Willys Jeep Studded Knuckle Upgrade!

In this video I upgrade the stock Dana 25 axle on the Willys CJ3B by swapping out the spindle mounting hardware for studs!
www.mcmaster.com/3103A29/
www.mcmaster.com/3102A25/
www.mcmaster.com/91255A647/

[@michaelnervine8605]

I just completed this upgrade for my 1971 CJ5. Found your video very helpful- thank you. One suggestion is that after you mill down the back of the knuckle casting for the studs, you should chamfer the holes slightly. The bolts are never threaded 100% to the head and chamfering allows the back of the head to sit completely flat on the newly milled surface.

[@SevenBarSalvage]

Glad to hear it! Great point you’re right a chamfer makes sense. Thank you!

[@xfactorautomotive1496]

Hey Jacob! I'm just starting to do the stud upgrades on my CJ and rewatched the video and went to links for the supplies you suggested. What a great source for hardware and tools! I went there to order your suggested parts and left there with my wallet a couple hundred bucks lighter! LoL!! Thanks for sharing the cool things you find when researching for your Jeep. I have used your suggestions several times and never been disappointed. Much appreciated.

[@SevenBarSalvage]

Haha yeah you gotta be careful on there! Thank you for watching glad i could help!

[@oblvnnwtnjhn]

About to perform this weekend once the 5/16 pilot arrives Sat, the counterbore and bolts arrive today. I almost got away with an 11" brake conversion with no issue, two of the threads on the pass side are boogered, tried a tap, a bit better but still slipping when bottoming. May as well address this now, glad you made this video, well done Jacob.

[@SevenBarSalvage]

It’s a great upgrade while you’re in there! Thank you!

[@tr4x4]

Tks for this mod, I upgraded my CJ5 here in Brazil... Using 35" tires and diesel engine, maded my front end so heavy... on those knuckles...

[@SevenBarSalvage]

It’s a great upgrade! Thank you for watching!

[@gregprice7067]

I love the torque specs on the bolts🤘

[@collindudley8760]

I just found your channel but I really like these videos working on this old jeep!

[@SevenBarSalvage]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching!

[@joeking8470]

Thanks for links. Needed this to fix hub. Great content. Thank you

[@SevenBarSalvage]

Glad to hear it!

[@kimberlymoore8804]

i just found your channel . i am working on a 46 2a, your videos are helping. very good channel

[@SevenBarSalvage]

Thank you! Welcome to the channel!

[@bluesriot2]

after going airborne in my old 62 pickup and losing my two front wheels, i had considered longer bolts thru the backing plate and into the knuckle and nuts inside, never got around to it tho , that was a long time ago, your vid reminded me of that unexpected excursion off the roadway. keep em coming, and ps i like the background music

[@SevenBarSalvage]

Haha that’s crazy! I appreciate it!

[@jonfoster7663]

Good video, thank you sir!

[@SevenBarSalvage]

Thank you for watching!

[@chevyjennings3404]

just found your channel and am very impressed with your info. I have a 47 cj2a, one owner and a 27K mile 75 cj5 barn find and will probably do the disk brake thing on the 47 with the kit you used. 47 jeep brakes suck! Thanks again and good job!

[@SevenBarSalvage]

Thank you I really appreciate it! Shoot yeah sounds like some great projects and the disk brake upgrade would be a huge improvement!

[@chevyjennings3404]

the cj5 had a 304 but now a 30 over 401 and top loader 4 speed. The original owner installed nitro sprayers as he drag raced this thing in Spokane (weird) Hadn't been run since 98 but it does now! Too much power for a short WB Jeep.

[@SevenBarSalvage]

Dang that’s crazy! I’d love to get my hands on a 401 someday!

[@chevyjennings3404]

@@SevenBarSalvage They are around as jeep pickups and wagoners used them. Lots of power and lots of aftermarket stuff and the nice thing, same exterior size as the 304 and a direct bolt in. I got rid of the nitro and went with an edelbrock carb and manifold. Mine needs all new exhaust. Cool jeep, renegade, levi edition with acme top, all doors and rear seat, and exra set of used BFG tires all for $800.00 but I had to haul it out.

