock drums….about what is the cost for just these parts meaning, bearings, seals

 

[pb4ugo]

I just did this project and ordered the rebuild kit without wheel bearings from cruiser outfitters. The kit without wheel bearings was about $100. It does both sides. I think the wheel bearings were about an additional $100. I did order the marlin double lip axle seals, but don't recall how much they were, maybe an additional $15-$20 . I would recommend the double lipped seals and I'd go with disc brakes if they're in the budget. I think I used 3 1lbs tubs of grease and maybe 2 tubes for the grease gun.

 

[Pighead]

I have completed several un-needed maintenance items but I really should address the knuckles in their entirety.

Does anyone have an idea regarding cost of parts for the entire job? My reasoning is, I have an option to change the front drums to disk…something I think it should have. Going that route, it might run about $1700 for all of it including disk brakes, birfs, bearings, seals, etc..( FJ60 parts) If I just do the rebuild and keep the stock drums….about what is the cost for just these parts meaning, bearings, seals

A good knuckle rebuild kit from Kurt will run you just over 200 bucks. Add Brakleen, cleaning solvents, greases, large quantities of paper towels as needed.

 

[76lcmike]

i have a rebuild kit for drum birfields. ordered it fews years ago. complete kit. $80 plus shipping all yours if you want it.

 

[3_puppies]

knuckle rebuild kit will be about the same price, whether for drum or disc, so that cost is out of the equation
it comes down to if your brakes need serviced cost versus the cost of disc knuckles out setup
also don't forget the less need for maintenance on disc versus drum brakes
I still run drums on a few rigs and have no issues with them

I always change the wheel bearings when doing a knuckle job.

 

[knuckle47]

Thank you guys…. This is more enlightening than I had assumed….this new era of FU pricing had stunned me in a few areas. Great to learn otherwise. I’ve got a tiny bit more to read up on and it starts. Fall weather is great for cruisin around with the heater blowing heat no matter how I close the warm pull .

 

[pb4ugo]

Project Wrong Way has good videos that has George from Valley Hybrids offering pointers.

 

[knuckle47]

I truly enjoy those videos that @projectwrongway has on YouTube… seen them all along with @zerotreedelta and quite a few others. I live vicariously through them without the bruises .

Although, I do have my fair share, it’s the arthritis and hand/finger cramps that get the best of me with smaller nuts and washers

 

[Jdc1]

I truly enjoy those videos that @projectwrongway has on YouTube… seen them all along with @zerotreedelta and quite a few others. I live vicariously through them without the bruises .

Although, I do have my fair share, it’s the arthritis and hand/finger cramps that get the best of me with smaller nuts and washers

A brass hammer makes a great drift to get the cone washers to come loose. HF or Amazon has them cheap and the handle is nice to hold while you smack it with your BFH.

 

[knuckle47]

Thanks @Jdc1 …been using the BFH for 6 decades…hopefully I’m good with that one.