Frustrated w/ D44...

*FMExplorer* · 02-08-2003, 10:14 AM

Ok - I am really frustrated right now...

Bought rebuild kit from Randy's (along with gears) and a bunch of the shims and such are the wrong size. I call them up and using a die grinder to widen is no big deal - just more hassle than I wanted. Now - trying to install carrier seals at the axle tubes - these appear wrong too! Can't even get close to getting these things in. So - I go to the parts store, get 2 new ones - and they are totally differnt (they don't fit either).

Am I missing something here? Are these seals extra hard to put in? I'm getting cranky - think I'm going to grab a sandwich and settle down a bit

J

xploda01 · 02-08-2003, 10:31 AM

not trying to be a smarta$$ but the 8.8 is a stronger axle, why did you go with the dana44 in the rear, correct me if i'm wrong

*FMExplorer* · 02-08-2003, 10:46 AM

The D44 is going in the front (Solid axle swap)

Still have the 8.8 in the rear...

J

*Muskrat* · 02-08-2003, 05:42 PM

Man, don't know what to tell you, I'm not even worrying about the differential yet, but I just had a hell of a time getting my inner wheel bearings in, resorted to setting the hub, with bearing installed in front of the heater, then slid the assembly onto the spindle, it's gonna be fun getting it apart, but that is what a bernzo is for, I guess

Hotweels · 02-08-2003, 06:19 PM

Yes inner tube seals are a pita this article may help a bit http://www.off-road.com/ford/bigbroncos/tech/dana44/ i havent installed mine yet but i know they are a $%#@! to remove.

*FMExplorer* · 02-09-2003, 06:43 AM

Hotwheels,
Thanks! Very helpful. I looked all over for something like that and wasn't able to find it. Thanks again!

Muskrat - good luck on everything! I need to find a center pin now. The one I have doesn't fit

J

*offroader_69_me* · 02-09-2003, 10:53 PM

would you quit complaining I want to hear WOW this is so easy I know anyone could do it no problem, Offroader would have a walk in the park doing this, I am so glad this is SOOOOO easy!!

Well good luck anyway!

-=DaemoN=- · 02-10-2003, 10:29 AM

Not trying to hijack your post but how the hell does the spindle come off? TIA

*Brian1* · 02-10-2003, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by -=DaemoN=-
Not trying to hijack your post but how the hell does the spindle come off? TIA

Once you have the nuts off hit it with a big rubber hammer from side to side and up and down. Once there is a gap between the knuckle and back of the spindle put a little pry bar in it then either keep hitting the spindle up and down to work it loose or see if it will pry off. Just be careful and dont hit the spindle surface with anything that will scratch it.

And about the rebuild kit not fitting, there are several different models of a dana 44 and the kit you may have may be for a different dana 44. Not 100% sure though. When I bought oil seals for my 44 they didnt fit because it was for a different model 44. I took it to napa and they matched the part number to get me the right ones.

*Muskrat* · 02-10-2003, 08:29 PM

try using a cold chisel between the spindle and the knuckle. if that doesn't work, I used a 3 jaw puller and put the lock nuts back on the spindle, attached the puller over the nuts, and pulled against the axle shaft, not the greates idea, but it worked as I was adding tension, I hit the spindle and the knuckle with the chisel as well

-=DaemoN=- · 02-11-2003, 07:54 AM

That's what I thought. Maybe I just need a bigger hammer

. THanks guys.

*FMExplorer* · 02-16-2003, 06:30 AM

Ok - thought I had the problem withthe seals solved. Got a 6" bottle jack (2 ton) and that fit well into the center section. I was able to use it as a press to push the seals in. However, the seals crushed. Back to the drawing board!

J

02-08-2003, 10:14 AM	#1
FMExplorer the original tramp Fort Myers, FL '99 Explorer EB Join Date: Feb 2000 Posts: 1,997 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Frustrated w/ D44... Ok - I am really frustrated right now... Bought rebuild kit from Randy's (along with gears) and a bunch of the shims and such are the wrong size. I call them up and using a die grinder to widen is no big deal - just more hassle than I wanted. Now - trying to install carrier seals at the axle tubes - these appear wrong too! Can't even get close to getting these things in. So - I go to the parts store, get 2 new ones - and they are totally differnt (they don't fit either). Am I missing something here? Are these seals extra hard to put in? I'm getting cranky - think I'm going to grab a sandwich and settle down a bit J __________________ Jon McLeod 2002 Harley Davidson F150 #6792 visit Florida Explorer Club

