Blue Torch Fab's 1-ton Unit-Bearing Eliminator

Ricky@BlueTorchFab · Aug 31, 2010

Tired of non-rebuildable unit-bearings failing due to poor design/pre-mature wear? Here at BTF we believe we have come up with a solution. We have developed a spindle and hub set-up that will be a direct bolt-on replacement for a Ford unit-bearing(as well as SpiderTrax). There is no need to change your brake set-up, as the wheel mount surface is in the same location. The only thing you need to change is your stub shaft if currently running a unit-bearing axle.

The two main advantages of a unit-bearing are ease of removal, and length of the hub protruding through the wheel. Our Unit-Bearing Eliminator is removable in the same fashion as a unit bearing (as a complete assembly by removing the 4 fasteners from the knuckle) or can be serviced on the vehicle like a traditional spindle and hub. Our kit uses Dana 60 spindle bearings and seals. Our hub is 2" longer than a Ford unit bearing, and can accomodate a locking-hub or a drive-flange.

The spindle is machined from 4140 quenched and tempered; the hub is machined out of 7075 billet aluminum.

If you have any questions feel free to ask. Any input would be appreciated.

Complete 8-lug Kit (Kit does not include knuckle/axle)

Exploded View of 8-lug Kit (Kit does not include knuckle/axle)

Side View of Hub and Spindle

Spindle

8x6.5 and 8x170 Lug Patterns

6x5.5 Lug Pattern

Complete 6-lug assembly

We also have rear spindles for 3" .250 wall and 3.5" .250 wall axle tubes with 3" of engagement inside the tube.

blacksheep10 · Aug 31, 2010

You've shown a weld on cup or part of a knuckle in each of those front kits. I'm assuming that is for illustrative purposes to show where it bolts, but in the caption you have that it is part of the kit. I'd have them render it a different color to show it is part of the axle, not the kit. :dblthumb:

Nice btw, there have been lots of folks talking about doing this for a while, about time another one came out, and with 7K series AL hubs!

Ricky@BlueTorchFab · Sep 2, 2010

blacksheep10 said:
You've shown a weld on cup or part of a knuckle in each of those front kits. I'm assuming that is for illustrative purposes to show where it bolts, but in the caption you have that it is part of the kit. I'd have them render it a different color to show it is part of the axle, not the kit.
Nice btw, there have been lots of folks talking about doing this for a while, about time another one came out, and with 7K series AL hubs!

Nice catch. I'll be sure to make it clear the knuckle and stub shaft are NOT part of the kit.

monkey54 · Sep 4, 2010

Any chance for a chevy kit. Wht about price or do we need to call.

InDaShop · Sep 5, 2010

monkey54 said:
Any chance for a chevy kit. Wht about price or do we need to call.

You mean like on the newer IFS trucks?

I'll be honest, I would swap to them in a heartbeat on my daily driver '06 d-max

patooyee · Sep 5, 2010

No offense, and I won't even ever buy these just because I run rocks, but you got any pics of ACTUAL PRODUCT, not just cad drawings? I mean, they're pretty and all but don't mean squat until you get them to market. Or do you just expect everyone to start sending you money ala Super14 / USA 6x6 style? ;D

J. J.

Speeding · Sep 5, 2010

I can hook you guys up with some actual pics. CAD gets the finer details better IMO

kid rok · Sep 5, 2010

Hasn't this idea been around a while in the desert scene?

Ricky@BlueTorchFab · Sep 7, 2010

kid rok said:
Hasn't this idea been around a while in the desert scene?

I don't know about the desert scene, but it's not an entirely new concept, just a new execution. Our main focus was to address the need for a reliable solution to the failing unitbearings that are used on the industry's more popular aftermarket axle manufacturer.