Calling All Dana 44 Front Axle Experts

[WannaBe68]

My '69 4x4 Suburban is needing new locking hubs, bearings, spindle nuts and seals on the front axle.
Being new to this stuff - what info do I need from the axle / locking hub to order all of the correct replacement items?
Front axle is a Dana 44 with 44-5CF on it. Here are a few pics -

[NoForAnAnswer]

I literally just did this over the last couple weekends. As far as locking hubs go, I went with Warn premium locking hubs. My friend likes mile markers. It comes down to preference. I got all my parts from O'Reillys and 4 wheel parts.

[special-K]

As long as everything is original, you should be able to simply give vehicle description and they'll be able to go with that, if their listings are correct. If they have a hard time getting the right parts, taking your old ones in for them to get numbers from/measure is next.

[lyrikz]

Originally Posted by WannaBe68

My '69 4x4 Suburban is needing new locking hubs, bearings, spindle nuts and seals on the front axle.
Being new to this stuff - what info do I need from the axle / locking hub to order all of the correct replacement items?
Front axle is a Dana 44 with 44-5CF on it. Here are a few pics -

Heres the deal on this. I just did this a few weeks ago. I gave them the year make and model of the vehicle and it came back as a 10 bolt. It was a dana 44. Also. Once we chose dana 44 the bearings that they gave me were off. By 1 number. Im meaning the bearing race would fit in, but JUUUSSSTT a bit to tight. The best thing to do is take the bearings off, and give them the numbers on the back of the bearing, it will save you a literal f-ton of time. You will also know that its correct. I can answer any question on that diff that you have now.

Originally Posted by NoForAnAnswer

I literally just did this over the last couple weekends. As far as locking hubs go, I went with Warn premium locking hubs. My friend likes mile markers. It comes down to preference. I got all my parts from O'Reillys and 4 wheel parts.

I did this just recently also.

[lyrikz]

Originally Posted by WannaBe68

My '69 4x4 Suburban is needing new locking hubs, bearings, spindle nuts and seals on the front axle.
Being new to this stuff - what info do I need from the axle / locking hub to order all of the correct replacement items?
Front axle is a Dana 44 with 44-5CF on it. Here are a few pics -

[WannaBe68]

Thanks fellas'...
While searching for specific info, I stumbled onto a Spicer Dana 44 pdf info packet that has everything in it!
The entire pdf can be viewed here: http://tinyurl.com/jptmkjy
Or you can search via - "Dana-44_1967-1978.pdf"

Enjoy!

[outfield]

WARN hubs are P/N 20990 for the premiums. 9790 for the standard versions.

[outfield]

The hubs on your truck now look like the Warn standard hubs. If these are working and you want to freshen them up, we have the dial decal that says WARN on it, and I could send you a new set of screws. send me a PM.

Steve

Originally Posted by outfield

WARN hubs are P/N 20990 for the premiums. 9790 for the standard versions.

[WannaBe68]

Thanks guys!
After some more research found out what exactly my Dana 44 front axle was. Then I decided to go ahead and get the whole deal. New WARN 20990 hubs, new inner, outer bearings and new races (Timken sets 37 and 45), new spindle nuts, new seals and while I'm in there go ahead and do new spindle seals and bearings as well.
First time to do this kind-of work, so a bit nervous and excited!

[lyrikz]

Originally Posted by WannaBe68

Thanks guys!
After some more research found out what exactly my Dana 44 front axle was. Then I decided to go ahead and get the whole deal. New WARN 20990 hubs, new inner, outer bearings and new races (Timken sets 37 and 45), new spindle nuts, new seals and while I'm in there go ahead and do new spindle seals and bearings as well.
First time to do this kind-of work, so a bit nervous and excited!

Inner axle tube seals why you are at it. Also, when you pull the old bearings out, please match the numbers.

[WannaBe68]

Originally Posted by lyrikz

Inner axle tube seals why you are at it. Also, when you pull the old bearings out, please match the numbers.

I'm still learning all this stuff! The inner axle tube seal you mention - I think that is part of the Spindle seal kit I bought. This kit comes with seals and new needle bearings for the inside of the spindle that the front axle shaft goes through. Is that right?

Match the numbers of the old bearings once I pull them out? Will do, but what am I looking for? Except for the disc brakes everything bumper to bumper, according to the old guy I bought it from, is "supposed to" be original.

[lyrikz]

Originally Posted by WannaBe68

I'm still learning all this stuff! The inner axle tube seal you mention - I think that is part of the Spindle seal kit I bought. This kit comes with seals and new needle bearings for the inside of the spindle that the front axle shaft goes through. Is that right?

Match the numbers of the old bearings once I pull them out? Will do, but what am I looking for? Except for the disc brakes everything bumper to bumper, according to the old guy I bought it from, is "supposed to" be original.

Original does not matter. Mine was also. Issue is, chevy did weird things back then... As you pull the bearings.. just keep them and then once you cross the numbers on the back and the numbers match, toss the old ones.
Those bearings you are talking about are spindle bearings. Those are a BITCCCCHHHH to get out of the spindle. If they are in good shape, just clean/regrease and use them.
these.


As for the axle tubes.. If you are pulling the diff, replace those. Watch youtube, really easy to remove and reinstall.
They look like this.

[WannaBe68]

Ahh got it.
I'm not pulling the diff though...just doing bearings a seal from the knuckle out.

[60sIron]

Always try and have the old parts or numbers. By this time they're no guarantees as to what's been done. Also I believe 69 was a change over year. My 69 K20 has a closed knuckle 44. 69's built later had open knuckle 44's but still drum brakes. Also spend some time finding a "real" parts guy. He or she will become your best resource....... The parts store really doesn't matter as they all can get anything if its made. A "real" parts guy will love the challenge of finding the right stuff as a lot of times it's not in the computer.......

[WannaBe68]

Thanks 60sIron! Don't really know any "real" parts guy, but now that I'm diving into the world of DIY mechanics - I think I'll try to find one!

Maybe I should start a new thread for this question, but - - I decided to replace the gaskets on the front and rear diff covers and was wondering what is the "best" oil to use in the front and rear diff housing?