Time for u-joints : a question

[Ophir]

Hey friends!

Good week so far - continuing down my punch list for Elsie ("L.C.") - just adjusted steering box, changed out vacuum lines, and replaced distributor/rotor (yay - stuttering is gone + cold weather start up much faster).

I've got some play in the front driveshaft, hear a clunk when shifting gears, and hear a clicking sound from the transfer case area when in 4H. My question is this - I've been researching what is available across cruiser corps / cruiser outfitters etc and it is not clear to me what I should purchase.

Looks like a 1981 fj60 has the double cardan front shaft -- with cruiser outfitters I see this:

60x Series (8/1980 - 05/1984 w/ CV Front Driveshaft)
Front Axle: 1 x Part# UJ36030
2 x Part# UJ00001 (For Double Cardan Joint)
Rear Axle: 2 x Part# UJ36030

Is the recommendation to replace the cardan joints as well as the U-Joints?

Cruiser Corps shows just -

UNIVERSAL JOINTS FOR DRIVESHAFT
SKU: 551-117
Model: FJ40, FJ45, FJ55, FJ60, FJ62
Year: 1974-1990

Thanks in advance!

-Ophir

1981 FJ60 260k - Elsie

 

[OSS]

Are you sure the front u/joints are worn out? Unless you're locked up 6 months a year, the fronts "almost" never wear out- (because usually they're rarely used).

 

[Ophir]

Are you sure the front u/joints are worn out? Unless you're locked up 6 months a year, the fronts "almost" never wear out- (because usually they're rarely used).

Solid question - unknown how the vehicle was used prior.

FWIW had to do the washer trick on the transfer case lever as she wouldn't go back to 2H from 4H when I got her. Thinking I might as well replace the u-joints anyways given the 260k miles on the rig. If the clunk when shifting / vibration is still an issue afterwards will dig in further.

Ending up getting the 3 u-joints + 2 cardan from cruiser outfitters.

 

[micruz60]

Get the greasable type of U-joint.

Do you see splatter of grease / oil on the undercarraige above the u-joints and other spinning parts?
Most likely this is the first time replacing them- 250,000 miles on original equipment is fairly normal...

 

[Ophir]

Get the greasable type of U-joint.

Do you see splatter of grease / oil on the undercarraige above the u-joints and other spinning parts?
Most likely this is the first time replacing them- 250,000 miles on original equipment is fairly normal...

lol... lots of oil under there, I'm working through all the leaks. Last weekend was spent replacing the front crankshaft seal and timing cover gasket. I suspect I'll end up needing to re-gasket the entire engine. She is running strong and #beastmode -- I think that the 2F has simply outlasted its seals.

1981 FJ60 260k - Elsie

 

[SRedd]

Hey friends!

Good week so far - continuing down my punch list for Elsie ("L.C.") - just adjusted steering box, changed out vacuum lines, and replaced distributor/rotor (yay - stuttering is gone + cold weather start up much faster).

I've got some play in the front driveshaft, hear a clunk when shifting gears, and hear a clicking sound from the transfer case area when in 4H. My question is this - I've been researching what is available across cruiser corps / cruiser outfitters etc and it is not clear to me what I should purchase.

Looks like a 1981 fj60 has the double cardan front shaft -- with cruiser outfitters I see this:

60x Series (8/1980 - 05/1984 w/ CV Front Driveshaft)
Front Axle: 1 x Part# UJ36030
2 x Part# UJ00001 (For Double Cardan Joint)
Rear Axle: 2 x Part# UJ36030

Is the recommendation to replace the cardan joints as well as the U-Joints?

Cruiser Corps shows just -

UNIVERSAL JOINTS FOR DRIVESHAFT
SKU: 551-117
Model: FJ40, FJ45, FJ55, FJ60, FJ62
Year: 1974-1990

Thanks in advance!

-Ophir

1981 FJ60 260k - Elsie
Check my post has info you need

 

[rickyrockrat]

Cruiser corps is wrong. They changed the front driveshaft between 1984 and 1986. Can't speak to the FJ62 yet, I'd have to look under mine.
They also changed the flanges on the drivelines. Yours has the double Cardan. I would expect the front U-joints/Cardan just need grease, since they don't have 260K on them, more like 10K if that.
Also, most parts stores have the U-joints wrong (i.e. Autozone,Riley, etc.). Cruiser Outfitters knows their business. You can trust Cruiser Outfitters.
I did a rock crawler and started with an 84, then used an 85, THEN found out the flanges are different, and I got some wrong parts from the parts stores during the lesson.

 

[Elbert]

If you don't know history, I would change all the u-joints on the drives'hafts at the same time...all of them, regardless. Toyota stuff is good for that, I too find advice from cruiser outfitters to be accurate and correct. Many of the aftermarket places simply get many of the LC stuff wrong, even if they do carry a part that works... (local stores)