New Axles and Rebuild - D44's - Updates and questions

[Dr. Marneaus]

is this more or less the process?

http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/d44/d44-3.htm

Again, how likely is it that I'll need to even replace the bearings on the front and rear axle shafts? Or is it worth it simply since i have the front axle out of the truck right now anyway?

Is there an 'inner' bearing on the front, or is the axle shaft supported only by the spindle bearings? I'm not super familiar with this.

[jamesdart]

on the front you have 2 wheel bearings and a spindle bearing. on the rear you have axle bearings right behind the brakes.

[Tad]

I wouldn't replace the front bearings unless you find they are bad. I would replace the spindle bearings and axle shaft u-joints up front, I hate going back in after those.
I would replace the rear wheel bearings for piece of mind, I quit doing my own and just pull the axle shafts and take them in these days.

[Dr. Marneaus]

so....

Inspect: Front hub bearings

Replace: Spindle Bearings/Rear Bearings

a check by hand shows everything is smooth and tight up front (no real wobbles or anything), but like you said I would rather do the stuff that's more convenient at this time rather than when the axles are under the truck.

I had planned on u-joints for sure, and ball joints for sure. I'll do the spindle bearings and I guess the bearings in the hub would be easy enough if they go bad down the road.

On the spindle bearing, is there some trick to getting it out? Seems like it's nice and deep in there.

[aktrapper]

Everything...

I am replacing all the seals and bearings in the axle at the same time I do u-joints and ball joints - I figure the cost wasn't too bad for the parts and I'm in there anyway. I have a tough time getting the time to do these jobs so a few extra bucks replacing parts that aren't totally shot is worth it for me...

[REDONE]

I am replacing all the seals and bearings in the axle at the same time I do u-joints and ball joints - I figure the cost wasn't too bad for the parts and I'm in there anyway. I have a tough time getting the time to do these jobs so a few extra bucks replacing parts that aren't totally shot is worth it for me...

You are absolutely right and your logic is sound.

However, I've never seen the front wheel bearings wear out. I've seen them destroyed by lack of service, but that goes down quick and once started is unreversable, but if the front wheel bearings are good, they're good. New grease every year and new seal when they start to bleed, they'll last forever.

[Dr. Marneaus]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Ordered 2 sets of spiced ball joints and that actually depleted the little pile of money I had for jeep parts this month (can you believe I sold a gun for this?) so we will see if I can scrounge some more up without altering my budget too much (I believe I will be able to finally pay off my credit card debt this month if I'm not foolish with spending on jeep parts!!)

[Tad]

On the spindle bearing, is there some trick to getting it out?

I know there is a tool for it but I have always used a section of 1/2 square tube and just knocked them out, flange of spindle clamped in vise.
I install them with a large C-clamp but I have some really big clamps.

[fulsizjeep]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Ordered 2 sets of spiced ball joints and that actually depleted the little pile of money I had for jeep parts this month (can you believe I sold a gun for this?) so we will see if I can scrounge some more up without altering my budget too much (I believe I will be able to finally pay off my credit card debt this month if I'm not foolish with spending on jeep parts!!)

Spiced Ball Joints? Who'da thunk?

Man, you have been sucked into the delusion that you can own a FSJ and also pay down your credit at the same time.

The last time I installed spindle bearings I found a piece of pipe that fit the application. May have been a jack handle.

[Dr. Marneaus]

Spiced Ball Joints? Who'da thunk?

Man, you have been sucked into the delusion that you can own a FSJ and also pay down your credit at the same time.

The last time I installed spindle bearings I found a piece of pipe that fit the application. May have been a jack handle.

mmmmmmmm spiced ball joints *drool* haha, sorry, Spicer.

Nah nah nah, I've been doing awesome! I've paid off several thousand in debt since right before christmas, and as soon as April 1st rolls around, i'll have killed my credit card debt FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!!! Woo! I'm actually pretty proud of that. Ugh, then there's 19,000 worth of school loans left too....thats okay, it'll take like a year.


Anyway, yah, I've read of people using a pipe to set them in place.

[Mike D]

been looking for a video of some one doing a front bearing replacement -- spose it dosen't exist for a closed knuckle 72