Solid axle- new spindle bushings

[Cube Dweller]

Got the spindles bolted up to the knuckles last night. The guy I purchased the axle from purchased new spindle bushings and pressed them in. I noticed it's a pretty tight fit- to the point I have to pull the spindle while hitting the end of the outer axle/birf with a dead blow to get the spindle off. Can definitely feel the drag when turning the companion flange.

Anyone noticed this before? Just let it wear in? The FSM doesn't call out for reaming or honing the new bushings, just states to install them.

 

[Bear80]

That's a good question, one because even the IFS spindles have the brass bushing and out of 4 that I've worked on, all have been loose, second beacaue my 80 series that I'm in the process of repacking birfields also was lose about that bushings. Out of all 5 I would say none appeared to be in need of replacement. So I wonder if they should be tight or have some play?? Do I need to go back and replace them on the 3 trucks!!?? (Well one is gone and sold)

 

[Cube Dweller]

Tonight I pulled one of the inners on teh side that went on tight, the carrier splines were still indenting the martack, so the entire axle + birf was in compression = not good. Pulled it out, retacked it further out, then took a cut off wheel on the dremel and recut the groove. Much better.

 

[Cube Dweller]

Bear, there are standard clearances for fits, running fits, interferance fits, etc. I'll look up the specs this weekend. My guess is Toyota intended a "medium running fit" which means some clearance. Plus it will get hot and expand, especially in an AWD rig like an 80.

 

[robinhood4x4]

While doing research on axles on pirate, I came across this problem. They said it's normal and that you have to sand down the bushings a little.