Rebuilding 1979 Front Dana 60 - loose shafts

[asonico]

Newbie here. . .

Just started going over this axle. The passenger-side inner shaft is loose inside the end of the long tube. The outer C is also loose inside its hub.

Is there a bearing at the end of the long tube? Can it be replaced?

[STGFordCrazy04]

Im not sure if I follow what youre saying.

No there is not a bearing at the end of the tubes at the inner C. Whats the chance the inner shaft is broken? Have you inspected it?

this link contains an exploded view of a front 60.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/72...d-a-trick.html

[asonico]

stg, thanks for the response.

What's that part #142 in the exploded view of the axle?

No, I have not opened the differential to check if the axle is broken, will do that today.

[STGFordCrazy04]

outer axle tube seal. its basically just a rubber grommet.

[STGFordCrazy04]

Ok, lets start over.


If it hasnt been rebuilt I would tear the hubs down completely to replace all wheelbearings and seals. Once its torn down remove the spindles and pull the axle shafts out. I would highly suggest replacing the worn out factory joints with spicer 5-806X life series Ujoints ($45 ea) for a mild build. Without looking at it its hard to tell exactly whats wrong but when I grenaded my D44hd I could move the shafts around inside the inner C and they were busted. The outer seal is not a manditory item, the inner seal keeps gunk and grime from reaching the carrier/gears, so I dont think that being worn or damaged is causing your concern.

post up some pics. I rebuilt my D60F Nov-Dec of last year so its still pretty fresh on my mind.

[RJR99SS]

There's a bearing in the spindle, right where the shafte enters it (right behind the outer axle seal). Those outer seals are NOT very good at keeping junk out, even when in working condition. The problem is that when these things go decades without service, those seals fail and pretty much let any water and junk right through, and those bearings burn out pretty easily. The one on the driver's side of my 60 didnt even have any needle bearings in it anymore when i got to it.

Now...not sure if thats you're problem, but it's something to check.

[asonico]

Back to answering my original question. OK, there is no bearing holding the axle shaft at the outer end of the tube.

BUT there's got to be a PART there that keeps dirt out from entering the differential - a seal, a bushing, a something!!! WHat's it called?

[STGFordCrazy04]

I told you. Its on the inside of the tube next to the carrier. Its installed with the carrier out. Look at number part number 31 in the white background exploded axle view.

Again, thats not causing your shafts to be loose.

[asonico]

Kris, I believe you now. It was just hard to believe engineers didn't put something there to prevent getting dirt in there. I'm sure they had a reason, technical or otherwise.

Thanks for all your help.

Art

[STGFordCrazy04]

Its spicer part number CD 36487 "Inner axle seal"

This seal keeps your gear oil in the center section. From the factory there is nothing keeping mud dirt water etc out of the tube itself. Several aftermarket companies are now selling tube seals ($90) just behind the inner C but Im not running them. I probably should but Im not.

[STGFordCrazy04]

Here is the inner seal from JBG
D60 Inner Axle/Tube Seal
Cheap enough but should come with a quality rebuild kit.


I see you got it pretty easy over on pirate. When I saw you posted I expected you to be torn a new one. The outer seals from Maddog.com are the chit! If youre really worried about it they are worth the money.