Replacing unit hub bolts questions

[jeepin_idaho]

Hey guys I've got a couple questions for you. I've got a Dana 44 front axle with manual hubs. I am in the middle of replacing a busted u-joint.

First of all the spindle is seized on thanks to rust (I'm guessing) and I need a good way to get it off without damaging the threads or where the bearing suits. I've already used a great deal of heat and PB Blaster. Suggestions?

Also, those 12 pt bolt heads are a pain (and one of the bolts is also bent) so I'm contemplating swapping in some grade 8 hardware. Anyone have any thoughts on that? Also, I'm in town now and left the bolts in the so if anyone has the specs on those, it would save me a trip home and back.

Cheers!



Dan
http://facebook.com/the4x4podcast

[bigjim350]

Are you talking about unit bearing bolts? Like on the D30, the 3 bolts that hold the bearing to the knuckle? If so Ive never seen a D44 that uses unit bearings (except the TJ and JK D44). All the other D44's ive seen have studs that mount the spindle to the knuckle. What is the D44 out of?

[jeepin_idaho]

I think the D44 is from an 04 Rubicon. The previous owner did the swap. The spindle is threaded and the bike go in through the back just like on the unit bearing axles.

I've never dealt with a spindle as stubborn as this one. I need something that dissolves rust!

Dan
http://facebook.com/the4x4podcast

[jeepin_idaho]

So In case anyone is wondering, those unit bearing bolts are M12 2.75 and 3.5" long. This afternoon I'm going to start wailing on the tiny gap between the knuckle and the spindle with a chisel and hope for the best.

:banghead:

Dan
http://facebook.com/the4x4podcast

[bigjim350]

But they aren't just regular straight bolts. They have a larger shank where they seat into the knuckle.

Sent from my SPH-L300 using Tapatalk 2

[nickyg]

Does this apply to your situation?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ly3pC8tzDc

[jeepin_idaho]

Nickyg, I tried that but it didn't work so well for me. Turns out that a combination of heat, PB blaster and lot of chisel time works. http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/11/py9ery2y.jpg

Dan
http://facebook.com/the4x4podcast

[4.3LXJ]

If you are going to use heat, you will have to heat that flange to cherry red, but not the bolt. Then it will let loose

[jeepin_idaho]

Then I don't know if the heat helped at all but at least I've managed to get the spindle separated from the knuckle. The next step is to get the u joint replaced and of course it's rusted completely beyond belief. The little C clips came off in pieces as I knocked them off. The caps are spending the night soaked in more PB Blaster. Then tomorrow I'm going to seek assistance from a bigger hammer or find someone with a hydraulic press.

Dan
http://facebook.com/the4x4podcast

[jeepin_idaho]

But they aren't just regular straight bolts. They have a larger shank where they seat into the knuckle.

Sent from my SPH-L300 using Tapatalk 2

The shank is larger where it seats but it's smaller between there and the threads. So my new bolt will work just fine.

Old on top obs new on bottom.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/11/tabeby2u.jpg

Dan
http://facebook.com/the4x4podcast

[nickyg]

This is my jeeps new best friend. I put that Sh*t on everything. I wish the previous owner used more of it.

[jeepin_idaho]

This is my jeeps new best friend. I put that Sh*t on everything. I wish the previous owner used more of it.

For real! That stuff is awesome! I'm also a big fan of POR-15.

Dan
http://facebook.com/the4x4podcast

[XjJeepacorn]

I'd go at it with the air hammer for a bit and heat :) but het that thing right red with the torch