OK, so now the rear is back together its time for the front axle and springs. I have read the FSM twice now but still have a few questions before I start.

How difficult is the front to rebuild , short of the diff? What are the tricks to keeping one sealed right so it will not leak(or easy to goof up parts)?
and
Which tools do you HAVE to have, I mean can't work around and what is the best source for them?
last
Is there a way to check or measure the front axle to check for bends or twist, short of putting it on an alignment machine?

Well one more question, any recommendations on replacement shocks, primarily on road? Have considered Bilstein low end shocks any thoughts?

As always thanks for the help, one day it will be back on the road... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/AxleRebuild.shtml

http://www.birfield.com/~morgan/tech/axle/index.html

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/front_end/solid_axle/


You'll need a 54mm socket, or a 2 1/4" socket from Sears.

Get Marlin's mew heavy duty inner axle seal to keep the gear oil from getting into the knuckles. That is what causes them to leak in the first place

http://www.marlincrawler.com/htm/axles.htm#hdseals

Two thumbs up for the links and seals. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Thanks <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Aby thoughts on the Bilstein HD shocks for 0 lift? Or maybe a better option for the $? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Bilstein shocks are great. Lifetime warranty. Quite pricey though. Another good option are the OME (old man emu, from ARB) line of shocks.

I was quite happy with the KYB Gas-a-just shocks I ran on my '85 for a few years.

Yes the Bilstein shocks are a bit much but I have been happy with them on our Tundra so I figured why not but looking at the KYB price now I am rethinking it.
Still trying to save as much as possible and not cut corners since my son, 17 and looking forward to his first job, is paying to get it back on the road. Heck I even considered Monro Gas for now but not real keen on the idea.

Thanks for the input.

OK, it is apart! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

In addition to the standard rebuild I now know we need a set of upper and lower bearings as well as wheel bearings and some parts for the manual hubs. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

QUESTION where is the best place to get QUALITY parts at a decent price? I am looking at the Allpro Off-road kit, comments? And the HD inner seals! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Any thoughts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

I said it before but my son is on a tight budget and every penny counts but not as much as doing it right the first time. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks all, this forum is great! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I'd just go with Marlin for everything. Can't go wrong with Marlin. That way you won't have to depend on receiving shipments from multiple dealers.

Manual hub parts will be tricky though. Your going to have to find a used set and get the parts from it. A used set should run you $40-$50. Try the for sale section here, yotatech, and pirate4x4. You'll need hubs from a 79-85 solid front axle truck, IFS trucks are different. (although the little parts like springs and stuff will be the same, it's the inner splined sections that are different)

THanks again, looks like what I will end up doing.
Sure does add up fast, says my son. This is his first vehicle and he just can't figure out where all his $$$ is going. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />