Correct inner spindle seals
 

Rebuilding a 72 front dana 44. The inner spindle seals are confusing. Took everything apart. Had to pry the metal/rubber seal out. Removed the inner roller bearing. Pressed in a new roller bearing. The seal kit makes no sense. The new small roller bearing seal is only about 1/8" thick. The new roller bearing was pressed in....leaving about a 1/4 gap to fill with a seal that is not thick enough. Do the 72's not need the inner roller bearing seal. Seams that the pressed in metal/rubber seal is adequate. This seams like rocket science....and I'm just a scientist. Can't find a schematic for my specific year. Help.....
PM would be great.....thx.

Re: Correct inner spindle seals
 

pics? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_LADFpLFlk try this

Re: Correct inner spindle seals
 

or try this http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=247536

Re: Correct inner spindle seals
 

http://www2.dana.com/expertforms/demenu.aspx click on light axles then on catalogs and literature

Re: Correct inner spindle seals
 

Sounds like you pressed in the new bearing too far

Re: Correct inner spindle seals
 

I did not remove any small v rubber seal. And I did not remove a larger V rubber seal. The NAPA kit has the small rubber seal and the larger rubber seal. Seems that if the needle bearing only goes in so far, that there would be a shim or washer to prevent from pressing in further that it should go. Was told by a tech from a 4x4 site that the metal/rubber seal pressed in place should eliminate the need for the small and large V rubbers. Hoping to get another opinion.
thanks.....

Re: Correct inner spindle seals
 

You got another opinion from somebody that has been building 4x4 for 40 years. Post up a pic of the backside of the spindle so we exactly see what you're working with

Re: Correct inner spindle seals
 

The small needle bearing has a round edge that seats against the housing, thats why I pressed it all the way down. It would be almost impossible to press the needle bearing in the housing, the correct distance to accept the small v rubber. I went to the spicer site and looked for small axles. Went to the parts breakdown and it only shows 78 and newer. I'm thinking that the press in seals are a much simpler, eliminating the two v rubber seals.

Re: Correct inner spindle seals
 

Its staring to make sense. Put the spindle on the axle shaft and its impossible to turn. The needle bearings are super tight.....I pressed them in too far. After I remove them, how do I know how far to press them in? A personal PM may help.
thanks....

Re: Correct inner spindle seals
 

The needle bearing is in, and from the edge of the housing to the bearing is about 3/8". How do I press the new bearing to the correct depth? I would guess....carefully. And should the rubber be flush with the edge of the housing? Or should the rubber be slightly sticking out?

Re: Correct inner spindle seals
 

Bearing way too deep. Yes the rubber V should be slightly proud of the spindle face, just enough for a small press or squeeze. I always eyeball it. Course I've done hundreds of them. Before you reassemble, pack that bearing with a good dollop of grease and put the same grease on the V seal and the plastic thrust washer, and also the larger rubber dust seal where it is going to spin on the back of the spindle

Re: Correct inner spindle seals
 

Thanks, KWMech.....was told the exact same thing by a local expert. Press in just far enough for the rubber to barely touch the bronze thrust washer, being very liberal with grease. Always like a second opinion.
thx....
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