Willys CJ2A Front Axle Rebuild /Axle shafts and hubs

In this video I am working on the front axle from the CJ2A. I will discuss axle shafts and installation and how to properly install a set of free wheeling hubs.

[@chrisalexander2557]

Thank you for making such great detailed videos. Maybe someday I can afford to have you build me a Jeep. I love how you pay so much attention to detail.

[@timehlert1199]

Really appreciate the videos as always Brian. I had replaced the u-joints in my Spicer axles last year and used your knuckle lube I removed the seals on the new joints and even went as far as cleaning all of the factory grease out of the u-joints (cross, cups, needles, etc.) and repacked them all with your grease prior to reassembly. Probably splitting hairs to do that, but thought you might appreciate the extra effort and vote of confidence in your product.

[@nrspence8258]

Great info and great video.

[@mikejackman4416]

Very well done and informative video 👍👍👍👍

[@metalshaperJeep]

Great to have you watching, Brian

[@frankinpattaya]

Brain ,, great upgrade with the axles,, Toyota’s are much easer on the crown wheel side to adjust,, great info mate, thank you from us all,, regards Frank

[@metalshaperJeep]

Good to hear from you Frank, thanks for watching. Finished axles coming in next video.

[@joelgosnell]

Great video.

[@paulrandazzo1391]

Great video! Nice having a camera man now. My question, will those Spicer axles and new style bushings work in my model 25 axle on my ‘42 MB (no longer using the drive flange shims of course)? Keep ‘em coming!

[@edstransitscott9186]

Great job

[@metalshaperJeep]

Thanks for watching.

[@harshdhaliwal643]

Nice video.. is there any video of replacing joint of spicer axle shaft?

[@Rust2Roks]

I think the Rzeppa constant velocity joint axles are stronger especially when the tires are turned. But I imagine the newer spicer axle shafts are stronger. Would be cool to get some shafts made from chromoly to insert into the rzeppas.

[@tedcarl5382]

Classic Jeeple wonder if RCV has a joint *small* enough to fit.

[@lilcrazyjoe27]

do you have any videos of putting together the front axle with the Rzeppa joint in it? im not finding much on how to shim these properly, so im kinda at a stand still wondering how to set these up right

[@jamesmcknight3646]

What is the nuckle lube and rear end oil

[@jeep2003]

I run superwinch hubs they have room for the nut. But im not sure if they are available anymore. I am a bit surprised you dont do the knuckle stud conversion. Do you have a website where you sell parts?

[@metalshaperJeep]

I don't have a website.

[@robertnaughton5417]

So you still have to run a closed knuckle and grease bath w/wipers and remove the dust cover from each bearing cup on spicers anyways and you can’t run a open knuckle on Willy’s.?

[@randyhughes5160]

I have a 53 Willy’s truck will spicer axles work in front end of it and how do you order them

[@ewjxn]

Brian, I upgraded to spicer axles. I replaced the spindle bushings with the correct "shouldered bushings" and now when I put the spindles on the axles won't spin. They seem to push the axle into the tube causing it to seize. Any thoughts on what I did wrong? Thx

[@metalshaperJeep]

I have seen this happen before with reproduction spindle bushings. The flange is too thick on many of the bushings that are being sold these days. I just had a guy bring in some spindles with new bushings and they were too thick by over .075" per side. Depending on how tight you are you may want to chuck up the spindle in the lathe and take some material off the flange of the bushing. Let me know how things work out. Brian

[@ewjxn]

Thanks Brian. That is what I was hoping to hear. I will shave a little off an let you know. Eric

[@ewjxn]

we were able to take off quite a bit of material. the "shoulder" originally was .096 thick. we cut it to around .03 and now the axle spins freely. Do you have a preferred vendor for these bushings? Thanks again - Eric

[@user-mc4om3jt1i]

That’s for the great videos! They helped me a lot for rebuilding my Dana 25. How can I get some of your lube for a Bendix axels? Thanks.

[@metalshaperJeep]

contact me directly at [e-mail] and I can send you a list.

[@gamedestroyer2819]

@metalshaper where do you buy the spicer axle shafts. I can seem to find them anywhere. Id like to switch my axles to the spicer style and wondering if i could get a complete parts list. Thanks

[@metalshaperJeep]

Contact me directly at [e-mail] and I can help you with the Spicer axle shafts.

