m38a1 steering knuckles

[crvbs]

My 53 m38a1 tie rods and steering knuckles have give out. Have a donor that has a axle and tie rod that seem tight. Would it be easier to swap axles and brakes or tear down existing axle and replace the bearing on the knuckles. This is a Hunting rig.

[RonD2]

Hi crvbs (whatever that means) and welcome!

Without photos, your words "give out", "seem tight", and "easier" are about a mile wide and an inch deep to me. In other words --- meaningless. Not enough information. Why not just flip a coin and bolt up the best parts from what you have? Does working 4 wheel drive matter or not?

How much jeep or mechanic experience do you have? Do you have any of the tech manuals to study what you're asking about or does that matter? Manuals are free download here by the way.

Post some good photos if you can and more specific questions. Plenty of expertise here that want to help, given enough information. You're too far away where ever you are for anybody to see what you're asking about. I can't anyway.

Good luck!

[wesk]

I think it is more important that you accomplish a repair that will last many years instead of trying to save a buck and use old parts from a salvage unit. Making Half-Assed repairs now usually results in a return to the exact same task in a very short period of time.

The tie rods are a simple remove and replace with new parts. The knuckles require a bit more effort and time but it is worth every minute and every penny.

[crvbs]

ron think rv and boat storage on the handle. Quicker may have been a better word . I need to get it going fairly quickly as hunting season starts in october. What i've looked at it seems the knuckles are a bench job, not something replaced while the axle on the jeep. I'm think i going do the swap and buy myself some time. That way I can do the axle right and swap it back this spring. The jeep been in the family since 68 and it getting to need a few things.

[wesk]

If you read the service manual carefully there is nothing in there about having to remove the axle from the jeep for either reasonably simple task. The Tie Rod and Knuckle job takes the same amount of time as an axle change. My point above is you will always save time & money by doing it right the first time.

[idiocrates]

I started my little project with the simple task of replacing the front springs on an M38A1...which led to replacing the shackle "U" hangers on both front springs.....which led to replacing worn out steering linkage all the way from the wheel hubs up to and including the steering gear box.....which led to replacement of the front wheel bearings and seals....which led to replacing both top and bottom king pins, bearings and seals.....which led to fixing the previous owners attempt at installing lock-out hubs.....which with the front axle out led to a clear view of bottom of the radiator which led to its removal for cleaning and core replacement......see where this is going? At this point I decided I was not going to keep looking at the oil-coated grimy engine any longer and so pulled it out and sent it off to the shop for a complete overhaul.....naturally, with the motor out rebuilding of the clutch, throw-out bearing, transmission and transfer case was a no-brainer.....then new universal joints....overhaul of the read axle including ring gear, pinion, spider gears and axle bearings....new brakes shoes, wheel cylinders. brake lines and master cylinder....new pedal cross shaft....and THEN i started in on the body and frame. I can't even begin to tell you how much fun I've had during all this.....and it all started with the old "hunting" jeep. Mr. Knettles is correct.....do it right or do it over....just be careful you don't get carried away with good intentions! With that....I wish you all the luck in the world with your jeep.

[RonD2]

^^^ Most excellent wisdom right there. ^^^

[crvbs]

When ahead and tore it down . Not really much to it so far. Waiting on bearings, tie rods and such. . Be here next week. Got some poppet and springs .for the transfer case.