Cebby

Imagine my surprise as I walk out of an architect's office yesterday. There it was, tucked in between a Ford Econoline and a Chevy Chevette. A quick look, I thought late 80's model, but then I got a gander at the solid axle. The body is kind of rough, 18 Pittsburgh winters have taken their toll. I figured Bushwacker cutout flares could fix the fender edge issues, then some minor rocker patching and I'd be good to go. 222000 Miles, manual tranny. The interior was pretty rough, but 4 new Corbeaus (sp?) could solve that. It's beige with a black top. They are asking $1200.

I guess I've never taken a good look at the front axle on those before. There was alot of grease exposed where the ball thingie is at the ends of the axle. Anyone have a good detail pic of this? I need an explanation of what the parts are and what stuff commonly goes bad on them.

Yoda

I recently rebuilt a 85 PU front end. Kind of involved, but not terrible to do. Kits run about 120. Get the kit with KOYO bearings.
On the top and bottom of that ball, there is a bearing. Removing the caps will let the knuckle come off (you have already removed the hub, rotors, calipers, and axles). The seal attaches to the back of the knuckle with small bolts (8? per side) and retaining plates. The seal is a rubber ring with a felt backing and a steel stiffener. Kind of a pain to set up the bearings during reassembly, but use a fish scale and add or reduce shims to get the pre-load.

Same setup as on the ends of my Landcruiser axles (I used my kit to do the son's truck)

I have the factory manual (85), could scan if you need info.

1Runner

Cebby, Yoda is right. They are a little tricky, but not very hard at all. My dad and I did the axle on my 74 landcruiser (oh man.. that was a long time ago) Chiltons have a decent blow-up of the job. Go check it out at your library........ You'd love the rig. I had a '85 xtra cab. Wheeled like no body's business.

Yoda

It is normal to have "some" grease on the ball. Buy it, grease it, see if it is normal or is it pouring out.

tystoy

Its a toyota. How can you go wrong for $1200.