The
day was hot and steamy here in Texas. The temperature was rising
into the 100's, but I just received a set of Newfields; heavy-duty
replacement Birfields to those that have not seen these new wonders,
and decided to spend my afternoon installing and documenting my
new toys.
C.V. Unlimited
has come out with an improved Birfield, called the Newfield. The
Birfield's reputation for Hard Core Land Cruiser (and other Toyota
models) owners has been less than desirable as being the only
weak link in a rather stout production Off-road vehicle. The Newfield
head is taller, thicker and wider than the stock '76-'89 Land
Cruiser fine spline Birfields. I have a 1969 FJ-40, but had done
a disc brake conversion using an 85' 4-Runner front end. This
enabled me to use the Newfields on my front axle. All the tools
listed are required for a typical Birfield replacement minus the
Air Die Grinder and stone. Since the Newfields are reinforced,
a slight bit of grinding is required in the knuckle to accommodate
them.
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If you are
planning on replacing a Birfield, have these tools ready:
2 1/8"
Hub Socket
3/8" Drive Ratchet
10, 12, 14, 17mm Shallow Sockets
Flat Blade Screw Driver
Snap Ring Pliers (True Arc)
Die Grinder and Stone
Safety Glasses
Ballpeen Hammer
Multi-Purpose Wheel Bearing Grease
2 Rolls of Paper Towels
Course Thread Screw that fits the end of the Axle Shaft
Large pipe to allow the long sided axle to fit inside.
Floor Jack Jack Stands
Magnet
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Left: Beefier,
larger Newfield
Right: Original Birfield
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