How to: Toyota 4x4 Solid Front Axle Knuckle Rebuild - 4wd Pickup/Hilux, 40 55 60 Series Land Cruiser

[@glen4130]

Watched the whole thing and I don't even own a Toyota. Very well done video.

[@timothy2935]

i like your energy in this build man, sounds like you have fun with it and the way you explain what you are doing and why is thorough and well spoken , Good stuff man

[@klaasslagter8498]

I got moly grease everywhere but I got it done. Big thank you for the video!

[@6thGearGarage]

Yeah it's such a messy job!

[@knuckle47]

This was a spectacular tutorial on servicing the Land Cruiser knuckle

[@KerryCox1967]

Great video with detailed description. I've watched this about three times now in preparation of restoring my ‘77 FJ40 LandCruiser's knuckles. Really appreciate the effort and time you put into this.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks... Glad it helped!

[@robbelle3707]

Really good video,almost gives me enough confidence to do the leaking knuckles on my 79’ fj40,pretty big job,been driving around with weepy knuckles for a bit

[@WilWinston]

If you have trouble finding a 54 mm socket, a 2 1/8 inch socket from Tractor Supply works perfect.

[@vennootje]

Of all the tutorials on KZbin on rebuilding front axle knucklesthis video is the best I have seen. Great job and thanks very much for posting it.

[@6thGearGarage]

Glad it helped!!

[@lawrencemorgan3299]

wow man thank sa lot! My 1980 4x4 is up on blocks and I'm workin on it. This is my next project following your video

[@6thGearGarage]

It's a messy job, but worth it!

[@ricksawchyn8371]

You are a natural in how-to videos and I know it ain’t easy, so well done sir! If anyone can’t rebuild a Birfield like you did while following your tutorial, well they should move on to other projects!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@jerreplace6850]

Great job! I would have not attempted this without your video. Much appreciated!

[@randellrobinson2612]

Thanks for the reply. I have thought about heating them a bit but haven’t yet. I was thinking putting the heat on the hub first might cause it to expand and release the cone washer. I’ll give it a shot. Thanks again.

[@curtisballer688]

Enjoyed great video , thx for showing all correct tools, parts.. If using old race to install new one cut a slit in old one it won’t get stuck..

[@6thGearGarage]

Great Idea on the split in the race - thanks!!

[@MrMaikeul]

Dude.. what an awesome video. You're giving me the confidence of NOT spending $$$ on labor and just doing it myself. :)

[@6thGearGarage]

It really is worth your time. I’d say give yourself a day to do one side, then do the other side another day. Second side will go faster.

[@tdgnakhodka2134]

Best video! From RUSSIA with love.

[@scottelliott9887]

Excellent. No stone left unturned. Great job!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thank you!!

[@davidgibson5756]

Did my 80 series a few months back. This would have been very helpful. Nice job

[@jonatday]

That is an excellent video you did there, I'm sure that will help loads of people, thanks from London (Toyota do love those cone washers!)

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@krogman09]

Halfway through my first viewing of this video, thank you

[@matthewblackwell5274]

i hate doing this but i did it wrong the first time and now my axles bent, currently setting up a trail gear rock assault housing, thanks for the great vid

[@trekkerbestuurder6456]

Thank you for the wonderful detailed video and special thanks for translating the subtitles! Спасибо!

[@mtlactivo]

Great video, I watched it all, very useful, thanks for the detailed explanation.

[@tedbastwock3810]

I love build/repair vids with details like this. Well done, and thanks a million for sharing. Ever consider building a vehicle considering all the spare parts you have? With those + your MIG you could build your own buggy, utv, tractor, etc. I enjoy watching those builds, unfortunately many of them are in russian or other languages, which I don't understand, but watch sometimes anyway just b/c the stuff they make is so cool.

[@6thGearGarage]

I do have a lot of spare parts, mostly 80's pickup. If I had the space, I'd probably build something, but i need to work on current projects first. I say that a lot, but then I keep buying cheap tucks lol.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Damn! I’m gonna have to buy more tools, and stuff!🧰👋😂👍great job buddy!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks!

[@joelhildebrandt9009]

Good video I'm also currently doing this job so you couldn't have released it at a better time

[@pkiasxk]

Great video, very detailed and made the job easy 👍

[@jaykanngiesser3454]

Nice looking truck man!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@iboost05]

Great video! I'm currently in the process of installing the king pin race, looks like they are all in but sticks out out ¼". It's my first time and it doesn't seem right.

