Volunteer for fzj80 front axle/birf rebuild?!?! (Hou, TX)

[richxd87]

Hey Guys,
New to Mud and have learned so much and want to thank everyone for all the knowledge and insight you guys provide. With all the reading I've done, I've decided to tackle a front axle rebuild on my '97 fzj80. I've read the tutorials on Mud and I'm confident I can handle it but I figured a knowledgeable hand could definitely help and speed things along. I'll have all the tools and parts in a week or so and looking to tackle the job sometime there after.

Let me know if you can come by and lend a hand and I'll provide some food and drinks!!
If one prefers to do the work at their place, that's fine with me too, I just want a hand in doing it to learn more about my rig.

Thanks,
Richard

oh btw, I'm located just north of the Heights/610 on Shepherd and 34th.

ps: if there is a more appropriate place for this thread, please move it mods.

 

[lispeej]

nice truck. if i were local, i'd help. good luck in your rebuild.

 

[Sc0-]

When, I might be free to give a hand...

(Wrench on 3 FJ80's already.)

 

[213_dan]

Looks like you picked up TEXLEX's LX450. Awesome looking rig!

For any help at all, look no further than Javier's at 9443 Clay Rd. He is THE cruiser mechanic here in Houston. Honest and fair, too. He also stages work sessions at his shop for customers to learn their trucks.

 

[richxd87]

Sure did, and he was a pleasure to deal with! I'm loving the rig so far and already put the OME Heavy/medium combo on myself. Piece of cake.

Thanks for the referral for Javier but I'd really like to tackle it myself to save some money and learn about the truck myself. Tell me more about these work sessions though!

Looks like you picked up TEXLEX's LX450. Awesome looking rig!

For any help at all, look no further than Javier's at 9443 Clay Rd. He is THE cruiser mechanic here in Houston. Honest and fair, too. He also stages work sessions at his shop for customers to learn their trucks.

 

[richxd87]

When, I might be free to give a hand...

(Wrench on 3 FJ80's already.)

Sc0 - Thanks for the offer! Have you done the axle rebuild before? I'd like to knock it out next weekend but can be flexible if someone is able to assist.

I'm planning on heading to PINS the weekend of Aug 12th with some guys from Central Overland if any of you guys want to come hang out! see link below

• View topic - CO "Beat the Heat" PINS Trip August 2011 *FREE TRIP*

 

[Sc0-]

I have rebuilt two front axles and two rear, along with I don't know how many Dana44 and Dana60's, and a VW transaxle. Actually next weekend, Aug 6-7, would be bad for me as I have drill, unless it's going to be a late start and I can drop in around 5 or 6pm. I think I am TDY on Aug 13-19 as well (The cleaning of parts is what takes up most of the time, also be sure you can loosen the differential drain and fill bolts before you start.)

So... I see that you don't have sliders... are you in the market for some? I might have some available.

 

[213_dan]

Yeah, I understand about wanting to DIY. I actually learned how to do my front axle service by hanging out at Javier's and watching others work on their axles. I can recall watching guys tear their felts because they didn't know to soak 'em first. Javier had to show them the right way.

He was just cool enough to let guys from the Texas Land Cruiser Club do their work at his shop. I think he had them pretty regularly, but you'd have to go by there yourself to verify that he still stages these get-togethers.

What springs did you take off? I was lifted before, but had to go stock height for a while....probably re-lift soon.

Sure did, and he was a pleasure to deal with! I'm loving the rig so far and already put the OME Heavy/medium combo on myself. Piece of cake.

Thanks for the referral for Javier but I'd really like to tackle it myself to save some money and learn about the truck myself. Tell me more about these work sessions though!

 

[richxd87]

Sc0 - pm sent about the sliders

213_dan - It just had the stock springs on there when I bought it. TEXLEX had only replaced the shocks and I added the 850/860 combo. I still need to do the castor correction bushings, so I'll probably go to Javier for that.

 

[213_dan]

Don't know if Javi has a press yet. I had to go to Tom at Off Road Unlimited to get mine pressed in. He has the press, the template, and the know how. Expect to pay alot, tho.

 

[Sc0-]

If needed I have a press but don't know how and don't have the template...
(25t Omega with pneumatic over hydraulic drive)

I prefer Landtank's Castor plates, much easier to install and no messing with bushings. When I get all armored up and the suspension settles for a castor reading I will be installing plates. (Ironman 2.5" lift)

 

[richxd87]

Sc0 - I'd be interested in coming by to use that press of yours once i get the axle out of the way! I already have the yellow OME bushings and the press tool so might as well use it...

 

[Sc0-]

No problem...

 

[Buckru]

Javier is a great guy and a good friend. His shop is swamped (good for him) but a scheduled appointment is all that's needed.

I may be able to help. My office is next to Chase on the feeder of 610 so one day after work would be better. I could probably help with one side and you could do the other.

Buck

 

[scotia]

Go with caster plates.....I have replaced too many correction bushings that fall apart. I have some arms that can be swaped out should you decide to use bushings. I can press them in for you. and you give me your stock ones. I have a press at my shop that has been pulling double duty these days.

 

[richxd87]

scotia - i was under the impression that caster plates would provide me too much correction? Since i only have a 2.5" lift, would it over correct the angle? If this means I would need to get 850Js up front, then so be it... lol

Differences between Landtank's and Slee's caster correction plates?

 

[Sc0-]

Landtank plates: you just tell him what degree you need them at...

(If you go this route I have a 90 degree Makita drill available and a ARC/TIG welder.)

 

[Buckru]

scotia - i was under the impression that caster plates would provide me too much correction? Since i only have a 2.5" lift, would it over correct the angle? If this means I would need to get 850Js up front, then so be it... lol

Differences between Landtank's and Slee's caster correction plates?

If the long term goal is to stay on 285's, the castor bushings are an easy way to go in terms of work and wallet. If the plans are to move up to 35's then the plates might be in order, but not needed. Both choices have bushings that at some point will need replacing, parts wear out.

I know you are in a time crunch before pins but try to determine the long term plans and approach it from there. Longer term planning can prevent unneeded expense caused by snap decisions.

Buck

 

[richxd87]

Buck - I'm in no rush to get the caster correction done so I'll definitely weigh the future options of the truck.

I just wanted to fit the axle rebuild in this weekend because I wont be free for another 3 weeks but I've already settled on waiting til the end of the month.

Thanks for those who offered help! I'll hit y'all up in a few weeks!

 

[gavan]

You can do it at my house if you want, I should have everything you need to get it done safely, MIG, plasma cutter, hand tools, air tools, whatever, and I can offer some lousy advice in the process. I have a gated off driveway, but the garage is full, so its gonna be hot!