Hey guys. I'm gonna be freshening up the rear axle in the '91.5 to swap into my '90. I'm gonna service the differential and go through both wheel ends and replace everything just so I know it's all new. Wheel bearings, seals, wheel cylinders (might go for the GM "upgrades" or the 1 1/8" bores), drums (maybe), shoes, all the hardware, etc. I really don't have a budget as most of these parts will be fairly inexpensive. I'm looking for some guidance to all the right parts. I've been looking on Rock Auto and, of course, they have a few different manufacturers of parts to choose from. I wanna get good stuff. Thanks in advance, fellas!

 

These guys have very good parts. I like Spicer and moog. Of course Spicer is Dana (or vice versa ), so that would be best, IMO...Mark P.S. Timken for bearings

 

So you are freshening up a 32-spline Dana 70 to replace a 35-spline Dana 70? Just thought I'd point it out if you hadn't realized. (axle bolts = 32-spline; axle studs & nuts = 35-spline).

I started with just checking my brakes, but found some of the hub bearings pitted, and play in the carrier bearings. Ordered a Lockright too (from PORC.) My spindle nuts are the nylock type - all beat to snot from being removed with a hammer and chisel. Ordered some D60 front spindle nuts. Gonna see how that works out. Get hub seals, axle flange gaskets, and I like to use a diff cover gasket.

Ordered all from Rockauto. I'm not so picky about the brands so much as get it all from the same warehouse to save on shipping.

 

Its almost a must to go with Timken bearings. They were the OEM supplier. Dont believe that crap on the internet about National bearings being the same. Timken Timken, Timken. You should have a 32 spline Dana 70U

 

Yes, replacing a 35 spline, narrow, cab and chassis axle with a 32 spline, wide, pick up axle. Is there any downfall to that? The only reason I'm doing this is so that I can fit a regular bed on my frame without having to do any modification to the wheel tubs. The previous owner of the '91.5 tells me that it's an open differential so I'd eventually like to find a good locking differential to replace it with as well.

 

I haven't looked in a while, but there was an E-Bay vender that had complete bearing kits, gaskets, seals, clutch-packs, the whole works, all for one money, WITH TIMKEN BEARINGs.

His prices were reasonable for everything that you got.


If you can't find the good double-nut/folding-tab-lock-washer wheel-bearing nuts in an older Dana-60 or so at the junk-yard, here is a place that sells them new :


http://quad4x4.com/Dodge%20Rear%20Axle.htm


Carry on.

 

I was told that you could not find timken bearings anymore they no longer make them for our axles, is this true or not?

 

That is a rather large Fib.

I just got a 3.07 rear re-bearing'd and clutch-ed from a local supplier called The Gearbox. Got mail-order/internet prices and the axle kit was entirely Timken bearings. They took all the OE shims; pre-loads, depth and backlash all perfect...no way I'd do anything else.
cheers,
Douglas

 

I believe that is a rumor created by auto-parts stores trying to remain competively priced with the big chain stores foreign-made product.

What will happen eventually is that, due to 99% of consumers buying by price, such quality concerns as TIMKEN and SPICER will lose so much business that they will no longer be able to stay in business.

They will then sell their NAME to some cheapy company and we will then be buying only the name and not getting the quality.

Another piece of America gone.

 

I saw that Double Spindle Nut kit after Mark posted the link to Quad 4x4. I like that idea and had planned on buying that kit. Then I noticed their Torque King Master wheel bearing kit which included the Double Spindle Nut parts for about $450. That seems like a reasonable price to me.

 

Jimbo,
I have a Dana-70 service manual if you could use a copy.
Text me your e-mail and Ill send you a copy.

Jim

 

That'd be great, Jim. Thanks!

 

Jimbo,
Have you found anything useful in those files.
Jim

 

There is TONS of useful info in the parts catalog! I can only hope some of the parts I'd like to have are still available. I was hoping the Dana 70 service manual would cover the service and/or replacement of the wheel bearings but I believe my FSM covers that so I'll take a look in there. I've never done the wheel bearings myself.

 

If you buy a set of 32 spline side gears for the old power lock you should be able to use it in the new axle.