Toyota Solid Front Axle Knuckle Rebuild/Birfield Replacement - 80 Series Land Cruiser FJ80 FZJ80

Today I'm showing how I rebuilt the entire front axle knuckle assembly, replaced the wheel bearings, and also replaced the birfield joint on my imported 1994 Land Cruiser VX Limited.
The rebuild kit w/ wheel bearings ($185), two Birfield joints ($310), Birf Snap rings ($10.50) and spring gauge ($22.50) totaled $528 before shipping. I read that the cost to have this done at a repair shop can be $1000 or more.
Tools needed:
Spring Gauge cruiserteq.com/spring-scale-g...
3-jaw puller amzn.to/3efaF7Z
54mm socket amzn.to/3sJmC9S
Brass drift punch set amzn.to/3reaAov
Seal puller
Big hammer
Mallet
Big screwdriver, which will also double as a seal puller
Snap Ring Pliers
dust cap puller/small chisel
needle nose pliers
5/16” rod or drill bits
3/8" ratchet
3/8"Extension
3/8" 19mm socket
3/8" 17mm socket
3/8" 14mm socket
3/8" 12mm socket
1/4" 10mm socket
1/4” ratchet
34mm socket, or driver for oil seal
M8 x 1.25 bolt
magnet amzn.to/3qc4Yd7
1/2” breaker bar
inch pound torque wrench
1/2” Torque wrench
1/2” short extension,
1/2” 19mm socket
1/2” 17mm socket
1/2” 14mm socket
1/2” 12mm socket
two wood blocks
wire or zip ties to hang caliper
Supplies needed:
pan or something to catch grease
Duplicolor degreaser/prep spray amzn.to/2Ptun5q
Wheel bearing grease amzn.to/3sINGpH
Hi-temp wheel bearing grease amzn.to/3bSOsJP
Moly Grease amzn.to/3q9zcxw
lithium multi-purpose grease amzn.to/37YxvN5
wire brush
a LOT of paper towels!
Here are the parts I purchased from Cruiser Outfitters to do this job:
- 8x Series Knuckle Rebuild Kit - Fits 8x 1/1990-1/1998 80/81 Series & LX450 (FA9097TWB)
- Spring Scale Gauge (FASCALE)
- Standard-Duty Replacement Birfield/Axle - Fits 1/1990 - 1992 8x Series & LX450 w/o ABS (FAXT60120JP)
- Inner Axle & Birf Snap Rings - Fits 9/1975 - 1990 4x/55/6x/PU/4R w/ Disc Brake & 1991 - 1997 FJ/FZJ80 at Free Hub/Drive Flange (FACL31007)
- Inner Axle & Birf Snap Rings - Fits 1991 - 1997 FJ/FZJ80 Inside Birf (FACL34005)
NOTE: my imported 1994 VX Limited does not have ABS, so it uses different birfields (short, non-abs) than a US 1994 model with ABS.
Cruiser Outfitters did not discount any parts or sponsor this video, but Chris was extremely helpful in helping me purchase the correct parts for my 80. I recommend contacting them if you have any questions about finding the parts you need.
I don't have Patreon or ask for donations but you can support the channel with some rad Yota gear from my store: 6thgeargarage.com/merchandise/
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Instagram: 6th_gear
6thGearGarage

[@matthewgraham7419]

Honestly one of the best tutorials I have ever watched. Answered every question I had about doing this upcoming job!!! Keep up the great work!!

[@6thGearGarage]

Awesome, thank you!

[@frankcanha]

@@6thGearGarage Where did you order the Birfield Joints from please?

[@6thGearGarage]

@@frankcanha I got all the part from Cruiser Outfitters

[@rolandzimmermann6115]

@@6thGearGarage le

[@gregatkinson5929]

Excellent description of this task. Your commentry is precise the speed of moving along very good. Anyone following this will do a perfect job. This is perfect for the home grease monkies. Cheers NZ

[@6thGearGarage]

Much appreciated, thanks!

[@rayss3323]

Others have already said it - so here's a repeat - THIS IS THE BEST TUTORIAL I'VE SEEN ON KZbin! thx!

