That's the kicker right there, yes my OEM unit bearings had 159k on them, once a year I greased them through the ABS hole amd when i replaced them lsst week it wasnt becasue they went bad i was trying to find a highway shake. But if I'm out hunting or I'm at a secluded spot riding dirtbikes and one went out I'm not paying 600 dollars for a tow truck. And I am moving out west so the trucks gonna be wearing 35's and will be off payment on dirt roads and trails for the rest of it's life

 

Sounds like you have answered your own question.

 

being an '04 1-ton, shouldn't your truck have the Dana 60 stock? I have an '04 F-250 and I have 35 spline axle stubs...

 

Have the kit and it made a huge difference in drivability for me. I was on my third set of hubs when the passenger's side needle bearing gave up and needles went everywhere. I was looking at $1200+ in repairs anyway so ponied up the additional cash and got the Dynatrac kit (buy once, cry once as darkjedi351 said).

Steering is lighter and now I only have to pull the front apart every 2-3 years to grease it rather than replace it.

One thing I will say, though, is if I wasn't having my front end issues (and damage) I would have stayed OEM. You lose the ESOF and the ability to pick up Ford parts. Every situation is different but in my case I am very happy with my decision and wouldn't go back now that I've got it.

 

Auto hubs replaced under warranty and then the dial froze around 50k...wsrn hubs went in years ago so esof was never an issue for me to keep

 

I spent a little over $2K for my kit. $800 is a steal if it lines up with your truck. I off-road a lot and seemed to burn through hubs every 2-3 years. If you go with the kit you won't be disappointed (especially for that price). Recouping some $$$ on the hubs sweetens the deal IMO.

It's a straight forward install. There are spacers to go on the caliper bolts and a little trimming/cutting of the dust shield to fit. Those were the only 'major' modifications other than installing the kit.

I will expound on my "I wouldn't get the kit if my hubs were fine" comment from my last post..."If I wasn't having my front end issues (and damage) I would have stayed OEM if I had to pay full price for the kit". Personally, if I was looking at 60% off plus what you get for the hubs I would get the kit (which is basically what I did since I was already at $1200 in parts for the damage I had at the time). As mentioned before there are many that don't feel the benefits outweigh the cost. I don't think you'll find anyone that has the kit that will have many (if any) negative comments. I'm reminded of an old No Fear t-shirt I used to wear: those who do can't explain...those who don't can't understand. I've torn into the front end about every other year for one reason or another and haven't had to go back in since I installed the kit about 3 years ago. The Dynatrac is a great kit and is probably one of the best things I've done for my truck. YMMV.

 

Ford never equipped the SD trucks with 35 spline stub shafts, not even the 97 and older trucks.

 

ah, I see. "35-spline stub shaft". I missed the key word.

 

Until you get to 05 and up, they will have 35 spline outers.