Front end rebuild...what to do first?

I am planning a front end rebuild but I won't be able to buy all the parts at once. I was wondering what order should be followed when rebuilding the following...

Kingpin bearings, wheel bearings, and knuckle seals. Could I break this job down or should I just wait until I can do it all at once? I don't want to fix something and then find out I have to take it apart again a month or two down the road. After this, I plan on getting all new steering linkage and bellcrank and doing a Ross box rebuild. What do you guys think?

 

You don't necessarily need to replace the wheel bearings. Take the hub apart and inspect them. If the races are pitted or uneven, then yes you need then. If they look ok, repack them and put them back. You'll need a hub seal regardless.

I'd follow Dr. Vern's instructions on the knuckles. http://www.vernco.com/frontaxle/

In most cases you can't predict what parts you'll need until you take the knuckle apart. However, you will clearly need knuckle seals if the knuckle is leaking, and you can't pack the wheel bearings without a new hub (wheel) seal. If you want to save money, I suggest you take everything apart, clean and inspect, and then buy what parts you need. You kind of have to expect the worst though ... it's not often that you get into a project like this and the condition turns out to be better than you expected. Realize that you'll be looking at the brakes too when you go in this far.

 

What timgr said.

I'd add that before taking everything apart, you can check the kingpin bearings by jacking her up and grabbing the top and bottom of the tire and trying to wobble the tire - if there is any play you will need new kingpin bearings.

You will definitely want ALL new seals, and you will not want to take this apart more than once every few years - it's a pretty major job.

Do you have the FSM?

 

Yes I have an FSM. I'm pretty sure I need kingpin bearings because I do have the play in the wheels that you describe. Not sure if I need wheel bearings or not. I guess I will find that out once I get in there. The reason I figured I would need them is I don't know if they've ever been replaced. I know my dad repacked them with grease, but that was 8 years ago!

 

You may need king pin bearings or it might not be shimmed properly.

 

You might consider getting a second front axle assembly for cheap then fixing that one. When it's rebuilt roll out the old one, roll in the refurbished one. You can then sell the take-off axle. Lots of old axles out there for next to free. This will allow you to work at your own pace and do it right without rushing.