[@geraldloh4477]

Great and informative Video. I appreciate all the detailed information provided. One thing I have not been able to find is the dimension of the axle shaft where it rides in the bushing. Where they all the same? (spicer, bendix, Rzeppa ). I am restoring a 1970 M38A1 CDN3, and have found spicer axles in the front. One has a diameter of 1.228" and the other, 1.231", where it rides in the spindle bushing. The original bushings are made of Oilite brass with an i.d.of 1.25" right now. The bushings I bought at Kaiser Willy's are 1.265 i.d., and made of aluminum bronze. Like you said, too big.I have ordered a set of original spicer bushings #649783, and am curious to see how they measure out. What should the running clearance be here? I am thinking 1 to 2 thou per side. Is it possible that my axle shafts are worn? They certainly show no signs of wear.

[@metalshaperJeep]

The fit should be minimal. spindle should easily slide over axle shaft surface and not have any play. .001" to .003" is what I like when installing spindle bushings. I have a small supply of NOS spindle bushings that I used on this axle and with new spicer axle shafts the play was perfect at .002"

[@geraldloh4477]

Can you tell me what the shaft o.d. of a new axle is?@@metalshaperJeep

[@paulsworld07]

The knuckle lube I had purchased from you was white (purchased under a different name). Is there any difference? It appears to have the same viscosity and works really well. I highly recommended oh by the way.

[@metalshaperJeep]

I had to change the color of the lube due to too many people selling counterfeit lube. One guy was selling white lithium grease and trying to pass it off as my blend of knuckle lube. Since I changed to blue I have not had anybody trying to sell the wrong stuff under my name.

[@paulsworld07]

It takes all kinds I guess to ruin a good thing.

[@kevinengland4675]

You ever tried using disposable piping bags and icing piping tips for putting the knuckle lube instead of the home made job you built in the video? Just a question/idea man 😊

[@metalshaperJeep]

I have used all kinds of bags, just trying to show people how to do it because I get so many questions on how to put the lube in. Mason grout bags work great also.

[@kevinengland4675]

metalshaper understood. Was just a curious comment is all 😊

[@gregoutdoorsman4598]

I’m sure you’ve done a lot of mix and matching through the years.... is there a driveline from a later series Jeep that goes especially smooth into the flat fenders so the parts are more readily available? Engine, transmission, transfer case and axles?

[@metalshaperJeep]

You can get just about anything into a flat fender, but most things take a lot of work. The later V6 is a common swap from 65 to 71 CJ5. Lots of power and not too bad to install. Many other options out there, just depends on your skill, patience, tools, and of course money.

[@gregoutdoorsman4598]

I’m really looking forward to seeing the welder Jeep get a swap!

[@metalshaperJeep]

@@gregoutdoorsman4598 I have a GM Vortec V6 that may go into the welder jeep if I can't find a small diesel to put in there. Was hoping to find a Kubota V2403T but anybody that has them feels they are worth their weight in gold so I have not purchased one yet. Will show the process when I decide which engine is going in there.

[@gregoutdoorsman4598]

I would love to see a diesel swap! I’ve tossed the idea around many times but I don’t have the diesel experience to take the leap. I will be just as excited to watch the v6 though! Make sure you post when you’re going to get some guys together to work on your old machines. I’d love to be part of that!

[@metalshaperJeep]

@@gregoutdoorsman4598 Still trying to find the diesel, but will use the V6 as my second choice. Winter has set in pretty good so just working in the shop these days. Hoping to get some time to get the sawmill a little further along when the weather gets better this spring.

[@darrellcrase6587]

Where to get grease

[@albertthai4722]

Hey there, I’m rebuilding a 1965 cj5, I’m doing everything just the way you show…as best as I can, anyway. I’m going to need some lube for everything and was wondering if I could buy it from you.

[@metalshaperJeep]

yes, contact me directly at [e-mail] and I can send you a list

[@99snubby]

where do you get the spicer axles from?

[@westinkamari5560]

A trick : you can watch movies at Flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching all kinds of movies during the lockdown.

[@kylanevan3909]

@Westin Kamari Yea, I've been watching on Flixzone} for years myself =)

[@tedcarl5382]

Tell the guy to run the drive flanges. 👍 surprised the joints are serviceable and not a solid cross given their size.

[@metalshaperJeep]

Free wheeling hubs are a good way to go when off roading. Nice to be able to unlock if you are towing, or if you break an axle. Drive flanges work fine, but if something goes wrong free wheeling hubs are better.

[@tedcarl5382]

metalshaper if the locking hub is the weak link, that’s a good point. Flat towing they make sense or just swap out flanges, flat towing isn’t that common, usually point A to B for a duration of time. If it’s being wheeled, might as well swap to a 30.

[@robertnaughton5417]

Knuckle lube is different from gear lube?

[@metalshaperJeep]

yes, if you watch my lube video you will see what each different lube does and what it looks like.

[@estpst]

need to zoom out when filming a little more

[@metalshaperJeep]

Gary is new at filming so give him some time to make better filming.