84-85 Trucks & 4Runners 2nd gen pickups and 1st gen 4Runners with solid front axles

Putting my knuckles back together (quick question)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-19-2008, 09:54 AM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
stabmasta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Putting my knuckles back together (quick question)

Are the knuckle bearing races supposed to be pressed onto the steering arms? Mine fit REALLY tight and it's making it a pain in the arse to get the everything back together. Can I sand the post where the race fits onto the steering arm so they can slide on and off? Or could that possible cause a death wobble due to them not being ungodly tight?

If so, can I also sand the part of the steering arm that fits into the knuckle?
Old 03-19-2008, 10:00 AM
  #2  
Registered User
 
dirtoyboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: St. Loser, Misery
Posts: 2,377
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by stabmasta
Are the knuckle bearing races supposed to be pressed onto the steering arms? Mine fit REALLY tight and it's making it a pain in the arse to get the everything back together. Can I sand the post where the race fits onto the steering arm so they can slide on and off? Or could that possible cause a death wobble due to them not being ungodly tight?

If so, can I also sand the part of the steering arm that fits into the knuckle?
NO, dont sand anything....just clean it up well...make sure you pack those trunions good.....

Set the top bearing in the race. Stick the bottom bearing on (the grease will hold it upside down in place). Put the knuckle on. When you tighten the 4 nuts on the steering arms it will pull the arm down onto the bearing. I usually tighten in a criss cross pattern. Same thing on the lower bearing cap.

The only bearings I have seen with fitment issues that required grinding were from trail gear. You are using OEM bearings right?
Old 03-19-2008, 10:23 AM
  #3  
Contributing Member
iTrader: (3)
 
4Crawler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Posts: 10,817
Likes: 0
Received 31 Likes on 28 Posts
I have found some after market steering arms to be a tight fit going into the center of the knuckle bearings. I find using a fine toothed file to clean up the locating stud on the arm will help it fit in smoothly. I have torn apart some knuckles where you literally had to destroy the knuckle bearing to remove the arm, it was stuck on so tight. This would be more than a minor inconvenience on the trail if you had to tear down a kuckle for whatever reason!

Usually takes a few test fits to find out where any burrs or high spots on the stud are. Find out what is hanging it up, then lightly file that spot and re-try. You can use a felt marker or something to color the stud then see where the color is rubbed off to find the high spots. You don't want to remove much if any metal from the stud, only take down/smooth out any high spots or burrs. Note, I never had any fitment issues with the stock steering arms and factory bearings, only with the after market, crossover steering arms.

Last edited by 4Crawler; 03-19-2008 at 10:24 AM.
Old 03-19-2008, 10:45 AM
  #4  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
stabmasta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm using NSK bearings and they're really tight on the steering arm shaft. I'll give it a go when I get off work today. I busted my finger really bad with a 3lb mallet yesterday trying to get them on.

4Crawler, thanks for the info and I have to tell ya... you have an awesome site and I find myself using it for reference all the time.
Old 03-19-2008, 10:56 AM
  #5  
Banned
iTrader: (-1)
 
waskillywabbit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 3
Received 20 Likes on 9 Posts
4crawlers advice is dead on.

Old 03-22-2008, 04:38 PM
  #6  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
stabmasta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
HELP! I'm installing my trailgear "rock rings" on the back of the knuckle, but I can't find the torque specifications for the 8 bolts that are used to secure it to the felt. Anybody know?
Old 03-22-2008, 04:41 PM
  #7  
Banned
iTrader: (-1)
 
waskillywabbit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 3
Received 20 Likes on 9 Posts
11 ft-lbs

Old 03-22-2008, 04:48 PM
  #8  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
stabmasta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by waskillywabbit
11 ft-lbs

Cripes! What don't you know about these trucks?

Thanks man!
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Ichneumon
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
6
09-27-2015 04:21 PM
layifioren
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners
10
07-06-2015 02:26 PM
aciorba23
99+ Tundra, 00+ Sequoia, 98+ Land Cruiser/LX470
1
06-29-2015 04:18 PM
Corey
Maintenance & Repair Archives
16
06-25-2002 11:13 AM
Corey
Maintenance & Repair Archives
9
06-19-2002 11:06 AM



Quick Reply: Putting my knuckles back together (quick question)



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 04:46 AM.