Rinzler Posted October 29, 2017 Share Posted October 29, 2017 I've been trying to replace a wheel bearing on my '88 4x4, I took it apart (or tried to) to find things a wreck and at this point it would be easier to just take the steering knuckle off and replace it. I'm wondering if I go to a junkyard and pull one off an XJ if it would be an interchangeable part. If so, what years would they have to be? Or if it would be easier to just buy the part new? They seem to run about $150. And advise would be very appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockfrog Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 2wd or 4wd?Not that it matters, any knuckle from a Dana 30 up to and including 1989 will match. 2wd matches to 2wd, 4wd to 4wd2wd - didn't change until 93 IIRC. 4wd - 1990 and up will be the Chrysler knuckles ... To use those you would need to grab knuckle, caliper, rotor ... And such.Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kook911 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 You know you can buy the wheel hub assembly complete from rock auto or any parts store. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockfrog Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 If he has a 2wd it uses standard wheel bearing and not a hub, but same deal, parts are available. Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 Err, I believe the OP stated he has a '88 4x4. Not 2WD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Driver Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 Yeah, OP needs to understand that he is to replace the unit bearing and not the entire knuckle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockfrog Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 Oops, missed that one.OK, so he really just needs a hub as stated then, at worst case he'd need new hub bolts if he has to grind them off.Even still, a complete axle can be had for that $150 ...When I converted to 4wd, in the end it was cheaper to find a complete 95 axle than it was to source a pair of pre-89 knuckles for the convenience of reusing my stock brakes. Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 He might need a large slide hammer too... Or to push the hubs out using a punch/bolt and the power steering. Personally I normally just use the slide hammer. I antiseize the hub bore in the knuckle when reassembling. They come apart easier the next time that way. No point changing the whole knuckle unless things are really mangled on the knuckle itself. That said, the early 'windowed' knuckles are the weakest of the lot, and I regret not throwing later knuckles on my axle for a couple reasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carnuck Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 I have found both styles of 2wd hubs in XJs and MJs. My ‘90 parts rig has the same calipers, etc as my ‘87 shortbox but the ‘87 has tapered bearings. The ‘90 is 107,000 mile original so I doubt they were ever changed. It was a golf course crawler and spent 10 years in low range. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rinzler Posted November 1, 2017 Author Share Posted November 1, 2017 This is what it currently looks like. The bearing hub put up a fight and I could only get part of it off. The remaining dust plate and bearing seems to be fused to the knuckle and I've tried everything to get it off. That's why I figured just replacing the whole knuckle would be easier at this point. I am basically a noob at all this so I could just be making this way harder than it needs to be! XD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skorpyo Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 Here’s a tip to separate the hub: Put the hub bolts back in about 4-5 turns and with a socket on them hammer them from the back side working your way around. This should drive the hub out with time and effort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yxmj Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 Same as above but use the hydraulic in your power steering for your advantage Turn the three bolts that hold the unit bearing in about 3 or 4 turns This works better with a helper but you can do it on your own.....looking at your second bottom picture...turn the steering wheel all the way to the left (passenger side) now use a bolt or ( I use a deep socket) wedge the socket/bolt between the head of the unit bearing bolt and the nearest part of the knuckle....now have your helper turn the steering wheel slowly right ( towards the drivers side).....stop and repeat this process with the front bolt (turn the wheel all the way right ....wedge the bolt/socket between the head of the front bolt and the knuckle...slowly turn left)....it is the same thing as hitting it with a hammer but you are using the power steering to apply pressure to the head of the unit bearing bolts and push them out.....penetrating oil or PB blaster shot all around the seam of the unit bearing will be helpful as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rinzler Posted November 3, 2017 Author Share Posted November 3, 2017 Thanks for all the tips! I guess my next question would be if all else fails pulling the old parts off, where can I buy a new knuckle? I've looked all over the internet and every one I've seen is only for 1990-92. I'm assuming something changed in those years and it wouldn't fit my '88. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skorpyo Posted November 3, 2017 Share Posted November 3, 2017 32 minutes ago, Rinzler said: Thanks for all the tips! I guess my next question would be if all else fails pulling the old parts off, where can I buy a new knuckle? I've looked all over the internet and every one I've seen is only for 1990-92. I'm assuming something changed in those years and it wouldn't fit my '88. Wow, i'm kinda surprised... Honestly I've never looked for front axle parts for my MJ because I swapped in an XJ front D30 from a '95. Do you know what your gear ratio is? At $150 for a knuckle you "might" be better off getting a D30 from a newer XJ with matching gears. They bolt right up in every sense... PS. I'll keep looking but you're right, all I'm seeing is knuckles for 90+... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rinzler Posted November 3, 2017 Author Share Posted November 3, 2017 8 minutes ago, Skorpyo said: Wow, i'm kinda surprised... Honestly I've never looked for front axle parts for my MJ because I swapped in an XJ front D30 from a '95. Do you know what your gear ratio is? At $150 for a knuckle you "might" be better off getting a D30 from a newer XJ with matching gears. They bolt right up in every sense... PS. I'll keep looking but you're right, all I'm seeing is knuckles for 90+... I'll definitely keep that in mind! I just found a knuckle at a junk yard website for an '89 XJ. I know another comment said anything including and before '89 will fit a Comanche, so this might be what I need. Fingers crossed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87Warrior Posted November 3, 2017 Share Posted November 3, 2017 Use heat and yxmj's removal process. Let the power steering push the wheel bearing off for you. There is no reason to replace the knuckle. These wheel bearings are a pain to replace if original. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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