85 Straight Axle Advice...
 

Greetings YT folk-

The other day when checking my tires, I noticed this on the passenger side:

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/a...ner/psghub.jpg

Here's the pssgr side from underneath, for reference:

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/a...er/psgside.jpg

And the driver side from beneath (there is no oil visible around the hub):

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/Drvrside.jpg

From what I can gather from a myriad of YT threads, I'm due for a knuckle rebuild kit... The front axle rebuild kit seems a bit more involved, though I'm not opposed to taking my time and doing it right if need be.

First question- I've never had to work on/trouble shoot axle issues (though I've fixed plenty of detail-involved vehicle issues)- is the oil weeping around the hub definitely coming from the axle's gear oil?

If these pics reveal anything that a first time SFA owner would be unaware of, please do let me know! I'm good at research and doing things right the first time, but I'm out of my element in trouble-shooting the front end on my rig given its present state. Any and all advice welcome (if indeed these pics might reveal enough to discern advice...)

FYI- no noises, drives straight and true on the highway, turns like a champ, no uneven tire wear...

Thanks!

JB

You will need to also replace the inner axle seals
You can down load the FSM here
http://ncttora.com/fsm/index.html

Yep. Knuckle rebuild kit will have everything you need.

:wabbit2:

Whats the best rebuild kit for the money? Marlin Crawler has complete kit for around $180, but there's one on Ebay (Karsons)for $80... I know Marlin Crawler only carries the good stuff, anyone else a good bet?

I'm 99% sure it's your axle seals. If you need to replace them you might as well do the whole thing. It may cost a bit more but it will save you a lot of time down the road and you probably need it anyway.Go with the MC kit or another quality kit. The front end insn't that hard to work on but it's worth doing it right the first time and it's not the right place to use budget parts. Make sure you tear down and inspect your hubs too. if the retaining nut comes loose it'll screw a lot of other things up. that's what happened to me anyways.

just did mine and i highly recommend getting a full kit with bearings,also go ahead and do the front brakes while the rotors are off...