Bearings for Regearing

Tomcat

TJ Enthusiast
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Aug 28, 2019
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846
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Vancouver, Wa.
I'm in the process of ordering the complete gear set's to change my stock 3.73's to 4.56. At Revolution they give you the option of either Timkin or Koyo bearings. I'm familiar with Timkin and they have a good reputation, but know almost nothing about Koyo. Their rep. says Koyo is the better choice. Enlighten me please. Thanks in advance to one and all.
 
Koyo is the choice of the most of the OEMs around the world. Both will get the job done.
 
I chose Timken and they've been fine, either would be fine. One thing that helped me choose the Timken other than I'm very comfortable with that brand name is that the Koyos were cheaper so I wasn't going to chance it.
 
The guy that is going to do my regear with Revolution kit recommended the Koyos as well. I couldn't tell you why, though.
 
It'd be really good to find some knowledge on the differences between Koyo and Timken and why several recommendations here have gone for the Koyos. I personally don't know the differences.
 
I used both for my regear ;). I needed larger carrier bearings to fit my e-lockers and bought Timken ones, and used the Koyo pinion bearings from my Revolution kit. No issues with either.
 
I wouldn't hesitate to use Koyo bearings. Back in my FJ40 days, Koyo was the choice for all Toyota trucks, which could easily go 300K. That is still true today. I've literally seen FJ40 transfer cases, transmissions and rears come in with swamp water. They were drained, flushed, seals replaced and then filled back up with oil. The FJ40, FJ55, and FJ60 are legendary around the world for their toughness and reliability, partly due to Koyo.
 
I wouldn't hesitate to use Koyo bearings. Back in my FJ40 days, Koyo was the choice for all Toyota trucks, which could easily go 300K. That is still true today. I've literally seen FJ40 transfer cases, transmissions and rears come in with swamp water. They were drained, flushed, seals replaced and then filled back up with oil. The FJ40, FJ55, and FJ60 are legendary around the world for their toughness and reliability, partly due to Koyo.

Not to highjack, but just a shared reminisce on yesterday's tech.

Back in my FJ40 days... I rebuilt my transmission in my 70' FJ40. Yeah, by myself. Dad thought i was nuts. It was 1979 and I was 17 years old.
A service manual, a feeler guage, new bearings and teen determination.
Ah, the old days... 3 speed on the tree.
It was three main shafts and a grip of roller bearings on one shaft. But one could do it. In their garage. Not like today's transmissions.

Modern tech has it's merits. But it comes at a price.

Always bought Timkin, cuz they used to be all USA made. Now, IDK.
 
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That's what I've always used, but the consensus seems to 50/50 on what to go with. There is a price break on the Koyo bearings, about 25.00 on the kit.