Dana 44 rear axle bearing seat repair

[Ledslinger]

I've owned my 1961 GMC Suburban since 1978 and never had a drum off until yesterday. I'm pulling off the RR drum and notice some play in the wheel bearing and I'm thinking no big deal until I remove the bearing. I chisel off the retaining ring and the bearing falls off. The bearing is loose on the shaft and has worn into the shaft. I looked for a shop to weld it up and grind to a press fit, but the reply was heat treatment is ruined and axle might break.

So it appears the only option is trying to find a used axle. My sub is a GMC and has 17.5" wheels with 6 lugs. I'm not sure if 2WD used Dana 44 axles or if 15" wheel equipped trucks used the same bolt pattern. If the bolt pattern is only for 17.5" 4WD, a used axle might be hard to find.

Any ideas on if a press on bearing seat can be repaired, or have info on axle interchange? I'd rather maintain the originality and match the left axle than use an aftermarket axle.