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.

[markeb01]

Originally Posted by Ledslinger

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.

For what it's worth my 1960 GMC short bed 1/2 ton 2 wheel drive also came factory equipped with the Dana 44 rear axle. I believe these were standard in GMC trucks, perhaps up to at least 1962 (maybe longer). Mine originally came with 6 lug 15" wheels, so assuming they are the normal 6x5.5" (I think) pattern any GMC from this period should provide the axle shaft you're looking for.

[slorio]

Ledslinger:
Agree with Markeb01. My 1966 GMC 1000 series has the same Dana 44 with 6 lug wheels. I think any of the 1000 series GMC's from 1960 to 1966 would work. Chevies wouldn't however.
regards,
Steve
New Orleans

[slorio]

Ledslinger:
What about this 6 lug rear end in a 1968 GMC? Looks like it is in Missouri as well:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=gmc

Hope this helps.
regards,
Steve
New Orleans

[Ledslinger]

Steve, I think that chassis is too late to have a Dana 44, probably a 12 bolt. Thanks for taking the effort to help. Tim

[brokenspoke]

If I remember right...auto parts houses used to sell a offset bearing that places the bearing outboard somewhat....its been a while

[Ledslinger]

brokenspoke- Those repair bearings are for bearings that the rollers ride directly on the shaft. Early 60s GMC Dana 44 have a press on ball bearing.

[slorio]

Ledslinger:
It looks like the 68 GMC's used Dana 60 rear ends. I was thinking for $100 within 150 miles, you could round up this rear end and bolt the whole thing in your surburban.
Regards,
Steve
New Orleans

[Ledslinger]

Steve, Good idea, but ratio could be an issue since my truck is 4WD. I want to keep it stock since it is original except for a later hood and gages I installed in about 1980.