[@cjmj26]

I’m having a hard time getting my hub off on my ‘48-it’s permanently locked in for some reason…the previous owner never unlocked them. Would this stop me from getting it to come off, or does it not make a difference? I don’t want to get too rough with it

[@tomcurtis3392]

nice job.

[@SevenBarSalvage]

Thank you!

[@user-yo9st6yb7y]

Where can I obtain the part numbers for the disc brake conversion? Brackets from Brennan's Garage not a problem. I need the part numbers for all the other components to do the conversion.

[@SevenBarSalvage]

Brennan’s website also list all the different part numbers that work with this! Hope this helps!

[@robertnaughton5417]

But sometimes a bubba shortcut to grind a bolt head is smart

[@ronreid3396]

I’m in the middle of the disc conversion and can’t find the appropriate banjo bolt to go from 95 Geo Tracker calipers to 85 Honda accord soft brake lines, what did you use??? Thanks great video also did the spindle stud upgrade!!!!

[@SevenBarSalvage]

I just ordered these: www.ebay.com/itm/115568528625?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=ZHHgqPCATEK&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=KlFNx9vlRJC&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY Hopefully they are the correct ones last time I orders calipers they came with them but not this time and they are a little hard to find you’re right! That’s awesome! Thank you for watching!

[@toodle171]

cool

[@jamesmounts3983]

May seem silly. What tap do you use for 3/8-24 thread bolts from McMaster. Do you recommend a kit.

[@SevenBarSalvage]

I think mine are craftsman brand nothing fancy!

[@cjbrian240z]

Thanks for the video. What size is the axle nut socket?

[@SevenBarSalvage]

Thank you! I think it is a 2 1/16” socket. It works on all CJ’s as far as I know!

[@davevanatta1965]

whats part numbers for your axle shaft if ya know by chance ?i found a 2 hole knuckle for my pass side knuckle got 2 complete axles for 120 good price ? and they hav 409 ratio so not sure which to use now 409 or 538 lol

[@SevenBarSalvage]

I’ll have to look. Oh yeah great deal! I’d stick with the 5.38’s if you can!

[@kinksbikes]

best detail I seen. can you let me know more about the disc brake upgrade company?

[@SevenBarSalvage]

brennans-garage.com is where I found the plates there’s a couple options for components! It is a super simple kit to install!

[@davedegan12]

Isn't the first washer supposed to be bent over the first nut?

[@SevenBarSalvage]

You are correct! Good catch I didn’t mention that!

[@robertnaughton5417]

Hence proper tool the nuts are not all bubba’ded up,👍🏻

[@edwardseaton2902]

Would this work on a 1966 scout Dana 25 front axle ?

[@SevenBarSalvage]

Yes I think scouts are the same closed knuckle 6 bolt spindle pattern as a Willys Jeep!

[@darlenegraham6408]

do you need shorter button head screws if you're running the stock brake backing plate instead of the disc brake caliper mount plate?

[@SevenBarSalvage]

Good questions! I believe you will want to go a 1/4” shorter.

[@soweitsobitter9288]

Hi, what diesel engine did you swap and what transmission? Thanx man best to Brasil.

[@franciscodiaz737]

ok is very good hi wand to get this kit were informacion please what store

[@SevenBarSalvage]

I’ve got links to everything used for this upgrade in the description!

[@steveerickson3103]

Please list parts needed

[@SevenBarSalvage]

Everything should be listed in the description. If you can’t find it shoot me an email to [e-mail] and I’ll send it to you! Thank you!

[@MrJeep75]

Suppose to have 90w gear oil inside of knuckles

[@warrenzevonsangryghost6055]

Nope. #0 grease. Willy's and Kaiser manuals all state this.

[@frankpaya690]

61 Chevy says 90 weight, in their owner's manual for a 4x4 hub.

[@MrJeep75]

I hate locking hubs

[@MrJeep75]

Wheel spacers are a joke

[@SevenBarSalvage]

They are but the wheels justify the spacers!