Replace Your Front DANA/Spicer Axle Universal Joints

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Mar 29, 2009 | 02:11 PM

#16

dzl_damon

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Joined: Nov 2007

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From: Maine

You can get the special socket for the bearings from NAPA for $25 or so. It say's it's for a Ford F250/350 Dana 50, but it's the same thing. Worked fine.

Apr 20, 2009 | 11:01 PM

#17

Yreka

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Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 129

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From: Tracy, CA

Alternate PN on the U-joints for those ( like me) had a helluva time finding the SPL55-4X. I couldn't even find a local dealer that carried Dana/Spicer anymore. ( Precision Ujoints everywhere

)

Looks like the 5-733X are still available on EBay for $46 a pop. (for now)

New Cold Forged joint (Spicer calls these the "Spicer Life Series" )

Greasable: Spicer SPL55-4x also called 5-733x

Permanently Sealed: SPL55-3x, also called 5-806-x

Quote:

(From Pirate 4x4)
This is the Spicer Life Series 1480 series u-joint in greasable version. The older part number is Spicer part #: 5-733X, which has been superceded by part # SPL55-4x. They are the exact same part. Some shops are referring to these u-joints as "snap-tight" because the new triple-locks seal is so good, the caps snap on really tightly. Indeed, when I installed the u-joints, I had to use channel-lock pliers to remove the bearing caps from the trunnions - I couldn't pull them off by hand - that's how good the seals are.

Apr 20, 2009 | 11:29 PM

#18

Yreka

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Joined: Aug 2008

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From: Tracy, CA

Oh, and another source of the hub socket. Kragen/Orielly carries "Powerbuilt" tool line. Part number is 648477. Its a 2 1/2 inch 4 prong socket in 1/2" drive. Cost was about $20

Thanks BC for the write-up, it helped quite a bit.

Apr 12, 2011 | 12:18 PM

#19

LeviMXUSMC

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Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 155

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From: Cabot Arkansas

wonderful wright up. I am about to help a frend with a front bearing and this is great.

Apr 13, 2011 | 08:15 PM

#20

91oldranchtruck

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Joined: Dec 2010

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where could I get a bearing puller?

I was looking for a bearing puller that would pull the spindle bearing. THanks to the sticky I found that is how you get that bearing out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BC847

-

- Now take the spindle and clean both ends. I used a cotton cloth to wipe away the grease. Look real hard at the needle bearing for any signs of abnormal wear. If it came apart on you, or you're in doubt, replace it. You'll need a bearing puller to get it out as well as possibly a special tool to install a new one though I imagine a socket will work. ~

Apr 14, 2011 | 08:23 AM

#21

Fibrestar

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Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 46

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Great write up for sure. I can say first hand make sure you clean the tubes out with a large boiler brush and solvent. also I made a tool with a piece or heavy sheet metal that I bent to help support the axle in the tube as you slide it in. If you catch the inner seals with the axle you'll be tearing into it again but in a bigger way!!