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Old 03-29-2016, 02:46 PM   #1
61K10
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small and big bearing hubs

Question--can you replace dana 44 1973-76 1/2t small bearing spindles with big bearing spindles and hubs?
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Old 03-29-2016, 07:23 PM   #2
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Re: small and big bearing hubs

Yes, you will also need a 3/4 ton backing plate/caliper mount

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Old 03-29-2016, 08:05 PM   #3
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Re: small and big bearing hubs

kwmech--I thought you might know! thanks for posting. new parts are disappearing and the big bearing spindles and hubs can be found new. the small stuff is after market even avl.
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Old 03-30-2016, 01:07 PM   #4
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Re: small and big bearing hubs

the 3/4t backing plate have a bigger center hole?
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Old 03-30-2016, 03:21 PM   #5
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Re: small and big bearing hubs

1/2 ton will work too.
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Old 03-30-2016, 04:31 PM   #6
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Re: small and big bearing hubs

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Originally Posted by 61K10 View Post
the 3/4t backing plate have a bigger center hole?
No, same hole, but the 3/4 ton rotors are larger in diameter than the 1/2. So you need the 3/4 ton plate so the caliper will sit on the rotor in the correct place. If you use the 1/2 mounting plate the caliper will rub on the rotor.
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Old 03-30-2016, 04:32 PM   #7
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Re: small and big bearing hubs

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1/2 ton will work too.
No it won't
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Old 03-30-2016, 04:49 PM   #8
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Re: small and big bearing hubs

I replaced the small bearing spindles on my 72 d44 with big bearing spindles from a 1977ish 1/2 ton. I used the spindles, rotor/hub assembly and caliper mount. Everything went right together. 1/2 ton 6 lug
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Old 03-30-2016, 05:09 PM   #9
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Re: small and big bearing hubs

Yeah, my bad, I get so used to people converting from 1/2 ton to 3/4 I associated with the big bearing. Same spindle on the 1/2 and 3/4 in the later years. So yes the same 1/2 ton backing plate, either small or large spindle
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Old 03-30-2016, 10:31 PM   #10
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Re: small and big bearing hubs

Just did this myself. Big bearing spindles on D44 under 1/2 ton truck. Still using stock 1/2 ton 6 lug rotors/ Calipers/ and everything else stock but the brains and seals- they are different.
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Old 03-31-2016, 12:53 AM   #11
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Re: small and big bearing hubs

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Just did this myself. Big bearing spindles on D44 under 1/2 ton truck. Still using stock 1/2 ton 6 lug rotors/ Calipers/ and everything else stock but the brains and seals- they are different.
Actually the seals and outer bearings are the same. The inner bearing changes from a 603049 to 104949. Depending on the year, there may be a difference on the back of the spindle.
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Old 11-25-2021, 12:25 PM   #12
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Re: small and big bearing hubs

Sorry to revive this thread


But I have a question and I can’t seem to find a definitive answer.

Background:

I have a 73 (small bearing hub) Dana 44 1/2 ton blazer. It has the V shaped caliper mounts.

I want to replace the hub/rotor/spindle assembly with the later model big bearing hub assembly, which I see in countless places is a direct swap.



My question:

Can I use the 73 calipers and V caliper mounts with the post 77 spindle/hub/rotor? Or will I have to source different backing plates to mount the calipers?

Thanks
Reid
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Last edited by ky-donzi; 11-25-2021 at 02:19 PM.
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Old 11-25-2021, 03:03 PM   #13
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Re: small and big bearing hubs

Quote:
Originally Posted by ky-donzi View Post
Sorry to revive this thread






My question:

Can I use the 73 calipers and V caliper mounts with the post 77 spindle/hub/rotor? Or will I have to source different backing plates to mount the calipers?

Thanks
Reid
Yes you can as long as it all stays 6 lug.
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Old 11-25-2021, 03:29 PM   #14
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Re: small and big bearing hubs

Awesome! That makes my life easy!

Napa has new hub/rotor assemblies cheap. All I have to do is buy the plentiful large bearing spindles and new inter bearings

Thanks so much,,,happy thanksgiving!
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Last edited by ky-donzi; 11-25-2021 at 04:42 PM.
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