[@6thGearGarage]

I wonder if you received the wrong parts... how does the new race compare to the old one in height?

[@mickmick5825]

Thanks mate! From Australia

[@6thGearGarage]

Glad to help!

[@gregavanessian4846]

Beautiful, my fj 60 has the same problem not so bad but it is about time.

[@paultthompson]

Cutting a slot in the old race makes it easy to get out after driving the new race in with it.

[@6thGearGarage]

Now that's a great idea!

[@DiegoGomez-ls9xo]

Excellent, the best video I have seen of the tutorials, I would like to do the same job on my truck, could you tell me where you got the entire kit of original parts, I want to get the kit, thank you

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks! There is a link for the Cruiser Outfitters kit in the description. I've used their kit on my 85 Pickup and 94 Land Cruiser and both times everything was perfect. They sell a great kit.

[@DiegoGomez-ls9xo]

@@6thGearGarage Thank you very much for the information. I will try to find the kit for my 1982 Toyota pickup.

[@PtRkCollection]

Wanna see that disk break conversion, i have an fj60 looking change it up

[@6thGearGarage]

If you go to 3:20 in this video I show the parts needed to upgrade kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHS6oH6qnrBoq7s but I don't have an install video for the brakes, just the master cylinder kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmOnhWOIfa5rgZo

[@chrisjohnson8124]

Very good video!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thank you!

[@drewfleming7065]

Grind the end of the puller rod like a male 3/8" socket...put a socket thats a little bigger then the bolt on the puller rod end...will help keep the puller straight....carful of the treads....can use a socket that fits the nut and the nut....but you have to turn the right way cause the nut will turn to...

[@TyrellCunningham]

@6thgeargarage awesome video, very easy to follow. Do you have a video on the front disc brake conversion?

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks! And sorry I do not... it was done long before my days of youtube.

[@outlawpat8038]

My front knuckles are leaking also. Need to do this soon.

[@lelinhositios5122]

Grato vídeo lelin Rondônia Brazil

[@6thGearGarage]

Thank you!

[@debbiefalcon9814]

There is an easier way to remove the cone washers. Loosen the nuts and unscrew them until they are flush with the end of the studs then use your brass drift and a 3 lbs sledge hammer hit them and the cone washers will pop right off. And don't forget to Make sure the studs are tight

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks for the tip! I'll try that next time.

[@randellrobinson2612]

I’m currently doing the job on my 84 Toyota truck starting with the drivers side. I knew I would have an issue with the cone washers on the locking hub when I heard you say, be sure to replace them with the split turned upward.” Turns out these are all over the board. I have managed to get 4 of them out but the last 2 are a major pain. Any suggestions that you didn’t use in the video? Also have you done one of these videos on the drivers side? How about adding power steering to one of these trucks? Thanks ahead of time. Great video by the way. Loved the cracked dash one also!

[@6thGearGarage]

They're an absolute PITA. Some people hit the edge of the locking hub with a hammer to help break them loose, but that will dent the hub since they're softer aluminum. Both sides are pretty much the same process, so I only filmed the one side. I'm lucky my truck came with power steering, so I didn't need to add it. If you wanted to add PS, you'll need the box, pump, lines, reservoir, and mounting bracket/tensioner... that's all I can think of without looking at my engine bay. One more thing on those cone washers... did you try heating them up?

[@MH-re3kb]

Great video, any details on the brake combination you used?

[@6thGearGarage]

I used an old school Sky widening kit. The calipers are 95 v6 4runner and the rotors are 1985 FJ60. Sky still sells a widening kit but they use different parts now and I believe a floating rotor, which is nice.

[@tedbastwock3810]

I wish life worked in 3X :)

[@EduardoGarcia-cz6fg]

Muy buen video, Me sirvió de mucho, Thanks

[@matsworld9386]

really great video, thanks!

[@6thGearGarage]

Glad you liked it!

[@oscarpuente2029]

outstanding! information.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@TerryG.74fj40]

Great video, lots of info. Getting ready to do the same, front n back. Only problem for me…I have a 74 fj40 no caliper brackets on my knuckle. Some have suggested I look for a 80’s 4-runner front end. Take the knuckle off that. I’d like to try n keep my original. I bought this new…what do you suggest. Thanks for your info.