[@exploreraa983]

was having trouble pulling my axle until I watched your video, i was forgetting the flat spot when pulling it. thanks for the great video.

[@vhog6314]

Saved me $900 with this, super easy to follow and majorly helpful. Thanks brotha

[@6thGearGarage]

Great to hear!

[@curtisb9424]

Dude this must’ve taken you forever to set up the camera as well as you did for every shot and the editing and narration. Bravo my friend I know everyone else is saying it but this is truly the best automotive tutorial I’ve ever watched

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks! It took 2x as long to do the job while filming, but I'm glad to see the video helping so many people!

[@guitar14]

Really enjoyed your video. Great camera work and friendly narration. You really give us DIYers the confidence to tackle the job.

[@franks2354]

Thx mate - I think this is one of the best and most detailed (sequence and torque values) videos on the net covering this job! I didn't know that trick with the stacked rims - I've been using a plastic tube so far but that doesn't work so well...I use blue seal for the hub and cone washers, makes it more waterproof.

[@GnocciSunflower]

Excellent job on the video ... gotta be one of the best auto how-to vids i've seen! thanks so much

[@VictorDu-Baja-4x4-wanderer]

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME...

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks for watching, hope it helped!

[@OzTrax4X4]

Very in depth and well explained. I'll definitely be referring back to this one when it comes time to do the job.

[@11236marc]

This is the best detail video I have seen on KZbin so far. Great job 👏

[@eulalio02]

great video. lots of specific tips that come with experience. most knuckle rebuild videos are helpful but seem aimed at experienced mechanics. this felt like a video put together for us noobs who are leary of this job but want to take care of our Land Cruisers. when it's time I'm sure I'll be coming back to this video. thanks again.

[@SB-xt9gd]

Hi Folks, I’ve done a couple of these 80series solid axles and when it comes to wheel bearing preload the torque spec needs to be a definite value. I set up at 43ft/lb spin the rotor back and forth then loosen it off and tighten to 4ft/lb, fit the locking tab then locking nut tightens to 47ft/lb. The preload setting should be the knuckle preload(shims) to read 7-15lb for std tyres and 9-16 for >33 inch tyres. I say a definite bearing setting because there must be a std for all torque settings of every component on a production line. Some folks say tighten to 40 then back off then hand tighten then turn an extra 1/8 of a turn and you’re done. This method cannot be correct. I suggest that specific values are checked and applied. IMO, this video is one of the better productions going around, clear narration, camera angles and straightforward sequences. Good job!!

[@hhhhgggg305]

Excellent video, answered all my questions. One of the best that I have seen...

[@buddhikapulasthi2998]

These will be no better explanation than this. All the details are there. What a great video! Thank you so much for your time 🔥💪🏻😍

[@TheJaredsalinsky]

Dude. This is massively helpful as I’m about to embark on knuckle rebuild on hj61. Great instructional video. Thank you!

[@Navin.R.Johnson]

Best video out there for this job that I'm about to tackle. Thanks for making it

[@renebaur300]

Thanks for a good, clear, step by step instruction video! Getting my 80 ready for a two month Kimberley trip, and this was the job I was least looking forward to. Tips and tricks based on experience, like you’ve given in this video made the job easier. I’ve watched a couple of good videos on this, but yours is among the best, and matches my 92 FJ80R, where the others are aimed at later models with significant differences. Five stars my friend.

[@hendrik8861]

This is a great tutorial, well done and thank you for that! Two things I learned while doing the knuckles on my 80: replace the brass bushing shown at 30:54. That bushing wears out and can cause and awful occasional grinding noise while driving, took me a while to figure out what caused that noise. Also, make sure your diff gasket isn't leaking because in order to replace it, you have to pull the birfs out again.

[@MarcHDJ81v]

Great job on the rebuild dude

[@GnocciSunflower]

AND .... I freakin LOVE all the tip and tricks.... Shade Tree Mechs are a dying breed my cruiser friend!

