Front Axle tool

[bgross]

After reading the FJRTech and Googling the topic for options and possible sources, I ventured out to find a solution.

Long story short, I succeeded.

The mystery part is a coupler for threaded rod stock, 12mm ID.

<a href="https://s1341.photobucket.com/user/Bret_Gross/media/image_zps45ca3a74.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o750/Bret_Gross/image_zps45ca3a74.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo image_zps45ca3a74.jpg"/></a>

My bride/CFO was pleased that it only cost $1.99

 

[luvtoride]

I have a tool that look virtually identical to that. Unfortunately, back in '04 when I originally bought one, there wasn't many folks that would discover these kinds of things, yet.

 

[SFCJCA]

Very nice.

 

[garyahouse]

You sir are brilliant.

First, you chose a great CEO.

Second, you goterdone cheap.

Third you posted up a way to save money around here.

--Needless to say, we waste enough money on farkles, it's nice to save a nickel.

Hope yer enjoyin' that lovely San Clemente weather.

Gary

 

[rbentnail]

I use the small spark plug socket from a Craftsman tool set turned around backwards with a 5/8" (I think) Allen wrench stuck in it.

 

[C&C]

I use the small spark plug socket from a Craftsman tool set turned around backwards with a 5/8" (I think) Allen wrench stuck in it.

Here's mine; cost zero:

 

[lnewlf]

I welded a nut on a piece of flat steel..

 

[Afast03nNJ]

+1 on the spark plug socket. Don't need to sick anything into it, the driver snaps right into it from the open end.

 

[bgross]

+1 on the spark plug socket. Don't need to sick anything into it, the driver snaps right into it from the open end.

That was among my first-tried options.

The only spark plug socket I have came with the 3/8 socket set that I bought nearly 40 years ago. The hex end of it is .750 and will not fit into either the axle bolt nor into my well-worn 19mm socket.

I have an old bicycle tool with a 19mm head on one end. It is useless for the task, but served well as a template which I used (along with my 19mm socket) to compare the various options at the hardware store.

Aren't improvisational tools fun?!

 

[gixxerjasen]

Not as cheap...but still not expensive...I picked up similar to one of these some years ago and it's been quite handy to have in the tool box.

https://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/partno/08-0397/

Seen prices around $13 online for this or a similar one.

Although, I can certainly appreciate home made or using something not as designed, but this has been quite handy.

 

[ionbeam]

One of the original 'cheaters' for the front axle bolt was a 19mm (3/4) lug nut.

 

[Fairlaner]

even cheaper would have been to borrow mine.

R

 

[wfooshee]

Spark plug socket FTW.

 

[bgross]

even cheaper would have been to borrow mine.
R

Thanks!

I'll make a mental note to think of you next time I discover that the tools for my Wing don't ALL work for the FJR.

Or need to do a valve check and/or TBS....

 

[Fred W]

Spark plug socket FTW.

+1 - And note the use of the perfectly short 3/8" extension that you probably already have. Less length to twist-up while hitting it with the significant torque required to loosen the axle. Anyone else manage to twist a cheap chinese 3/8" extension selected (somewhat indiscriminately) from their socket drawer? (I had about 4 or 5 extensions of that length in there, now one less)

Well, unless you are an anti-seizer, in which case then it doesn't matter since the axle will release merely at your verbal command...

at least my axle's not gonna fall off in BFE

 

[bgross]

Spark plug socket FTW.[img=[URL="https://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd29/wfooshee/DSC_0027.jpg%5D"]https://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd29/wfooshee/DSC_0027.jpg][/URL]

+1 - And note the use of the perfectly short 3/8" extension that you probably already have. Less length to twist-up while hitting it with the significant torque required to loosen the axle. Anyone else manage to twist a cheap chinese 3/8" extension selected (somewhat indiscriminately) from their socket drawer? (I had about 4 or 5 extensions of that length in there, now one less)

Well, unless you are an anti-seizer, in which case then it doesn't matter since the axle will release merely at your verbal command...

at least my axle's not gonna fall off in BFE

"Cheap" and "Chinese" seem to be synonymous when it comes to tools - almost cliche.

About 25 years ago, son (now 37) began acquiring his own tools. He always loved to tinker with me in the garage and was indoctrinated with respect for tools and quality. My advice to him was to buy the best quality that he could afford, allowing him the joy of saving his allowance for weeks and weeks - and the sorrow of spending it on a "12-gazillion-piece tool set for $19.99", only to watch them decompose before his eyes.

Thus he learned about anti-sieze, a monstrous beam-style torque wrench ("don't go over 5 ft-pounds!") - and tools that rusted when you breathed on them.

"...release merely at your verbal command."

Now THAT'S funny.

 

[LKLD]

BG, thanks for the info!

Speaking of cheap tools, I sometimes come home with tool, and wifey will ask what I bought. I tell her and she responds with "well, how much was that thing?". I tell her. She always replies "What? You can get that very same thing at Walmart for $8!!". So now when she comes home from getting her hair, mani, and pedi done at La Chic, or whatever, I ask how much, then say "What!! You could have had that done at Walmart for $25!!". She's slowly getting the point after 23 years of marriage.

 

[Fred W]

BG, thanks for the info! Speaking of cheap tools, I sometimes come home with tool, and wifey will ask what I bought. I tell her and she responds with "well, how much was that thing?". I tell her. She always replies "What? You can get that very same thing at Walmart for $8!!". So now when she comes home from getting her hair, mani, and pedi done at La Chic, or whatever, I ask how much, then say "What!! You could have had that done at Walmart for $25!!". She's slowly getting the point after 23 years of marriage.

Big difference is you'll have that quality tool around, probably for the rest of your life. How's that hair/mani/pedi job holding up after a few weeks?

Cheap tools, like this short 3/8" extension I twisted into a corkscrew... just seem to show up in my tool chest without me fully realizing how I acquired them. I think this particular extension was on a ratchet and deep socket that I found on the ground at the side of the road one time.

But luckily there is a certain Tool "Darwanism" that tends to slowly clean them out so that I am left with my basic Craftsman stuff (that I've had since a teen) over time.

 

[Rheal]

+1 on the spark plug socket. Don't need to sick anything into it, the driver snaps right into it from the open end.

That was among my first-tried options.

The only spark plug socket I have came with the 3/8 socket set that I bought nearly 40 years ago. The hex end of it is .750 and will not fit into either the axle bolt nor into my well-worn 19mm socket.

I have an old bicycle tool with a 19mm head on one end. It is useless for the task, but served well as a template which I used (along with my 19mm socket) to compare the various options at the hardware store.

Aren't improvisational tools fun?!

I do like the way most people on this forum think! Firstly, we haev all chosent a great bike. Then ... a little creativity and nice elegant solutions can be found for expensive OEM tools. The thread rod coupler is a great solution as is the inverted spark plug socket. Nice guys!