02-08-2003, 10:31 AM	#2
xploda01 Wannabe Elite Explorer Augusta, GA '96 xlt Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 158 Vehicle Specs	not trying to be a smarta$$ but the 8.8 is a stronger axle, why did you go with the dana44 in the rear, correct me if i'm wrong __________________ Matt H. http://www.lazylifeseats.com

02-08-2003, 10:46 AM	#3
FMExplorer the original tramp Fort Myers, FL '99 Explorer EB Join Date: Feb 2000 Posts: 1,997 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	The D44 is going in the front (Solid axle swap) Still have the 8.8 in the rear... J __________________ Jon McLeod 2002 Harley Davidson F150 #6792 visit Florida Explorer Club

02-08-2003, 05:42 PM	#4
Muskrat Elite Explorer Califon, NJ USA!! 97 Ranger STX Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,519 Vehicle Specs	Man, don't know what to tell you, I'm not even worrying about the differential yet, but I just had a hell of a time getting my inner wheel bearings in, resorted to setting the hub, with bearing installed in front of the heater, then slid the assembly onto the spindle, it's gonna be fun getting it apart, but that is what a bernzo is for, I guess __________________ I'm the evil little leprechan, according to Tuna

02-08-2003, 06:19 PM	#5
Hotweels Wannabe Elite Explorer Calgary,AB '92 EB Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 721 Vehicle Specs	Yes inner tube seals are a pita this article may help a bit http://www.off-road.com/ford/bigbroncos/tech/dana44/ i havent installed mine yet but i know they are a $%#@! to remove. __________________ D44/9" open/spool 36" TSL SX's Warn 8274 C5-B&M Megashifter 5.0 Speed Density swap done an running.

02-09-2003, 06:43 AM	#6
FMExplorer the original tramp Fort Myers, FL '99 Explorer EB Join Date: Feb 2000 Posts: 1,997 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Hotwheels, Thanks! Very helpful. I looked all over for something like that and wasn't able to find it. Thanks again! Muskrat - good luck on everything! I need to find a center pin now. The one I have doesn't fit J __________________ Jon McLeod 2002 Harley Davidson F150 #6792 visit Florida Explorer Club

02-09-2003, 10:53 PM	#7
offroader_69_me Elite Explorer Trinidad, Crawlorado '91 XLT Join Date: Oct 2000 Posts: 1,470 Vehicle Specs	would you quit complaining I want to hear WOW this is so easy I know anyone could do it no problem, Offroader would have a walk in the park doing this, I am so glad this is SOOOOO easy!! Well good luck anyway! __________________ CLICK CLICK BOOM proud member Rollover Posse! full width d44 & 8.8 both locked 36"iroks (93 Ranger 5" eibachs 33" BFG's-SOLD-) 02 sportster 883R 112 HP 96 ft. lbs REMEMBER 9-11-01 GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS

02-10-2003, 10:29 AM	#8
-=DaemoN=- Wannabe Elite Explorer The Netherlands Rigless! Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 866 Vehicle Specs	Not trying to hijack your post but how the hell does the spindle come off? TIA

02-10-2003, 08:29 PM	#10
Muskrat Elite Explorer Califon, NJ USA!! 97 Ranger STX Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,519 Vehicle Specs	try using a cold chisel between the spindle and the knuckle. if that doesn't work, I used a 3 jaw puller and put the lock nuts back on the spindle, attached the puller over the nuts, and pulled against the axle shaft, not the greates idea, but it worked as I was adding tension, I hit the spindle and the knuckle with the chisel as well __________________ I'm the evil little leprechan, according to Tuna

02-11-2003, 07:54 AM	#11
-=DaemoN=- Wannabe Elite Explorer The Netherlands Rigless! Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 866 Vehicle Specs	That's what I thought. Maybe I just need a bigger hammer . THanks guys.

02-16-2003, 06:30 AM	#12
FMExplorer the original tramp Fort Myers, FL '99 Explorer EB Join Date: Feb 2000 Posts: 1,997 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Ok - thought I had the problem withthe seals solved. Got a 6" bottle jack (2 ton) and that fit well into the center section. I was able to use it as a press to push the seals in. However, the seals crushed. Back to the drawing board! J __________________ Jon McLeod 2002 Harley Davidson F150 #6792 visit Florida Explorer Club