[@6thGearGarage]

I never thought that the knuckles would be compatible, but if one rebuild kit fits both then I don't see why not!

[@RM_Garage]

Looking good!!

[@carloscastro9154]

The FSM calls for a centering tool for the knuckle bearings to adjust preload. I see you didn’t do the the low range off road video doesn’t show that as well. Is it okay to not use the centering tool?

[@6thGearGarage]

I’ve seen a few people rebuild the knuckles but haven’t seen anyone use the centering tool. I don’t think it is necessary.

[@billtimmer2462]

Hey again from Dayton, O. Do you have info on upgrading to 4runner calipers? Thinking about doing this since the calipers on my FJ62 are in sad shape. I have 15" wheels and 35's so some extra stopping would be nice. Thanks!

[@6thGearGarage]

I used 1995 v6 4Runner calipers on my truck, along with 1985 fj60 vented rotors. Don’t forget the larger master cylinder to make use of the larger calipers.

[@billtimmer2462]

@@6thGearGarage Awesome, thx!

[@Austinandjules]

Easier way to get the spindle off is just beat it with a dead blow. Or put a 2x4 on the spindle and beat that. Gets them off with 2 or 3 hits. Takes 10 seconds.

[@ChristianMadrone]

I am stuck trying to get the oil seal on the hub, it will not go on. It looks like the hub is damaged from years of beating on it. I'm guessing someone didn't use a brass drift at some point. Any idea on how to get that on??

[@6thGearGarage]

You could try to re-smooth the mounting area with a file and sandpaper to take down any uneven high points. But if the damage is done, I'd cut my losses and replace the hub, especially on a daily driver.

[@DaveEPie]

How much should I pay a good shop to do this job? Parts and labor- Thanks great video

[@6thGearGarage]

I have no idea... are you supplying the parts? If so, I'd guess $800.

[@brucegoldsmith8210]

Hi mate, Love the video, just wanted to ask about how big is your magnet you used on the knuckle bearing.... Cheers

[@6thGearGarage]

I think it's about 1.5" diameter

[@DaDaDo661]

I've never seen so many seals and grease in my life. I'm completely ignorant on solid axle/truck axles and hubs like this. I had no idea

[@6thGearGarage]

It's quite a job. Not too complicated, just long and very messy!

[@JohnDoe-id9hi]

Adding hair around the axle seal helps with finding the hole.

[@6thGearGarage]

I had to read that twice hahaha

[@TerryG.74fj40]

Im an old guy, back in my day it was tricky finding the hole in the forest, now there’s no forest.

[@aerialrescuesolutions3277]

Great video. I looked for the video you mentioned about painting a master cylinder but could not find it, also, what paint did you use for it? Thank you, Jim

[@6thGearGarage]

Hi Jim, sorry about that... I just added it in the description. Thanks!

[@reeceauban7144]

How many splines are on those burfield axles? Love the truck!

[@6thGearGarage]

They're stock so they should be 27 spline .Thanks!!

[@tommichellekieffer4083]

You placed second spindle paper gasket on spindle before dust shield where as Toyota manual STEP 10 says after dust shield. I think two gaskets are required to be honest. But it has a drain passage for either path that does not have gasket. I did the right side your way. Maybe do the left side the Toyota way. Hmmmm.

[@6thGearGarage]

Wow good eye... I never noticed that! I'd follow Toyota's instructions. The good news is that the knuckle is doing fine. I hope I won't have to take it all apart again any time soon.

[@Dolorescruz-k1x]

So just to be clear he torque the adjusting nut to 43 foot-pounds, and then after he's done making sure the hub spins freely he loosens it and then hand tightens it? and also what is the snap ring that is used after pulling the axle out called?

[@6thGearGarage]

Yeah torque first, then loosen & hand tighten. It needs to be a certain tightness to allow the hub to spin freely, but it's not a set amount of torque. You really have to just give it a spin and see if it feels right. Knowing what feels right comes with experience of working on these trucks, but you can always spin the one on the other side of the truck to get a good feel of about how it should be. I don't know if the snap ring has a specific name... axle snap ring?

[@Dolorescruz-k1x]

@@6thGearGarage I'm trying to go from auto hubs to aisin hubs and I figured I would just follow your instructions. However, my auto only came with one nut and a bolt with a washer threaded on the axle that pulls it out I'm assuming, and keeps it from moving. Any insight?

