99-04 ford front axle rebuild.

[Justgosurfin]

Doing the ujoint conversion on my van and am hunting for a ‘04 front axle to rebuild. I’d like to have parts ready to go when I find a good one.

Can anyone familiar with that axle chime in about what is involved or a link to a DIY? I’ll leave the gears alone for now until I’m happy with the ratio and will do a locker of some sort at that point. Mainly just wondering what kind of ball joints, seals and bearing kit to get and if any special tools are required. Any special precautions or ways to support things to make it easier?

I’ve rebuilt my trans, t case and a couple engines so I’m sure I’ll figure it out but a manual and or parts diagram would be super handy. Just trying to be as prepared as I can to make it go quickly.

Thanks in advance.


I promise I’ll get a build thread going at some point...

 

[Hillbilly Heaven]

Did they use Unit Bearings instead of a separate hub and spindle from 99-04? If they did rebuild will be less involved. I see part listings it both ways. Either way replace the axle u joints and ball joints. I am more familiar with the king pin 60s but they are the same from the knuckle out compared to the ball joint 60s.

 

[RPhil]

They have unserviceable unit bearings that are part of the hub assembly. Buy some Timkens from rockauto. For ball joints, there are a few different options. I was personally planning on going with Moog. Replace axle shafts and/or u joints if you have an issue with them. There should be quite a few write ups online and on YouTube.

The studs were coarse thread for the first few years then switched to fine thread. Make sure your hub contains the thread you want.

 

[IdaSHO]

Moog has gone to crap in the past few years.

Ive had more than my share of boot failure on ball joint, TRE's, etc, to look elsewhere.

Lately Ive been Raybestos Premium, if it can be had.

As for unit bearings, the Timkens are the ones you want.

And spicer for u-joints.

 

[Superduty]

I recently did ball joints and I think it was $200 for both sides. Go with Dana/Spicer, that is the OEM, it is reasonably priced and it works! When I did it Summit Racing was the cheapest...its $188 now. Ball Joints from Summit

You will need a tool to set the seal onto the stub axle. You can make it from some pipe. You will also need a ball joint press (rent from Autozone) and torque wrench. The best instructions on the net are HERE. He has lots of pictures and part numbers.

Unit bearings and u-joints i would go with Timken.

Brake components i would go with Centric (but you have to buy their top of the line stuff).


As mentioned above Rock Auto is a good source for parts and they usually have great pricing. If you search online you should be able to almost always find a 5% off coupon.

 

[Justgosurfin]

Moog has gone to crap in the past few years.

Ive had more than my share of boot failure on ball joint, TRE's, etc, to look elsewhere.

Lately Ive been Raybestos Premium, if it can be had.

As for unit bearings, the Timkens are the ones you want.

And spicer for u-joints.

What’s up with moog? Just used them on control arms on my car. Happy after 20k...

 

[silvrzuki77]

First off do you RSC?


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[Justgosurfin]

No RSC and no front ABS in my 1995 e350.

Just came across these to add a grease fitting to the bearing if not using vacuum actuated hubs. http://www.riffraffdiesel.com/front-abs-grease-able-block-off-fitting-99-16/

 

[Justgosurfin]

I know it says front axle but do these seem right for a 2006 sterling?

https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/3F-PERCH.html

 

[Teh_VIking]

If you can spring for the Dynatrac Ball joints, they are the best. They will take the most abuse if running a larger tire size and you can rebuild them without pressing them out. For seals I used all spicer stuff. The outer axle seal I think they call it will need a special tool to pound it in. You can make one or buy the tool.

 

[Justgosurfin]

unfortunately I can’t do the dynatrac joints $$$ at the moment.

In searching for an axle I did however stumble upon a guy selling a complete moog front end kit https://panamacity.craigslist.org/pts/d/f250-f350-moog-front-end/6607062282.html

He sold his project and is getting rid of that kit for almost half what I’ve seen them for online. ...can anyone chime in regarding the moog has “gone to crap” comment? I’d love to save some money and help him out if folks think it’s a good deal??

Thanks as always

 

[canyonryder]

unfortunately I can’t do the dynatrac joints $$$ at the moment.

In searching for an axle I did however stumble upon a guy selling a complete moog front end kit https://panamacity.craigslist.org/pts/d/f250-f350-moog-front-end/6607062282.html

He sold his project and is getting rid of that kit for almost half what I’ve seen them for online. ...can anyone chime in regarding the moog has “gone to crap” comment? I’d love to save some money and help him out if folks think it’s a good deal??

Thanks as always

That doesn't look like a smoking deal to me.

I bought the Spicer ball joint kit including seals for $189

https://shop.broncograveyard.com/19...Ball-Joint-Kit-with-Seals/productinfo/721410/

And all those same Moog steering parts from RockAuto for $300. All in the last 2 months.

CR

 

[marshal]

get spicers! Moog isnt what it used to be. the plastic content keeps increasing

 

[Justgosurfin]

Much appreciated fellas. Was moments away from venmo-ing him some money.