Note: These are NOT compatible with the 60 Series Land Cruiser or Toyota 4WD Mini Trucks. For those, click here.

If your knuckle hardware is properly torqued and not in need of a rebuild, there is no need to disassemble just to install these. Keep your current setup until the next scheduled rebuild.

As an 80 Series Land Cruiser owner, you should be familiar with the term "Check Yer Nuts." This refers to your axle's knuckle hardware, which is notorious for working loose, falling out, or shearing off, potentially leading to complete knuckle failure. This issue typically arises not from defective knuckles but from improper rebuilds or failure to re-torque the hardware. Given the heavy-duty nature of these trucks, regular checks are essential, especially after off-road excursions.

Introducing our Nut Hugger plates. At a minimum, they replace the OEM washers in your knuckle hardware stack. When installed correctly, they prevent the knuckle hardware from falling apart and causing damage.

Installation Guide:

1. Completely clean and de-grease the mounting surface of the steering arm and knuckle.
2. Use a sanding block or file to ensure both the knuckle and steering arm surfaces are flat and smooth.
3. Ensure the knuckle studs are tight in the knuckle itself; the shoulder will prevent the stud from going too far.
4. Place the steering arm in position with the cone washers.
5. Pre-bend each ear about 30 degrees to facilitate locking tabs after installation.
6. Install the Nut Hugger plates in place of the OEM washers (do not use OEM washers).
7. Hand tighten the nut with the flat edge toward the knuckle.
8. Torque the nuts to 71 ft-lb.
9. Do not bend the tabs yet.
10. Drive 500 miles, then re-check the torque and verify it remains at 71 ft-lb.
11. Use a screwdriver to bend the tabs up, then use a brass drift and hammer to secure all tabs into the knuckle nut, locking it in place.

Includes:

• (2) Nut Hugger plates (ONE SET), enough for one knuckle
  • Laser cut steel
  • Tumbled and clear zinc plated (so you don’t have corrosion issues from zinc coated studs against stainless steel plates)
  • Engraved with torque spec and 500 mile reminder

Ensure your knuckle hardware remains secure and reliable with these precision-engineered Nut Hugger plates. Ideal for those ready to rebuild their axles or addressing missing/loose hardware.

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