Dana 25/27 closed knuckle ?

is anyone familiar with how to take the steering knuckle off the axle on a dana 25/27? I have removed everything including the caps on the top and bottom of the knuckle. The upper and lower king pin bearings are loose in the races but the knuckle won't slip off of the axle. Should I be able to remove the bearings? Am I missing a step? Thanks

 

i've never done it before but maybe need to remove the knuckle seals. i would think the bearings would need to be removed.

 

Yes, you need to pull the retainers and felt seals off the knuckle side. If the caps with the kingpins are off, it should slide off.

 

Thanks Guys! That was all that was holding it from coming off, the seal. Anyone know a good source for buying new seals?

 

Walcks 4x4 has them.

 

Thanks, I'll check em out.

 

One more question? does anyone know the procedure to shim the king pin bearings?

 

Good info here:

http://www.vernco.com/FrontAxle/

 

Factory service manual has good info for that stuff
Posted via Mobile Device

 

Trial and error using a fish scale. Leave the knuckle seals off until you get the load right. Only shim the top. I think you want to get it to 12-14 pounds of pull to get the knuckle to turn -- someone will correct me if I am wrong on that (I can't remember exactly and I don't have the FSM in front of me.)

 

You were close! My Factory Service Manual says 12-16 lbs.

You want to check it while it's moving as it will take more force to overcome the friction initially so your reading will be higher and inaccurate to get it moving.

 

You may want to check Nova
http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/steering_knuckle_repair.htm

 

Polish the fool out of the ball to make sure there are no voids or scratches that will tear the new seal and make it leak. Definately dont want any paint on the ball either-at least where the seal rides. If replacing the bearings, go with the 15 pounds of pressure. If re-using good bearings that have already been run then go lower as they are not going to "wear in" as much.

 

Thanks for all of the help. Looks pretty easy.

 

X2 on Walcks4WD.com

Be sure to call if you don't see what you need on their website. They have lots of parts that are not listed on-line. Great guys to work with.

 

kaiserwillys also has them. Make sure if you're doing everything on both sides, replace your upper and lower kingpin bolts with fresh new grade 8 bolts...won't cost you much. Also, make sure you RTV the threads on the bottom bolts and a thin layer on the flat surface of the bearing cap that mates to the bottom of the knuckle....this will keep any knuckle goo from seeping out. Preload is checked with NO seals on, just bearings and caps, torqued to spec.