[@AaronCarr]

Great tutorial, very clear and measured. I feel much more confident about doing this now

[@6thGearGarage]

It's not too bad, just don't rush and be ready for a mess.

[@patstirling1334]

Excellent tutorial, very good camera work and narration!

[@yunked210]

Best tutorial so far Excellent job!!

[@donnyloh7375]

Very best tutorial. Reminds me of my automotive skills I've learned. Very best explaination ever.

[@montimitchellsr]

One of the best demonstrations thanks

[@Mixablefive4]

You are the best bloke in existence that was a bloody grouse video cheers cobba

[@maisyray]

Great Video Excellent editing. Going to be doing this when i add my lockers

[@Bmaenpaa2]

Excellent and entertaining tutorial. I have the new model with ABS, so the mounting screw for the magnet is the perfect size to thread into the end of the axle and pull! A very satisfying maintenance project.

[@zerochance8581]

Exceptionally well done and helpful!

[@Ghostrider-71]

Excellent video!! You and the guy from Australia have the 2 best tutorial videos out there. Adding to my library to use when I finally do this job. Edit: for others that are watching (2-3x 😁) if you have differential lockers, from reading and research, the lockers need to be engaged (locked) or there will be difficulty in getting the axle back in.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks! Who's the guy from Australia? I'll have to check out his channel.

[@Ghostrider-71]

@@6thGearGarage 2nd gear low, highly recommended.

[@tijanimohammed3760]

Thanks for your education, the camera is on point and you move step by step and really admire you am a mechanic driver though.thanks ones again

[@willw3900]

Bro…. You’re a lifesaver.

[@HoaChu-ti6bw]

thank you for taking the time to put this together!

[@6thGearGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rosendofj40bigblock7]

Great video, the detail was excellent, 👍 👍

[@doclees11]

As so many have said great job. I've been watching these 80s repair videos for a friend that is getting donated a 93 with lockers. Didn't know much about the Land Cruiser before this but I want one now. So much more logical repairs vs my Range Rover. I'd love to resurrect one in need.

[@ReeferRBU]

Dude you killed it man. What a video!!!

[@mtk8020]

Perfecto! Need to do this soon on my 80 . Subscribed 👊

[@jackcoiner2624]

Good JOB ! EXCELLENT VIDEO !

[@JeffreyAmu]

Thanks for the video, it's really helping me to understand

[@gilvietor1918]

Holy smokes you did an amazing job explaining this.

[@adrianguzman5205]

Great video! Really helpful.

[@robertclark2714]

I just rebuilt my LX450 triple locked front axle and I installed Marlin Crawler axle seals. They are well engineered and are a serious upgrade to the original factory seals. I also put spindle bearings in the place of the stock spindle bushings. Hopefully, she'll be good for another 500,000 miles. Being a Vietnam Era Veteran, I doubt I will see her cross the million mile mark but I see no reason why she cannot make it and more.

[@6thGearGarage]

These Land Cruisers will outlast both of us. There's nothing nowadays that is built to last like the 80 Series.

[@4by_yotaguy373]

I've done these axle reseal w/ new bearings a few times, but never touched anything w/ the Birfields. Nice to see one apart. And just like been said many times already, This Is The Best Toyota Solid Axle How To around!!!! Excellent content!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thank you!

[@jeffreyskinner3057]

You should train Toyota Technicians. I look at numerous how to videos as I own a 94 FZJ80. This is the absolute best diy video on this procedure I’ve ever seen. A cave man could do this after watching. GREAT JOB!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks 👍 I'm glad to see this video has helped so many!

[@TheMultisportGeek]

Brilliant video. Thank you!!!

[@BrianTeHore]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge well appreciated keep up the good work cheers my man

[@Volkswear]

Great video. I've noticed some clicking on the right front of my 94 80 series. Guessing this job is in my near future. I'll probably be referring back to this video a few time during the job. Thank You. JC.

[@brianalucas]

Superb video. 👍🏼

[@juanacevedo9138]

This was amazing

[@KiyaWarrior]

more fzj80 maintenance videos in the future please, you're very detailed and noob friendly, sorry for making so many comments also btw haha, but your vid is the best knuckle rebuild vid I've seen out there thanks man

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks for that, glad to see it helped someone else!

