Topic: ToyBrota's SFA knuckle rebuild.

[Toybrota]

Hey all, I finally have got around to being able to rebuild my front knuckles.
I figured I'd make a write up about it and show everyone.
I know it's been done and shown a million times, but I wanted to show my personal perspective on what I encounter with the build process.

Being that my truck has over 300K miles on it, I figured the trunions, wheel bearings, and all the other miscellaneous parts could been updated. 

My axle exhibited the same leaking inner axle seals that everyone else encounters at one time or another. 

I apologize about the photos not being in order.

I purchased Low Range Off Road's "Ultimate knuckle rebuild kit" as it was on sale for only $280. I chose this over the Marlin as I wanted to not only support a local business (I live in SLC) But also because it came with the specialty tools.

The parts in both kits are identical as far as I can tell, apart from the inner axle seals. After seeing so many forum posts about the Marlin Eco Seals, I bought a pair! Meaning I have 3 sets of inner seals... Of course I'm using the Marlin.

I even work for a Toyota dealer here in Utah and decided against using my discount on parts as I can't justify using parts that could be upgraded with better ones.

This kit also came with the Backing plate eliminator kit, which for my situation (No Highsteer) I figured would be Overkill, but to hell with it I'll use it anyways.

However, the kit was missing some stuff, namely the hub O-rings and spindle studs. Quick call down south of me and they are on the way.

I plan to do this rebuild in 3 stages, drivers knuckle first, then passenger, and then rebuild the hubs. To most it would make sense to rebuild all at once, but my truck is a daily, so I'll just do a knuckle a weekend.

I'm excited to start this weekend, I'm gonna get some high quality Moly grease for the Birf's, which hopefully aren't too worn out!

I'll update more as it comes along.





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[Toybrota [OP]]

Got the knuckle itself torn down to the ball.

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[Toybrota [OP]]

Rebuilt the spindle and knuckle assembly, new gaskets and spindle bushing.

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[Toybrota [OP]]

Followed by the finished knuckle.
The hardest part was shimming, took about 5 times to get it right. But I did.


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[Toybrota [OP]]

Doing the other side, stock Toyota shims, and the trunions despite having 330K miles on them I could re use them. Goes to show the quality that was used.
Koyo coming out, new koyo going in.

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[4runner4x4]

i plan to do this in a few months so a good write up is always helpful. i also have a brand new hysteer kit from allpro if interested.

[Toybrota [OP]]

Easiest way to clean all these parts is engine degreaser, and a wire brush.
The birField axle just got sprayed out, a liberal coating of WD40 is applied if it sits over night, I'm just gonna use brake cleaner, and some good Moly grease. Works great.

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[OOPS]

Did you know stock Birfields come a part, that way you can check the bell, cage and balls for cracks or wear. Your TG ad is a little much considering this is Marlins web page!!

[Toybrota [OP]]

Did you know stock Birfields come a part, that way you can check the bell, cage and balls for cracks or wear. Your TG ad is a little much considering this is Marlins web page!!

I know the birField comes apart, I just didn't really see the need.
With the trail gear ad I guess you could say, I just choose that kit because those guys are real close to me and I wanted to support local. I buy Marlin all the time, they have gotten about $500 from me in the last 2 months alone. I love his stuff and I get it when I can.

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[Toybrota [OP]]

I know the birField comes apart, I just didn't really see the need.
With the trail gear ad I guess you could say, I just choose that kit because those guys are real close to me and I wanted to support local. I buy Marlin all the time, they have gotten about $500 from me in the last 2 months alone. I love his stuff and I get it when I can.

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Besides, the kit isn't even made by trail gear. It just has some trail gear parts in it.

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[300k]

bleh. trail gear is scum.

but good rebuild, I gotta get around to mine. axle seals leak pretty good. maybe I'll throw in a front aussie and put some redline in too

[Toybrota [OP]]

Finally finished.
One hell of a job. Brake clean. Lots, and lots of brake clean. 


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[Toybrota [OP]]

Also, guess what's wrong in this picture. I soon found out when it was like this.

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[OVRAROK]

Also, guess what's wrong in this picture. I soon found out when it was like this.

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Where's your steering arm knuckle is upside down

[Toybrota [OP]]

Where's your steering arm

The knuckle is upside down, geez I felt so stupid. I knew as soon as I saw the grease plug on the wrong side.

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[OVRAROK]

I thought you where setting it up for a road course with all that camber,lol