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Old Oct 30, 2007 | 11:20 PM
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Spindle Bearings

My spindle bearings are super loose on my 2001 F350 4x4. I dismantled them and do not see any way of tightening the bearings up? On older cars you have an inner and an outer wheel bearings, but this system is different. Is there a way you can take the spindle off and tighten the bearings? If not how do I replace them.

Thanks In advance.
 
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Old Oct 30, 2007 | 11:50 PM
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You replace the entire hub assembly on these 4x4's.

Be sure to order the four mounting studs from Ford, too, before you start the project. The extra $16 you'll spend on studs is WELL worth your time.

Don't get "sticker shock" when you price the hubs. They're pricey, at around $400 per side from Ford. Take a look at eBay, too.

Pop
 
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Old Oct 31, 2007 | 01:42 AM
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The bearings are called "Unit Bearings" because you replace the whole unit rather than each individual bearing. They are much weaker than the normal style bearing setup but that is one more way for Ford to cut costs.

I have heard that http://www.powerstrokeshop.com/ has good prices on them.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2007 | 04:24 AM
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That is the one thing I hate about these trucks. It seems like Ford forgot that there are still some people who take these things off road into water, etc. You need to be able to clean up and repack bearings.

I"ve replaced 4 hubs .... 2 under warranty ( I was waiting for the service writer to give me a hard time when they saw the water and debris in the bearing).
 
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Old Oct 31, 2007 | 09:52 PM
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Thanks for the input. I cannot believe that ford would make something that you could not repair, just replace. The dealer wants $365.00 per hub without gaskets. I found it from Rock Auto for 285.00. I guess being a dulley they are harder to come by. I have two of these F350 trucks and it seems it could get expensive. I am thinking about using Dana-Tracs conversion kit. Has anybody used there kit?
 

Last edited by F350mikey; Oct 31, 2007 at 09:54 PM.
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Old Oct 31, 2007 | 10:04 PM
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Originally Posted by GregsSD
...They are much weaker than the normal style bearing setup but that is one more way for Ford to cut costs...
It is not just Ford who is doing this. Almost all of the manufacturers, including some heavy truck manufactures, have moved to Unit Assemblies. The Walmart mentality is demanding savings of pennies and the manufacturers have responded. Personally, I would have been glad to spend another 2K on my truck if it meant getting better front end parts.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2007 | 11:31 PM
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Originally Posted by F350mikey
Thanks for the input. I cannot believe that ford would make something that you could not repair, just replace. The dealer wants $365.00 per hub without gaskets. I found it from Rock Auto for 285.00. I guess being a dulley they are harder to come by. I have two of these F350 trucks and it seems it could get expensive. I am thinking about using Dana-Tracs conversion kit. Has anybody used there kit?
The DynaTrac kts are very rugged and well built, but expensive initially.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2007 | 11:35 PM
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I agree with you.I really really like this truck, This is my first ford I ever bought. Now I have three ford trucks. There are some engineering problems,but I still feel this is the best game in town. I plan on having this truck for along long time.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2007 | 11:40 PM
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I am going to get a unit bearing hub spindle and put it back together. But I am also going to purchase the Dyna-Trac conversion kit along with new ball joints and do it up right. I just did not want to pull it apart twice. I need my though and have to put it back together.
 
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