[@abboudabudafair1484]

Very well done...Thanks a lot.

[@KiyaWarrior]

I need to do this soon as well!

[@lawrencemorgan3299]

Man that is awesome. Thanks!!!

[@javierr1blue]

excellent video !!

[@bobmariano3731]

Awesome info & great instructions. 👍👏⚾️

[@6thGearGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-yl4ey7cx7x]

The shims are to ajust pre-load. For oversized tyres ajust preload to 12 to 15 lb.

[@john914]

Thanks for sharing.

[@relyenterprisestx]

Just tap it in….give it a little tap tap tappie….go right in your home….AAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!!…COME ON !!!!!!!ARE YOU TOO GOOD FOR YOUR HOME!!!!!-this plays in my head when I’m driving seals and races.

[@6thGearGarage]

😂😂😂

[@luxembourgtbonbon7190]

Great!. Good job!. Well done!. Congrats!!..

[@donnielabrigo9502]

very thorough. thank u sir . keep safe and pls more vids on lc80 tnxc

[@Bru946]

This is a great tutorial

[@ricardobourdeth596]

Muy buen video, felicitaciones!! Tienes un nuevo seguidor!

[@Anth0nyPain]

Talk about detail! Thank you!

[@6thGearGarage]

You're welcome!

[@andrewoutside2073]

Much appreciated. Thank you.

[@shaungranger2166]

Great job, hope you changing the worn and rusty rotors soon

[@oscarpuente2029]

outstanding!!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thank you!

[@johnathanhill2706]

Thank you!

[@danpeshkin8812]

Thank you so much for the video. I need to replace the axel shafts on my 80. I think that job will be easier since I don't need to change the seals.

[@6thGearGarage]

Yes it will be much easier/faster, but it's also the ideal time to replace the seals if they're only slightly leaking.

[@danpeshkin8812]

@@6thGearGarage Thank you and great advice. Last question, do I need to drain the differential fluid before doing this job? Thanks again for the great video.

[@MinyahlGetahun111]

very helpful video

[@6thGearGarage]

Glad to hear that!

[@markreynolds3850]

Interesting video, I do my own maintenance on my 1985 4runner with relative ease..

[@vanderholt2]

A tip on driving in your hub bearings: Take a grinder and cut a all the way through the race on one of your old hub bearings, then use it as a drift for your new ones. This way you wont use that brass drift and risk getting brass shavings in your hub. There are undoubtable shavings in your hub that you missed...

[@6thGearGarage]

excellent tip, thanks!

[@robertclark2714]

Brass shavings are soft and probably won't cause any damage but I always use an old race. sometimes the old race gets caught in with the new one and it is interesting trying to get it back out.

[@4by_yotaguy373]

Oh this is good. I've done uncountable bearing jobs and without the split in old race you can only use it so far before that race gets pressed in too. This tip is excellent and simple but just something I was never taught or thought of before. Thanks, really!

[@user-in7pe8wo4t]

Thank You.

[@TechnicianRed]

Great video, thanks! However I would highly recommend investing in a pressure washer (hot pressure washers are really good) to make cleaning up that axle housing/knuckle way easier.

[@6thGearGarage]

I recently did a knuckle rebuild on my 85 and used a pressure washer. It saves so much time (and chemicals!)

[@mdbnc2704]

thanks a lot

[@supastyler1]

The best thanks heaps

[@edgarhuicejr8155]

Hola excelente video. Tengo que hacer ese trabajo a mi camioneta y siguiéndote creo que podría hacerlo solo. Gracias y saludos desde Caracas Venezuela.

[@ramonbonilla4126]

good video that's

[@mphilleo]

Oh man, I remember (not fondly) rebuilding my birfs. Pretty sure the total parts from Mr. T were well over $900. It was a weekend-long project with the help of a friend for part of it. I think there's still grease stains in my garage from the ordeal. Spent a lot of time doing each step meticulously and to the letter. A couple weeks later, I checked the fluid condition on both birfs. The driver side fluid started to mix. At that point, I was demoralized and out of energy to re-fix it. So I sold it to a young man for a tidy (although not amazing) profit. Darn shame.

