Posted by Vaughn on Thursday, January 04, 2007 at 14:01:06 :
In Reply to: Front Axle questions posted by Roger in La on Wednesday, January 03, 2007 at 23:10:11 :
Hi Roger,
Q1 - No, however you should remove the the flange felt seal retainer and check the feet pounds of torque required to move the knuckle - s/b 25-28. If you're not in that range, take out shims from under the steering knuckle arm until you are. Chances are you will be less than 25 ft lbs. My recommendation would be to disassemble the steering knuckle flange to inspect bearings/cones. The bottom cone gets hammered quit a bit and ends up with bearing groves in it requiring replacement. The upper bronze also wears. Buy knuckle repair kits. They will have the shims, felts seals, cork gasket that will be needed on assembly.
Q2 - New bronze bushings run about $26 each. If you have very little play, they probably are fine and do not require replacement unless you run full time axle engagement in which case I would replace. Now you can pull them to replace the seal behind them, which may be a good idea. Most of us just replace both bushing and seal, and you must drive bushing and seal together when installing.
Q3 - DO NO USE A GASKET! That knuckle must mate flat against the steering knuckle flange for a solid fit. If you're concerned about oil leakage, lightly coat the knuckle mating face with silcone gasket maker before bolting to the steering knuckle.
Torque the knuckle, cap, steering knuckle arm, and steering flange bolts to 85 ft lbs