Two stupid questions...

[LukeZero]

1. I have the front axle from a 1976 FJ40, which has the smaller bolt pattern for the steering arms on the knuckles. How important is it to have the larger bolt pattern? Should I be thinking about getting mini-truck or later 40 knuckles? Complicating factor-- I already have an Aqualu double steering arm for the smaller bolt pattern.

2. What the hell is an SST? I'm guessing "shim setting tool". I keep hearing people refer to it when rebuilding knuckles.

Thanks in advance for your help, Luke

PS. It might be helpful to know my intentions with this axle... it'll have 38.5 Swamper SXs, Longfield 30 spline inners and outers and an ARB.

 

[trw]

I believe it stands for Special Service Tool. Lots of them in the manual but most everything I find can be taken care of with a big brass bar and a bfh.

 

[haystax]

I have a '76 as well, I don't think it is a problem per se but you won't be able to use as many aftermarket sources for components when putting together a steering setup. I don know there are some places that build custom arms for the '76 bolt pattern knucles.

The only other thing I know is that grinding is required for the knuckle to accept a Longfield or mini birf.

 

[Gumby]

SST = Super Secret Tool

 

[RHINO]

yup SST= special service tool. the price makes them unrealistic for most of us.

since you are using the dbl arm, dont worry about the small bolt pattern, you wont be putting the same stress on the arms as hi-steer. besides most of the bolt shearage is do to poor maintenaince of bolt tightening after trail runs.

 

[beanz2]

The SST people are talking about is the knuckle centering gauge (09634-60013) but if you keep your knuckle bearing cap shims and steering arm shims marked (Right-Left ; top-bottom) and put them back in the same positions you don't really need it.

Even if you need the high steer arm, 4x4labs makes one to fit the smaller bolt pattern.

Dave

 

[2mbb]

I recently rebuilt the knuckles on my FU60 and purchased the SST for replacing the knuckle bearings from http://toyota.spx.com/. It's a threaded press device that allows you to push the knuckle arm/bearing cap off the knuckle. I'm pretty sure you could make do without this function by careful use of a hammer, pry bar etc. The same SST is used to support the new bearing as you hammer the knuckle arm/bearing cap back on. While you don't need the SST go get the arm/cap back on, I think the SST prevents the bearing or race from being damaged while you're hammering. I've never seen this tool from an aftermaket vendor.

 

[beanz2]

One other thing that would be nice is getting the later cruiser or minitruck Aisin hubs. You'll need these so you can put the snap ring at the end of the Longfields. The 1976 Warn hubs are too long, covering the snap ring groove in the Longfields.

Some people just run a fender washer and an M8 bolt at the end so you can still keep the Warns.

Dave

 

[LukeZero]

Too late to keep the shims in the correct orientation...OOPS. So is this tool available for rent from somewhere or do I need to pony up the money and buy one myself? Thanks again, Luke

 

[beanz2]

Ask around, some die hard cruiserheads have them. There used to be a guy on the LCML who has one you can rent after putting a deposit for the full purchase price. Last I heard he's sold it to someone else.

Dave

 

[Isotel]

as far as the nuckles go, it just depends on how hard you want to wheel.. If your going to switch to Hysteer and wheel pretty hard i would switch right now to the mini knuckles they are more common if you break and have rummord to be stronger.. I made the mistake of staying with my 76 nuckles and now i have to buy a second set of hysteer arms.. Last time i was at the junkyard they had 2 sets of nuckles i could pick one up for ya if you cant find them cheep near you..

 

[LukeZero]

Yeah- I'd like to get the larger bolt pattern, if for nothing else, to at least have them for when I break the smaller bolt pattern. PM me to tell me what you'll need to pay to get them from the junkyard and what it'll cost to ship them. I'll pay you via PayPal for your trouble. Thanks, Luke