longfield installation question

[sparkys83yota]

Hey all. First thing I did use the search button. My rig is in surgery. I ponies up and spent the money on longfields. This is my first time rebuilding my front axle. I followed the instructions sent with the axles. I put the birfield in the spindle and tightened it down with two bolts. The axle spun freely when I turned it same thing. But once I went to put it in I had to loosen the bearings to get it in. Now when I turn it I hear a rubbing noise. Is this anything to worry about. If I damage these axles my wheeling season is over until I can afford new ones. Also. I had to loosen the bearings to get the stock axle out. Any input would be greatly appreciated. 

[lownlinked85]

Sparky hit up Brandon I think he istalled 30 spline longs he can help you out.

[Dingman.]

I am confused on what you mean by you had to loosen the bearings to get the longfield in...

[sparkys83yota]

both when i pulled the stock axle out and when I put the long in, i aligned the flat spot with the top and bottom and it was too tight to get in or out. What I am referring to is the caps on top of the knuckle that hold the steering (trunion) bearings in. As soon as I loosened them up just a little. I had enough room to both pull the stock and install the new axle. Does that make better sense?

[Dingman.]

I understand now.

I have never had a problem installing axles like that.

Are your axles shimmed correctly?  I don't even know if its possible, but i wonder if there is no shims if the kingpin could possibly interfere with the axle going in.  Once again, i do not even know if that is a possibility.

[sparkys83yota]

its shimmed. the knuckle bearing preload is at around 12lbs. my haynes manual says around 6 lbs I think but i was told with 35" tires to go to 10-15. But what you said does make sense.

[Mavericks]

I installed my longs a few months ago, the axles go in kind hard, but you should not hear any grinding when you spin them. I didnt have to grind inside the ball at all and I did not have any clearance issues, and the axles should spin freely.

[sparkys83yota]

its definitely not a grinding noise. just barely a rub. I went ahead and reassembled the drivers side. The wheel spins without any noise freely both straight and turned and with the hub locked. When the hub is locked all i hear is a ratcheting sound coming from the aussie i just installed. At least I hope that what it is.

[Dingman.]

I installed my longs a few months ago, the axles go in kind hard, but you should not hear any grinding when you spin them. I didnt have to grind inside the ball at all and I did not have any clearance issues, and the axles should spin freely.

Same here. Are you sure the "rubbing" sounds you are hearing isn't the brakes?  Does it make the same sound with the hubs unlocked?

[sparkys83yota]

No the rubbing sound was before I put the spindle back on. When I turned the birfield once I got it all the way in the housing in made a rubbing sound that it didn't make when I first checked the clearence. But now that I got the whole thing put back together I don't hear it. Not sure what's up with it.

[sparkys83yota]

It was like it was rubbing on the housing when it didn't before.

[Mavericks]

I would say the inside of the ball may need just a little clearancing

[Dooner]

Yeah, I had to do some grinding on my 85 housing. Went slow, a little at a time, taking off only what was needed. I put grease on the innards of the knuckle ball, turning the Birf took the grease off of the high spots. Contact points were at the bases of the trunnion bearings

[scoutrunner]

housing could be slightly bent if you had a hard time getting the stocks out. just something to think about.

[Jaysen]

I just install my longs and and now I can't turn in 4wd. I guess I might be my clearean issue, hear some slight noise.