[@Dolorescruz-k1x]

@@6thGearGarage So far I have the two Aisin hubs, and two spindle nut kits and because my axle didn’t have a snap ring on the end I have to get two of them I’m assuming? Is the snap ring called the front axle inner snap ring or the Birfield snap ring? Marlin Crawler has both of them but I think I only need one.

[@6thGearGarage]

@@Dolorescruz-k1x I'm having a hard time picturing the bolt with a washer threaded on the axle, but I wonder if someone else was in there before and didn't reassemble it properly?

[@6thGearGarage]

@@Dolorescruz-k1x I would guess it is the "front axle inner snap ring" because the birfield has its own snap ring.

[@billtimmer2462]

How long should the brake rotors last? Where your rotors fairly new when this job was done? Would it be much work to go back and replace them later if needed?

[@6thGearGarage]

Im not exactly sure how long they should last- probably depends on driving style and how much the vehicle gets driven. These were still good. To replace the rotors, just follow this video but stop after the wheel bearings.

[@MattyveesPlaylist]

so the link above for the rebuild kit is that's one from Cruisers? and it'll work on my 85 Toyota pickup axle?

[@6thGearGarage]

Yeah, this is the kit: cruiserteq.com/4x-5x-6x-7x-series-knuckle-rebuild-kit-fits-9-1975-12-89-4x-5x-6x-7x-series-1979-85-pu-4rnr-disc-axle

[@GMCAT4]

Were the rotors ok , perfect time to have them turned or replaced

[@6thGearGarage]

Yeah they were in good shape. I'd replace vs having them turned, as turning makes them slightly thinner & more prone to warpage.

[@anthonysaboriov8402]

hello, which front spring assembly does the hilux use, i see that it only has 3 leaves

[@6thGearGarage]

It has a Pro Comp 4" lift kit

[@voolandashland2914]

21:22 do you have links for this specific kind of JB Weld products. I've look into it. but there are many kinds of it. dunno what to choose.

[@6thGearGarage]

Here is the kind of JB weld I used: amzn.to/460W9Ih

[@voolandashland2914]

@@6thGearGarage cool. thanks a lot man. 😃😃

[@siphamandlagiftmbewu8081]

Do you know where i can get the knuckle rebuild kit for Toyota Hilux 2.2L 4Y Engine 1987 ( South African Model)

[@6thGearGarage]

That 87 axle should be the same as the 85 I did in the video. Link to that Cruiser Outfitters kit is in the description. Their customer service is great... I'd double check the kit will work on your truck if you're not 100% sure. Going on 2 years since I rebuilt with their kit and not a drip of grease/oil :)

[@drewfleming7065]

Anyone out there have a early 80's (single wire) transfer case indicator light switch??? Toy no longer has them and mines gone bad....

[@josemadrigal9754]

I like your set up how can i fo it??

[@josemadrigal9754]

Do it

[@6thGearGarage]

It's a 4" pro comp lift with 2" body lift

[@diazedvin04]

Dude you didn’t put the link to get the same kit please type it thank you

[@6thGearGarage]

It’s there, check again. The same kit covers many vehicles

[@nicolahinton2738]

How to fixs the seats in those toyota trucks

[@6thGearGarage]

Is yours ripped on the side edge too?

[@KurtWilliams-CruiserKurt]

❤❤❤

[@drewfleming7065]

Ok how about anyone have a 85' solid axle for sale???

[@6thGearGarage]

I saw one in OH for $500 a few days ago

[@tomasescoto4524]

Hi

[@6thGearGarage]

Hey

[@editz3234]

And

[@johndifruscia]

Great video. But man stop screaming everything you say.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks for letting me know... sometimes I get too excited. no more caffeine before filming.

[@farmnlognorcal]

Just did my 84 following your video . I'm having a issue with my hub bearing preload though. Even without the nut tight or even on I'm at like 20 lb on the spring scale? I have checked that everything is seated flush over and over and nothing has changed. I have read on pirate 4x4 some people say some kits the seal creates a bunch of extra drag and are really tight but I dont know if I can go with that and rock it. Have you ever came across this problem or have any ideas? Thanks for the vid it was a life saver and very detailed !

[@6thGearGarage]

It sounds like you don’t have enough shims installed. Thicker or more shims will decrease preload.