Hey guys! I just put a deposit down on an 85 4runner that has a couple problems, but one concerns me the most. I'll post some pics when I pick it up this week... hopefully tomorrow.

Anyway... the dealer didn't know ANYTHING about the truck, but it has some kind of a lift, the rear window doesn't work (which I found a fix for here by searching ), the brakes are weak, and I noticed a load of grease surrounding the passenger side steering knuckle where it connects to the axle. I'm new to the solid axle game, but it looks like a big ball joint right behind the disc brake assembly.

My questions are... is this a common leak and how much of a pain is it to repair? Could it be possible that the grease from that leaky joint is getting on the disc, thus causing the brakes not to grab very hard?

Thanks in advance for your help! I've been looking for an 85 for months and this site has been a great help to me! Mods, If I placed this in the wrong forum, please feel free to flame me and move this thread.

-Chad

 

go to marlincrawler or trail-gear to get a knuckle rebuild kit. Not overly difficult kinda time consuming.

 

Are there any parts I should replace while I'm in there? Maybe install some moly birfield joints (or a joint eliminator kit)? I wonder if it's safe to drive in the meantime or maybe that will cause more problems... Ah hell.

 

get the knuckle rebuild kit with the new wheel bearings.

 

My buddy is noticing a similar leak on his driver's side knuckle ball, how critical is this to fix right away if he is , at the moment, using it as a daily driver and not using 4wd at all?

 

I am by no means suggesting that driving your truck on a greasy knuckle is "OK", but my knuckles have been greasy for the passed 6 months or so and I don't get any rough noises or anything.

I have noticed though that the hubs can become very hot, even in 2WD. I suspect that the bearings which the front wheels ride on in 2WD may be losing grease (i.e. the grease built up on the knuckle). So, I'd atleast make sure there's enough grease in the hub in the first place. If you do acquire the 4Runner (I hope you do, SA Toyotas are dope!!!) download the 1985 FSM and statr changing fluids!

 

It is not the grease leaking out that is a problem, it is the diff fluid mixing with it and leaking out that is the problem.

You have a bad axle seal at least and probably need to just do a knuckle service kit.

 

Hmm... well until I re-gasket the front axle, as long as there's gear oil in the housing I'm ok?