Yes, I have another Dana 30 question.....

The outer axle shafts on my '72 Dana 30 (the stubbies), they go through the spindle. Inside the spindle is a needle bearing. Near as I can tell, this needle bearing only holds the axle shaft centered in the spindle/hub, it doesn't really have a "load" on it, correct?

Now, the bearing surface on both of my axle shafts where they will ride in these bearings, both bearing surfaces are rough. The bearings that were in the spindles were wasted, and one spindle had a hub seal in it instead of the correct seal.

My question - can I just polish these bearing surfaces on a lathe with some emery tape? Or should I bite the bullet and buy new shafts? This Jeep isn't going to be used hard, but I don't want the thing to eat itself up either.

Part of me says "new shafts, fool", but another part says "they're not load carrying bearings, take a chance". I plan to take them to a local 4x4 shop for an opinion, but thought I'd ask y'all first.

 

if you're using locking hubs, they only turn when in 4WD.
unless there is some major pitting and or rough surface, clean as you describe and run them.

 

If its not totally,totally wasted, I'd try cleaning it up.
New bearings and seals will go a long way since they only turn when the hubs are locked in.

 

I'd try cleaning them up first. There is a load on them when in 4 wheel drive and turning. The outer "stub" axle and spindle are trying to go two different directions which loads the bearing surface and bearing. if it doesn't clean up smooth then look for some good shafts. I'd try and find some good used ones first. By the way, drum brake and disc brake stub shafts are different....

 

Thanks all! I know a gunsmith now with a decent machine shop, who can put things in a lathe and polish them for me. That's going to be my first plan, to just polish those bearing surfaces. I know the drum vs. disc shafts are different, seems like there's a lot of differences in the drum vs. disc of these axles.

I'm just glad that things are finally starting to move along with my poor ol' Jeep. The rear axle's completely done and ready to install, brakes and all. Got all the new 11" drums drilled too. When this D30's done, then I can work on getting the chassis together as a roller. The frame's ready and so are the springs, just waiting on the axles.

 

are they?

interesting. i probably got lucky when i converted my front drums over to discs. or else it'll all blow up soon. mehh