Trail Gear Trunnion Eliminator Kit (2 Viewers)

[StevoJonesFJ60]

I was shopping around for parts for a front axle rebuild and came across trail gear's trunnion eliminator kit. When I searched this forum there wasn't much on it. Is anyone running this? If so with what results?

 

[alaska60]

if you searched this forum and couldnt find anything......that should answer your question!

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

Valid point, but everyone seems to have a thing against TG. What about the marlin 25mm upgrade?

 

[GLTHFJ60]

It doesn't look like the trunion eliminator is designed for DD use, just for comp or trail-only rigs. For DD use these eliminators wouldn't be able to hold enough grease to prevent friction damage, where as trunion bearings, even the 25mm ones, have a good amount of space to retain grease.

All just speculation, but how I thought through the issue.

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

Also one more question, can the pins on the stock steering arms be pressed out? If not i'll have to wait til I do my SOA, and just do a regular rebuild for now.

 

[LCOwner]

Also one more question, can the pins on the stock steering arms be pressed out? If not i'll have to wait til I do my SOA, and just do a regular rebuild for now.

Yes. Marlin's pins press out to convert to 25mm. I assume others are the same but can't confirm.

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

I was talking about the stock steering arms from the factory, not the aftermarket marlin arms. I don't feel like buying new arms because mine are still in good shape. This was just going to be a rebuild for now until I get the money for a full build-up + SOA.

 

[Mark W]

Pins???

Not sure what you mean by "pins", but the OEM steering arms are one solid piece of steel.


As to the thoughts about the eliminators holding enough grease (as opposed to the bearings)... Many axle designs use bushings not bearings (Rockwells from under mil 2.5 ton trucks come to mind right off).

Bushings generally have less loading on the actual contact area also, because of how much larger that contact area is.


Mark...

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Borrowed from Marlin's website;

The pins being the trunion bearing pins in the high steer arms. The Marlin arms have pressed in pins so you can swap them out for their 25mm trunion bearing pins.


Good point on the trunion bearing eliminators. In reality, they don't see that much movement compared to just about any other bearing in the truck. This is the first I've heard of them though

 

[Mark W]

I just took a look at this kit that trail gear is offering. I like the idea. I would like it better if the bushing insert was bronze. With the ability to grease it via the zerks, lubrication is a non issue. This would be good on a daily driver as well as a trail toy.

Would seem to eliminate a lot of parts failure due to overstress as well as reducing maintenance.

As I think about this, I expect I will probably include it in my next axle build. and also see about getting some bronze bushings machined for it if I do.


Mark...

 

[Mark W]

I figured out the "pin" thing once I realized we were talking about non OEM arms too.


Mark...

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

Yeah, I read a review somewhere, the setup was being tested for use and the guy was using it in his DD. From the pictures it seemed to stay well greased, no wear after 4000 miles or so. I also really liked the idea of using bushings instead of bearings. Bronze bushings is a great idea, if I end up using this I'll probably look into getting some made up. There is a great machine shop right by my house.

 

[redneck hippy]

this should answer most of your questions.

Trail-Gear Trunnion bearing Elim kit install - Pirate4x4.Com Bulletin Board

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

Yep, that's the thread I read on them. I figured I would check to see if anyone on MUD is running it first. Thinking about it, I'll probably take my stock arms to that machine shop and have them machined to fit the pins for this kit. Do you guys think the stock arms will be able to hold up?

 

[boots4]

Thanks for the link to pirate. Wish I had seen these just a little sooner since I've recently changed out all my trunion bearings. I suppose that just gives me more time to save up.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

That review clears up all questions I had about this kit. Damn, another thing I've got to buy for my front axle.

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

I know what you're saying, I sorta feel like with all the money I could sink into just the front axle, I could have another project truck. Any opinions on the strength of the stock steering arms?

 

[Slowerthanu]

Everyone bashes on TG but that kit seems to be the answer. I'll be installing that before my October Moab trip.

 

[lehiguy]

Everyone bashes on TG but that kit seems to be the answer. I'll be installing that before my October Moab trip.

I bought one of their six-shooter knuckle kits and some other hardware. While the parts are beefy, there were some issues with some things that required their attention. They were complete A-holes to deal with and I am done with them.

 

[cruiser88]

I have intention of putting in this kit.
I know TG customer service can be lacking but what needed addresed? Just wondering in case i run into an issue.