I've got my axles apart to the point that I can replace the seals and bearings~ that was my initial intent.
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However, I've found that (this is my first time) in order to take the knuckle off, I need to remove the steering arms.

I think the knuckle bearings are in good shape but the felt seal on the back of the birf is not in good shape. (EDIT: this is not my seal, it's a pic I linked too).
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I'm not crazy about the idea of taking the steering arms off, then the knuckle and then having to put it all back togther just for that felt seal.

I think the inner axle seal will keep the diff fluid from getting to the felt wiper and the grease in the birf itself is pretty thick, so it might not come out that way either. But maybe I'll be letting water and contaminants in if I don't replace it.

It looks like alot of work to get that knuckle off and then on again and I'm wondering if y'all have any insight into this, any advice?

The inner oil seals are the most important pieces. They keep the gear oil and knuckle/wheel bearing grease seperate. The felts will help keep dirt and water out of the knuckle. It is more work to remove the knuckle, it just depends how bad your felts are. You'll have to change them eventually, you just need to decide if you want to tear it down all over again later. Probably better to do it now.

You can cut the felt on the top, center, to wrap it around the knuckle ball from the bottom then replace the 2 gold mount rings. Won't be totally sealed, but 99,9% fine.

Ahhh, that sounds like an excellent solution. I will do it!

How often do you guys change the knuckle bearings? Generally speaking?

If you do cut the felt to replace it without taking the knuckle off, silicone the split and it will be as good as gold!
I would take it all apart and replace the bearings since you are that far into it. It isn't hard to do and the time you save by doing this now will be well spent.
Just keep the shims with their respective relationships, upper and lower, and you won't have a problem.
Danny

Looking at that picture, I will say you may have a little problem getting the cone washers out. I would take the nuts and washers off, soak the area with good penetrating oil like PB Blaster, and let it sit soaking over night. Then I take a brass drift and hammer and hit the studs with the drift and hammer this will break them loose. Find the split in the cone washer and I use a small, thin blade screwdriver and tap it into the split and they usually come right out. I would get the rebuild kit and replace everything.

Again, I appreciate the advice. I'm certainly a noob at this.

OK, well, I'm tempted to just cut the felt and then silicone it back together but at the same time, I'm not sure when the knuckle bearings have been replaced, maybe never.

I think I'm hearing that a couple of you guys would go ahead and get the knuckle off and replace the knuckle bearings and felt seal. I have been soaking everything in PB and it was just put together last year, so maybe it won't be as bad as I imagine.
So, I think I'll go out and buy the "drift" (brass punch?).

I already have the Marlin knuckle rebuild kit, so I guess I'll get a bearing puller at the auto parts store as well.

Dingit, it'll take me another week to get this thing back together. And I suspect a couple of you guys could do it in a few hours.

No need for a bearing puller, just use a brass drift (or length of brass rod) to drive the bearing races out, if needed. At least pull it apart, and clean/inspect the bearings. When I did mine the first time, I found both bottom bearings were showing signs of wear, the tops were OK. I think I just changed the two worn ones, since at the time I had to buy the bearings from Toyota (pre-knuckle kit availability).

You've already got it down this far, and have the kit, no reason NOT to go ahead and replace the bearings.

here is sort of a write up I did with pictures showing the quick way to tear down a front end. it may help you out some.

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