Spindle Upgrade With Needle Bearing

[Dissent]

I'm approaching birf overhaul time again next month and just found out I have a slightly loose wheel bearing too so it's time to dig into the front end again.

When I had it apart 4 years ago (60K), I noticed the spindles had some slight discoloration. When I bought it at 160K, both front wheel bearings were extremely loose with lots of play.

I'm considering upgrading to the new Needle Bearing style over the older OEM bushing style. Based on the old photo, how do my existing spindles look?

Anyone have any experience or recommendations about the newer style spindles with the needle bearings. Who carries these also? I checked Cruiser Outfitters and they don't list them on the site. May have to call them.

 

[NLXTACY]

@wardharris

 

[mct75]

I have a question. It seems like moly grease is really bad for small roller bearings. If so, how is lubricating the needle bearing accomplished? Is it a special moly-tolerant one?

 

[wardharris]

@wardharris

@orangefj45

 

[2fpower]

Hard to tell from a picture. Do you have a noticeable lip where the bearing would ride? If so, I would replace. I have been using the new needle bearing type spindles in last two axles I have worked on.

 

[Dissent]

There wasn't a lip but a slight blueish tint and wear marks on the top side of the spindle. Thought I had a better pic. It makes sense to replace the bushing but I figured given the 220K mileage and prior sloppiness I'd replace them. I'll reach out to @orangefj45 for some pricing.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

 

[Oscar Witte]

I got a Japanese one from onlineautoparts on eBay from Australia. It has been good for the last couple thousand that I've had it. It was the cheapest option I could find.

 

[Dissent]

I came across "a quality Japanese spindle with the brass bush and needle bearing installed" for $189 from Spindle Upgrade With Needle Bearing [ORG-TOY-SPNB105] - $189.00 : Locktup 4x4, Hardcore Offroad Gear

Wasn't sure if this was the best bet given the shipping cost and what not.

Looks like they're priced at $360 with free shipping for a pair - Spindle Upgrade With Needle Bearing - PAIR [ORG-TOY-SPNB105x2] - $359.00 : Locktup 4x4, Hardcore Offroad Gear

or

The needle spindles and a set of Trail Gear locking axle nuts for $440 with free shipping.

 

[stkybgr]

I had to replace mine last year because both spindles had grooves in them and bearings were loose. I contacted @beno and he was the best price with the best response.

 

[vapilotda]

Is this spindle an aftermarket item or is this the updated part I would get if I went to the dealership and ordered them?

 

[Dissent]

Ah, so this is an actual Toyota dealer part with the needle bearings...do you have a P/N?

 

[toyofan]

That ^^^^ ... and can the needle bearing bushing be retrofitted into the existing spindle ? and if so what would be the part number for it ?

 

[mderrick]

interesting ...

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

All 80 series spindles from the dealer have needle bearings, now.

If you still have play after you set proper wheel bearing torque you are likely in need of new spindles or bearings only a mic can tell. Given your turnion bearings are good. Looking at it gives you very little info.

 

[LandCruisinMy93]

That ^^^^ ... and can the needle bearing bushing be retrofitted into the existing spindle ? and if so what would be the part number for it ?

Yes...mine is running original spindles with the needle bearing and bushing setup from a 105. The older bushings are deep, the needle bearing and bushing add up to about the same depth because the bushing is much shorter. It's an easy install for a shade tree mechanic.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

That ^^^^ ... and can the needle bearing bushing be retrofitted into the existing spindle ? and if so what would be the part number for it ?

Agurably the all brass is a better set up. More effort is required to keep needles lubed

Spindle Bearing, Front - Land Cruiser 80 Series use w/brass bushing (K…

 

[Dissent]

So any discoloration isn't a concern?

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

So any discoloration isn't a concern?

Not for me, size is what matters.

 

[Dissent]

LOL. I'll just tighten up that corner for now and measure everything in Feb when I overhaul it.

25lb for the bearing preload right?

 

[NLXTACY]

Ah, so this is an actual Toyota dealer part with the needle bearings...do you have a P/N?

Hmm...there is a poster somewhere around here that has all of these part numbers in it. Hmm. I hear there is a shirt with the part numbers too