josehuerta Posted May 12 Share Posted May 12 My understanding is that the front beam axles were the same from 1984-2001, the difference being the steering knuckles/brakes changed about ''91. The old-style spindle knuckles are no longer made, but the newer style will fit the early axle. This is in reference to 2 wd only, not trying to cross over to 4wd. In a nutshell, any year axle would work, but have to change the knuckles, brakes? Any help appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eaglescout526 Posted May 12 Share Posted May 12 Yes any year will work. Knuckles actually changed twice. 84-86 used the 4wd style knuckles where the rotor is separate from the hub and the later years went to a all in one rotor hub assembly. Thats the only other difference you can run into and something to definitely note when you change the rotors out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josehuerta Posted May 13 Author Share Posted May 13 Thanks so much - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasbulliwagen Posted June 7 Share Posted June 7 You could use the 4wd knuckles too if you left the outer stub of the axle shaft in the hub bearing to hold it all together. You just wouldnt have the rest of the axle. This way you could get WJ knuckles, change the one different ball joint, and have upgraded bigger front brakes (except youd have the bigger wheel bolt pattern (JK JL WJ WK WK2). Get some rear adapters and a set of takeoff wheels to continue the upgrade. Change to a dual diaphragm booster while youre at it, and youd have the complete brake upgrade package. Just some options for you. If I kept mine 2wd, this is what I would have done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghetdjc320 Posted June 8 Share Posted June 8 The switch to the floating caliper and pad “wings” came in 1990 on 4wd (maybe also 2wd???) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gogmorgo Posted June 9 Share Posted June 9 The 2wd trucks continued using the older style brakes for a while after the 4x4’s transitioned. My ‘91 2wd does at least. I couldn’t say for sure how late they used them but I’ve seen references to the ‘92 2wd using the older brakes as well. I also would have no issues with jamming an outer stub shaft into the 4x4 wheel bearing and running like that. Trim the yoke ears off if you want. You may not even need to have a stub shaft in there at all, other unit bearings on other vehicles don’t, but probably better to be safe than sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now