Axle question.....

[Hardcase]

I have a front HP Dana 44HD out of an 77.5 to 79 F250. It's the 8 lug big bearing..

I'm trying to find out if this thing uses a crush sleeve or not.. I bought the axle without any of the pinion stuff...
I have a master install kit but it doesn;t have one in it.. What it does have is 3 sets of shims.. My guess is Carrier shims, pinion depth shims, and the other set would be pinion preload shims...

If I'm right then the preload shims would take the place of the crush sleeve correct??

Maybe someone has an exploded view of one? I've searched all over and can;t seem to find much of anything on this axle... nay help is appreciated..

 

[doctordick]

You are correct, the small shims are for pinion preload. They ride on the lip on the pinion shaft under the outer bearing. After you've done all your other setup, shim the pinion shaft for about 20 inch/pounds of preload. Pinion depth is established by shimming under the inner bearing race. Danas are a pain to set up because you'll need either a specific bearing puller or some test bearings for the carrier. Unless you plan on doing more than one dana 44, you may be ahead to pay someone to set it up for you. Spicer has a website called The Expert, you can find an exploded view there

 

[TBItoy]

You are correct, the small shims are for pinion preload. They ride on the lip on the pinion shaft under the outer bearing. After you've done all your other setup, shim the pinion shaft for about 20 inch/pounds of preload. Pinion depth is established by shimming under the inner bearing race. Danas are a pain to set up because you'll need either a specific bearing puller or some test bearings for the carrier. Unless you plan on doing more than one dana 44, you may be ahead to pay someone to set it up for you. Spicer has a website called The Expert, you can find an exploded view there

and as a side note, if you are paying someone to do it, make sure they are a reputable diff/axle shop that will ACTUALLY SET UP the gears.

Lots of auto shops will "get it close" or just install it like it was factory. I've heard some bad gear setup stories from normally reputable shops for normal auto repair.

If a shop isn't already well versed in gear/axle setup, chances are they wont' take time to learn how just for you.

 

[doctordick]

Yeah, what he said.

 

[Hardcase]

You are correct, the small shims are for pinion preload. They ride on the lip on the pinion shaft under the outer bearing. After you've done all your other setup, shim the pinion shaft for about 20 inch/pounds of preload. Pinion depth is established by shimming under the inner bearing race. Danas are a pain to set up because you'll need either a specific bearing puller or some test bearings for the carrier. Unless you plan on doing more than one dana 44, you may be ahead to pay someone to set it up for you. Spicer has a website called The Expert, you can find an exploded view there

That's what I wanted to hear.. I hate crush sleeves.. I've set up a bunch of gears before but only on Dana 30's and rear 44's and they all used the crush sleeves... I have the 14 bolt to setup also and bought an eliminator for it already..

I have friends that let me borrow a Dana bearing puller and a press dial indicators ect... so I should be good with tools...

Thanks for the info guys!