dana 30 axle bearings

When I pull off my lock out hub, I can grab the spindle and wobble it. I've seen references to a spindle bearing with needles that I assume needs to be replaced. Do I need to drop the knuckle by the ball joints for this? And exactly how many bearings are in there? I don't know too much about my front axle except its real sloppy, but still pulls when I need it. Basically, what should I do while I'm in there? I'd like to do any bearings I can within reason, definitly the u-joint and any seals that are within reach. I'll be doing the minor "overhaul" to both sides. Can anyone give me tips to guide me in the right direction? I can't find anything really good on the web, FSM or parts catalogs. It's a 74 CJ5 with stock dana 30.

 

The needle bearings hold the axle straight. If the needle bearings are shot, the axle will have a lot of play. Is this what you are referring to? If so, you will have to pull the hub off, undue the 6 bolts that holds the brake backing plate and reomve the spindle. I think the parts stores can get those for you. If you have not packed your bearings in a while. might be a good time to inspect everything.

 

Without the hub on there I think you'll have some axle slop even with spanking new spindle bearings. But if you're in there might as well change them. Take the spindle off the knuckle. I can't guarantee this, but they are probably driven in from the inside toward the hub end of the spindle and seat against a step in the bore. Don't beat them in or you'll crush the cage and bind the bearings. Tap gently with a driver that is VERY close to the same OD as the bearing. A close fitting driver will bear against the outside rim of the cage, not collapse the end.

Chilly

 

I was thinking that this slop was normal without the hub on. Actually, it was more along the lines of, with the hub on, it eliminates the slop, so lets get this thing back together so we can wheel. I am interested in changing the bearings and seals though. I finally found a good diagram herehttp://www.geocities.com/cantwait_forviolence/library_pages/dana30_diag.html. So if I remove the 6 bolts holding on the spindle, I can pretty much get to most of the bearings and seals?

 

yes.

i believe i've got a basic writeup somewhere on site about the procedure. it was part of my disc conversion. ymmv.

*edit: here's my writeup, on another site. http://forum.neow.net/index.php?showtopic=59377&hl=disc+conversion

wally

 

Thank you wally

 

the link shows a pic of an axle assy
what the heck does that fit ?
never seen a closed knuckle 30
Bronco or ?????
just curious

 

Jim,
That's not a closed knuckle, it's open. You're right, it's an early Bronco Dana 30 with trunnion bearings instead of ball joints, similar to many Dana 60 front axle assemblies. Nickmil

 

It is from a bronco website but I like it. Is it all that different besides balljoints?

 

Yup. Pumpkin on the wrong side, different knuckles, different width, C-bushing, track bar, and coil spring mounts, etc. Nickmil

 

got it
thanx !

 

But as far as the bearing, spindle, hub, etc.? and my CJ5 has the track bar too. I found it very helpful with the exploded view and all the labels. But I was wondering where the ball joints where and why the knuckles where different.