Dana 44 Axel bearings?

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TJ805

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Been trying to get this front end cleaned up and it's been humbling. My current issue is the right side axle. I pulled it out to inspect and clean and upon reassembly, it seems to turn rough. Hearing some metal on metal. I put it in dry, should I grease it up? The knuckle rubs on the tube and I assume it's because the hub is not fully assembled, but I do wonder what carries the axle inside the tube. Is there a bearing that can be replaced without gutting the gears? Does the wear in the pics look normal? Top pick is right side.

Observation: The drive shaft does not turn when I turn the axles, but the axles turn when I turn the drive shaft. Normal?



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CSFJ

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There is no "carrier" type bearing in that assembly. The splines ride in the diff, and the machined part just past is for the seal to ride on. The other end is supported and centred by the knuckle and hub assembly.
 

dvdswan

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The only outer support is from the needle bearings in the spindle.

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Your observation is normal for an open diff. It all depends on how tight or free moving the parts are. I've seen open diffs do weird stuff. Spin one side, the other side spins in the opposite direction, and diff yoke doesn't turn. spin the other side, yoke spins and other side doesn't move. spin the yoke and one or both might turn, usually one though.
 

TJ805

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Is 50 foot pounds too much for the spindle nuts? I heard 35 and 65 so I split the dif.
 

eskimomann209

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Is 50 foot pounds too much for the spindle nuts? I heard 35 and 65 so I split the dif.
How does it feel when turning? The first one is the one that’s around 50 foot pounds while spinning the hub... then back it off about 1/4 turn...
the OUTER nut after the thrust washer takes A LOT more
Like 150 foot pounds
It’s been a while but I thought there was carrier bearings???
@CSFJ
 

eskimomann209

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What bearings / races are you using
What grease
How were the bearings stored and handled pre greased?
 

TJ805

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How does it feel when turning? The first one is the one that’s around 50 foot pounds while spinning the hub... then back it off about 1/4 turn...
the OUTER nut after the thrust washer takes A LOT more
Like 150 foot pounds
It’s been a while but I thought there was carrier bearings???
@CSFJ
Thanks for the info, but I'm actually talking about the six 9/16 spindle/splash guard nuts. I saw a chart that had torque at 65 ft lbs and even 50 seems high...

I'm using Timkens with some good high temp red grease that I'll hand pack.
 

eskimomann209

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Thanks for the info, but I'm actually talking about the six 9/16 spindle/splash guard nuts. I saw a chart that had torque at 65 ft lbs and even 50 seems high...

I'm using Timkens with some good high temp red grease that I'll hand pack.
Ohh ok right
Got ahead of myself
Yes I use anti seize and i torque those to 50ftlbs

@CSFJ
After rereading I get what you’re saying too
Sorry guys I shouldn’t read while driving
 

TJ805

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Ohh ok right
Got ahead of myself
Yes I use anti seize and i torque those to 50ftlbs

@CSFJ
After rereading I get what you’re saying too
Sorry guys I shouldn’t read while driving
Where did you get the 50 ft lb spec? Do you have a link? Everything I see leads me to the large double spindle nuts inside the hub...
 

eskimomann209

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For the record my good sir it is what I do
The spec is, as you mentioned previously, 65 ftlbs

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TJ805

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For the record my good sir it is what I do
The spec is, as you mentioned previously, 65 ftlbs

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That blows me away. 50 seemed like I was stretching the studs. 65 seems like it would snap them...

Thanks for the exploded view. Is it Chilton?
 

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