[@6thGearGarage]

That's a shame, but the oil usually enters the knuckle one of 2 ways... 1. clogged diff breather - gear oil expands when warm and axle can't vent so oil pushes past the oil seal. 2. the axles were grooved at the oil seal and the oil seal needed to be driven in further, or I've seen Speedi-Sleeves placed on the axle where the oil seal sets.

[@KiyaWarrior]

Adjusting nut / locking nut came loose after 7 months. Thankfully found a solution though. Don't reuse your old locking nuts / adjusting nut and lock washer folks.

[@KBrogger]

Thanks for taking the time to put this together for the world. One question though, it was apart, why not replace the rotors?

[@6thGearGarage]

They still have plenty of life left. When it comes time to do brakes, I'll have a good excuse to produce a video for that :)

[@jessecampbell4580]

Pvc pipe does wrork greak to seperate the axel from the brifeild!

[@6thGearGarage]

Good to know I can keep just a pipe in the garage instead of a stack of old Wheels!

[@tomdover5147]

Great video, thanks. Any idea what the wheel bearing pre load figures are for a factory part time front end?

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks! Unfortunately the service manual I have is US spec, so they only have the specs for full time.

[@WillyK51]

Have a FJ60 and the left one has been rebuilt 3 times. The right one never, Rubber seals and bearings at the same time as the left one, but because the left one failed. Didn't do it myself, but maybe should have. Odd not having a manual front twist Locker?

[@6thGearGarage]

I prefer the manual locking hubs w/ part time 4wd, but Toyota never offered them on the US 80's because more Americans took their 80''s to the mall than the mountains.

[@jeremygesser3877]

I really appreciate the tutorial. Great video! Can you explain why you couldn't just use the hi temp red bearing grease on the knuckle bearings? I am just curious, as I am about to tackle this job in a couple days. Thanks!

[@6thGearGarage]

Great question, I actually googled before I did the job because I was also curious. The hi temp red grease has properties that make it best for bearings that move constantly at high speed, creating heat. The moly grease is heavier and is formulated for bearings that aren't constantly rotating, such as steering parts.

[@Momo.jdm.import]

Hi, as always very helpful videos. Next could you do how to underbody rust prevention or rust coat and which product you will use?

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks! I recently sprayed my 80 with Fluid Film. I already have a video showing how to apply the product with a spray gun on my TSX: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sICxhmymns6Sgac but I am working on a video showing how to spray inside the doors & rocker panels on my 80 to help prevent rust in those places.

[@Momo.jdm.import]

@@6thGearGarage oh that's great, can't wait for that video to drop. Keep at it 💪🏻

[@6thGearGarage]

@@Momo.jdm.import I should have it uploaded later today

[@winstonprice7920]

Thank you so much for this detailed step by step guide through this process. I’m about to do this for the first time too. One question I didn’t see an answer for was how you added moly grease into the knuckle to fill it up 3/4 of the way. How can you tell when you are 3/4 full?

[@6thGearGarage]

I just packed it in by hand until it looked about 3/4 full. There is a plug you can unscrew (3/8" square) to add more grease after the knuckle is re-assembled. It's located on the front of the knuckle, near the top. You can use a zip tie as a dip stick to check the level trough that hole if needed.

[@winstonprice7920]

@@6thGearGarage thanks again. I’m excited to get started!

[@SteveSchwarzYZF]

Great tutorial !. When removing the bearing races - can you use a screw driver since the races will be replaced anyway?. Also. The stacked tires to separate the birfs from axles really works. I used an abs pipe inside the stacked wheels to prevent the axle from hitting the rims. And used a Honda brake rotor onto since the birf would pass through the landcruiser rims.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks! I don't know if a screwdriver would work... might get banged up. I have used a long punch when I didn't have a brass drift. But I was very careful not to gouge up the inside of the hub. I think a screwdriver might slip easier.

