Warn hub part#

[snj8198]

Hey gang, it's time to start shopping for a set of hubs. From Warn's site i think I have hunted down the right part number as #38826 but just to be sure can anybody confirm what that number on Warn's premium hubs for a '79 GM Dana 60. Also, does anybody have an idea on who has the best prices right now? I seem to be finding them around $270 ish.

Thanks

-steve

[b454rat]

Go find a mid/late 80s Ford F250 with the HD front end, same lockouts as a GM 60. Lot cheaper too.

[snj8198]

Thanks rat. I thought those were 19 spline, am I mistaken?

[DirtyLarry]

Any reason you specially want Warn hubs? I have never been impressed with any Warn hubs. Sure, they decent but they can be a hassle to turn where you must poke your arm around the tire to spin the axle shaft a tad in order for the hubs to fully lock or unlock. Most of my buddies and I canned our old Warn and MileMarker hubs over the past few years in favor of Superwinch hubs and we have all had great luck with them. The Superwinch hubs have held up well on locked front ends too (my buddy’s Ram Charger has a front ARB and mine has a TrueTrac) plus they are only a quick ¼ to lock or unlock.

I was in the hub shopping mode the other night in preparation for the D60 swap going into the K10 and chose to go with Superwinch hubs again. They are $130 through Summit Racing and if they are anything like the D44 Superwinch hubs, they will be better than the Warn Premium hubs.

D60 Hub


D44 Hub

[snj8198]

Thanks for the input Larry. I was going with the Warn line because I have only experienced them and the stock Spicers in the past. I too have had to twist the axle shafts for engagement with Warns in the past, especially in the winter if too much grease is used. If you have had good luck in your adventures running SuperWinch, especially at half the cost, then that sounds like something I need to look in to.

I appreciate the heads up! -steve

[DirtyLarry]

Ya, buddy! We (4 buddies running them) have indeed have had good luck with the Superwinch hubs on D44 axles so I expect the D60 should be just as good. I can’t say that I’ve ever seen a Warn hub fail either but the Superwinch are easier to lock and unlock and cost much less. I got tired of reaching around and spinning the axle shaft just to lock and unlock a hub. My Burb has Warn premiums on it now. Once I install this D60 in the K10 I am taking the Superwinch hubs off the D44 currently in the K10 and throwing them on the Burb for the same reason.

The D60 Superwinch hubs I ordered the other day from Summit are due in today. Once I get them installed I’ll post some pictures of them. I’ll probably be installing the D60 axle into the K10 in a few weeks as I almost got everything I need for the swaperoo now.

[snj8198]

When you do your 60 swap, do you plan to stay with the stock 30 spline outers or upgrade to the 35 spline stub shafts?

[DirtyLarry]

Originally Posted by snj8198

When you do your 60 swap, do you plan to stay with the stock 30 spline outers or upgrade to the 35 spline stub shafts?

Staying with 30. The D60 I picked up is a brand new old stock military fresh out of the crate. I see no reason to do some of these so called “upgrades” for the type of wheeling I do, especially on a virgin axle. Unless you are building a full on rock crawler or sled puller 35 spine seems pointless to me.

[Dale99]

Thanks for info also, before I get mine on the road I need to replace the hubs.

[snj8198]

Thanks Larry. Most of my wheeling is exploring the back country across rutted back logging roads, creek crossings, and as high as class 3 trails. Most is much like your expeditions that i have seen in your great vids. I'll push the 30 spline stubs til i break them then upgrade if necessary. Doubt it will happen though with 35 inch tires or less.

[DirtyLarry]

That is what I figure too. Run 30’s until they break then upgrade if need be. I don’t expect to have any issues with 30 splines though. You know the internet said the D44 would never live this long and the 27 spline 205 behind the NV4500 would break the first time I ran over a curb. I think it is all in how people drive.

Mr. UPS brought me Superlift hubs this afternoon! They look pretty beefy. I like them and they lock and unlock so nice.











Pretty much have everything I need other than a front U-joint strap kit. I might just bolt this sucker in this weekend! I’m going to miss the TruTrac in the D44 though. Someday this D60 and rear 14 bolt will get ARB’d. I am totally over the rear Detroit locker! Tired of rear steering and rear tire wear. Time for selectable lockers

[SunSoaked]

Quote DirtyLarry [I am totally over the rear Detroit locker! Tired of rear steering and rear tire wear. Time for selectable lockers.]

Dang Larry and here I thought that my score on my free 14FF with the 4:56 and detroit locker was my big break. Now your saying ditch the locker? Is it really that bad?

[DirtyLarry]

Originally Posted by SunSoaked

Quote DirtyLarry [I am totally over the rear Detroit locker! Tired of rear steering and rear tire wear. Time for selectable lockers.]

Dang Larry and here I thought that my score on my free 14FF with the 4:56 and detroit locker was my big break. Now your saying ditch the locker? Is it really that bad?

Detroit lockers are awesome and dang near indestructible. The problem with a Detroit Locker in the rear of a heavy truck with a high torque big block is the tail wags the dog. When tipping into the throttle the front of the truck steers one direction then when you let off the throttle to shift, it darts the other way. With the locker the truck steers the same direction as the engine is torqueing. This is another reason I shift my truck at such low RPM’s….to keep the dang thing on the road! Rear tire wear on a heavy truck like mine (8,000 lbs) with a Detroit locker is ridiculous as well.

Don’t get me wrong, Detroit lockers are awesome but there is a compromise when running one. It would probably be less noticeable on an empty truck with a small block and automatic. Big power, low gears, manual trans and lots of weight are not a good mix for a Detroit locker for drivability and tire wear.