Scored Front Axle Housing (1 Viewer)

[donut72]

I am in the process of restoring my '72 FJ40. I've been reading threads on Mud and have done a ton of work from the information available. I recently began a complete rebuild of my front axle along with a disc conversion from the information I found. I got a set of 60's part (birfields out) and began grinding my housing to fit the larger 60 birfield. One side of my housing is fine but the other side is scored pretty bad where the knuckle race is installed. I don't think this is going to be a problem since the birfield doesn't actually ride on the inside of the housing. As long as the knuckle bearing race can be installed ok, it should be fine. BUT, I wanted to check with you guys and make sure i can still use this housing, if i use it will be a problem down the road, can I repair it, and how.

Here is a pic of the bottom of the housing

and a pic of the Top

 

[georgia fj40]

I would be concerned about the race distorting from the looks of the top gouge. If race distorted may cause bearing to seize. I bet a competent machine shop could fill the gouge with weld and re turn it. Would probably have to be careful not to over heat the knuckle housing. Im sure it can be done but at what co$$$t? JMO

 

[Clutchee]

To run birfs your going to grind that area.... Nothing bad seen!
Run it.

 

[fhawk5]

Get a new , used , housing. Otherwise, you will always wonder.

 

[Pin_Head]

I would run it and not worry.

 

[roma042987]

I don't see anything wrong with it either

 

[Tools R Us]

Tis a wee scratch, no worries, run it. Have seen several way torn up and still running.

 

[donut72]

I would be concerned about the race distorting from the looks of the top gouge. If race distorted may cause bearing to seize.

The PO did a LOT of questionable things with this rig. Thankfully, the wisdom of this group has corrected a lot of them. When I took apart the axle, the bearing race, bearing, and birf all looked fine (I'm replacing them anyway). This makes me think the damage is from a previous failure that was 'fixed'. I already ground both sides to fit the 60 birf and may clean up some of the gouges too. But if the races fit without problems, I don't think the scores will interfere with them (unless I'm missing something)

Clutchee - I finished the grinding tonight and fit the 60 birf but didn't get close to grinding that area. Are you sure I need to grind that deep into the housing? I can post pic of what I ground tomorrow if it will help

 

[antFJ]

i agree - the inside is ground all the time for disc brake conversions - you should be fine. youre replacing the bearings/races right? Those races are pretty damn strong it isn't going anywhere.

this is what mine looked like after grinding