Dana 44 Help needed

I pulled the axles out of my dana 44 when I rebuilt my powerlock and realized the bearing setup is different on each side. The axle on the left has a tapered bearing. The bearings appeared to be packed in grease and sit behind an inner seal that separates the bearings from the diff gear oil.

The axle on the right didn't have an inner seal and appeared to be lubed by the diff gear fluid because it didn't have any grease packed in the bearing. It also didn't apear to have any sort of tapered race in the housing to accommodate a tapered bearing. The problem with this side is that there is about 1/2 inch of play in the axle in and out of the housing. I

I'm not sure what my options are here and I'm concerned with how much play there in in the axle on the right, but is has been that way for over 6000 miles with no problems so far, but that doesn't make it right.


http://s632.photobucket.com/albums/uu49/JeePs187/?action=view&current=IMG_0938.jpg&newest=1

 

looks like the one on the right has been changed possibly to a different type...Id get the seal and change the bearing back to the right one(match the left) sometimes the race stays with the bearing when you pull the axle that may explain the different look/lack of tapered race in the housing

 

Left side factory, right side aftermarket. Even with the atermarket there should not be that much drift. The right side, once you pull that kind out the seal is usually shot. You can't put it back or it will leak. Sounds like the press on collar was not pushed on all the way, or it backed off. Seal is on the outside of a wet bearing. Either will work equally well. they also make a bearing that relocates the seal /load surface on a wet bearing if there is a groove worn in the axle shaft from the seal.

 

So you are totally right - the bearing race was retained by the brake backing plate and slid right out after I pulled the backing plate. I will probably leave the left side as is and simply repack the bearing and put the axle back in.

On the right side I found out why there is so much play in the axle. There was a clip inserted in a groove that located the outer bearing on the wheel side of the bearing that failed. Is this clip normal? It seems a little off that such a thin clip would be expected to support the lateral load of the jeep in a turn, but I'm no engineer. If this is an OK setup I would prefer to replace this clip and not have to buy all new bearings and seals right now as well as go to a shop to have them pressed on. I totally understand I might have a leak if I reuse the seal, but I want to give it a shot.

I have surfed the net and can't find any mention of this clip. Where could I find one of these if it is an appropriate setup?

Here is an image of the clip.

http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu49/JeePs187/IMG_0941.jpg

 

No clip. There is a 1/2" or so collar that is pressed on after the bearing is put on the axle. The race should also not just fall out, you have to drive it in.

 

the "clip" is part of the race the bearing needs to be replaced that part holds the race to the bearing ,sorry, you can use a punch to dimple the housing a little to tighten up the race