Heavy birfields or stock?

[preacherman]

So I am about to do a complete knuckle rebuild on my 89 fj62. My question is should I upgrade the birfields or not while in there. I run 31" tires and no front locker and have no plans or desire to change that. The stock should be fine as long as im not a bonehead. Would upgrading the birfields while I am in there be too much overkill? I'm on the fence about spending the money on upgraded birfields.

 

[dallen341]

I'd say spend the money elsewhere.

 

[REDrum]

I'd say spend the money elsewhere.

Agreed, OEM are pretty stout.

 

[BritKLR]

Stay stock, you'll be fine. I run stock Birf's on 33's with an ARB front locker and haven't had any problems.

Good luck.

 

[kletzenklueffer]

The only thing I'd suggest considering is price. My 80 is part time 4x4, and when replacing birfs, I priced OEM vs. Longfields. I was able to replace both birfs with Longfield for less than the price of one OEM birfield. If not going with OEM, it wouldn't be an issue.

 

[1911]

So I am about to do a complete knuckle rebuild on my 89 fj62. My question is should I upgrade the birfields or not while in there. I run 31" tires and no front locker and have no plans or desire to change that. The stock should be fine as long as im not a bonehead. Would upgrading the birfields while I am in there be too much overkill? I'm on the fence about spending the money on upgraded birfields.

I love the 30-spline Longfields in my 40, peace of mind. But for your situation I agree with the others, it would be overkill and your money would be better spent elsewhere.

 

[RMP&O]

So I am about to do a complete knuckle rebuild on my 89 fj62. My question is should I upgrade the birfields or not while in there. I run 31" tires and no front locker and have no plans or desire to change that. The stock should be fine as long as im not a bonehead. Would upgrading the birfields while I am in there be too much overkill? I'm on the fence about spending the money on upgraded birfields.

I don't think you need them for the type of uses you have for your truck.


I broke a stock CV in a FJ60 once. I had 35's though and when I broke it the front was locked. It also was a stock CV axle with who knows how many miles on it. I was climbing out of a half frozen creek when it broke and I was spinning the tires.

Cheers

 

[toylandcruiser]

I don't think you need them for the type of uses you have for your truck.


I broke a stock CV in a FJ60 once. I had 35's though and when I broke it the front was locked. It also was a stock CV axle with who knows how many miles on it. I was climbing out of a half frozen creek when it broke and I was spinning the tires.

Cheers

Cvs or birfs?


Molon Labe

 

[Corbet]

With part time 4x4, open diff, and 31" tires I would expect the OEM birfs to last the lifetime of the vehicle if maintained properly.

That being said if they need to be replaced I'd go Longs just based on price. About half of OEM's. Overkill but again should last forever under that usage.

 

[Zatara]

My 91 needs the knuckles re-sealed and i'm getting a click every now and then when turning right.
I may need to replace mine when I do the knuckles.
Are the Longfields similar quality to the OEM ?

 

[Corbet]

Longfields are a higher strength option that come with a longevity compromise. If you wheel hard with larger tires they are a great option. But the material is softer so it does not wear as long. In a part time 4WD system they are a no brainer IMO especially when you factor in cost.

On a 91 FJ80 where you have a Full Time system in place the wear characteristics are a factor. Generally if you run a 35" or smaller tire your OK strength wise with OEM and will see the longest life. Mine have 168K and make no noise. My axle has been serviced regularly throughout its life. I've been on 35" tires for the last 50K. When mine wear out I will switch over to Longfields for the added strength and deal with the wear. Mainly because at 200+K I'm sure they will last the remainder of my ownership of my 80 series. Plus they are much cheaper than OEM's to boot.

There are a number of aftermarket cromo options besides LongFields. Nitro is another option that comes to mind. Others are having good luck cryo treating cheaper knock offs.

 

[1911]

Cvs or birfs?

A Birfield is just a big heavy-duty CV joint.

 

[toylandcruiser]

A Birfield is just a big heavy-duty CV joint.

And now I know. And knowing is half the battle.


Molon Labe

 

[preacherman]

Thanks for all the insights guys. I'm trying really hard to stay expo style with an emphasis on factory parts for longevity, so I think I am going to stay with stock.

 

[Corbet]

I forgot to mention for those of you planning the front axle service I really like the Longfield "lifetime wiper seals" rather than the OEM felt units.

http://www.longfieldsuperaxles.com/products.php?product=TOYOTA-KNUCKLE-LIFETIME-WIPER-SEALS