[@BKM79915]

Great Video! Thank you for making it. Do you happen to have a cut sheet for all the torque specs that you mention throughout your video?

[@6thGearGarage]

I used the factory service manual and the instructions that came with the kit from Cruiser Outfitters for all of the tq specs.

[@BKM79915]

@@6thGearGarage My Vehicle is JDM and I don't have the service manual. I am about to embark on this rebuild. I will rewatch your video to get the specs

[@6thGearGarage]

@@BKM79915 mine is also JDM but the suspension/steering is the same and shares specs with USDM 80 of the same year.

[@enjoiboy24]

Is there a trick to get a stuck axle out if the birf pops off the inner? I’m checking my front axles before snow season and while removing the passenger axle the birfield popped off leaving the axle inside. I’ve tried throwing vice clamps over a paper towel to not damage the threads and can get the axle to wiggle but not come out, ideas?

[@6thGearGarage]

I haven't heard of this happening. Can you put something long in through the other side, like a rod or broom stick and reach the other end of the axle to try to tap it out from behind? (I don't even know if it is possible.)

[@AZRubicon1]

GREAT review! Estimate on time to do both sides? 4-6-8 hours?

[@6thGearGarage]

It could be anywhere in that range depending on how fast you work, the amount of rusty bolts, grime, stubborn ball joints. Also if there is any pitting on the end of the axle housing, you'll need time to fill those with JB weld. They were fine on my FZJ80, but on my 1985 they were pretty rough so I had to fill them in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3LNmYBqlquSg5o

[@user-lp5vn8rq4j]

great video, thanks, replaced leaking diif seal about 2 years back, easy with this video ! stupid question, failed an inspection on too much play on front right hub, (once car lifted there is play and very slight noise when rotating axel in the 6 and 12 o clock position, which bearing/s or part needs replacing as i'm too cheap to go mechanic. Is there a tightening solution. any help thanks from new zealand

[@6thGearGarage]

Sounds like the wheel bearing is getting some play. You could try to tighten the nut a little to take out the slack & pass inspection, but plan on replacing that bearing soon.

[@kpkelsey6]

Come down to WV and do mine. We have the exact same truck after all 😉

[@6thGearGarage]

I have to do this on my 85 next It's not any more fun after the first time.

[@kpkelsey6]

@@6thGearGarage I’m definitely not looking forward to it.

[@cisko162]

Awesome tutorial! Fellow 80 lover here. We are neighbors. I’m in Lorain county and love to meet p and talk Toyota. Medina brewery?

[@6thGearGarage]

Sounds like a plan! I'm not in Medina too often though, I'm closer to Sandusky.

[@tube-dude77]

Awesome video!!! 🏆!!!! I need to replace bearings as well, but this Landcruiser has a lockable front axle. Do you perhaps have a video like that??

[@6thGearGarage]

Sorry I don’t, as we never had the option of part time 4wd with manual locking hubs in the US. Once you get past the manual locking hubs, things should be pretty much the same.

[@tube-dude77]

@@6thGearGarage Aha, i see. Thx for the reply, i really appreciate it! 👍🏼 😎

[@jessecampbell4580]

@@tube-dude77 this video is a rebuild on a locking hub 80 if you still need it. Really not much difference tho. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5OxlWd-nZZ4rM0

[@MrLakkuchu]

Спасибо брат))

[@Jacob_simmonds.]

Hey great video I just have 1 question I got both knuckles rebuilt whith new axles and cvs and it has just started to leak oil behind the knuckle and it's only been 3000kms would I have to do an entire rebuild of the knuckle or just replace the axle seal

[@6thGearGarage]

You could just replace the seal and put it all back together. Check for a clogged diff breather.

[@davidp130]

If your not replacing the birfs do you still need to pull them apart?? Awesome video btw, thank you!!

[@6thGearGarage]

It wouldn’t hurt to pull them apart and pack with new moly grease while they’re out.

[@rayss3323]

What size socket is that large hub nut? And, thx again. Mine need rebuild too so this is my go-to instruction.

[@6thGearGarage]

it's 54mm