Spindle Seal

[CZR]

Question for you guys that have changed the spindle seal on D44s. I just want to make sure I don't run into any problems in the future if I use the seal supplied in the Dana seal kit. It just doesn't seem like it will seal correctly since the new seal is not reinforced with metal. The new seal is just rubber. I know Dana probably does this to make it easier to manufacture. I priced the seals from Ford and they are around $13 a pc but dont know if they are like the OG seals. Anyways can anyone give me any first hand experience with these seals?

I know this isn't a Bronco but it's running D44 outers on D35 beams.
[img][IMG]http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww109/CZRMAG/20131019_211638_zps6f25c645.jpg[/img][/img]

Dana seal kit.
[img][IMG]http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww109/CZRMAG/20140328_172413_zps5a8217ee.jpg[/img][/img]

New seal on left. OG seal on right.
[img][IMG]http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww109/CZRMAG/20140328_172433_zpsadc50ce0.jpg[/img][/img]

New seal.
[img][IMG]http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww109/CZRMAG/20140328_172446_zpsd5d02d57.jpg[/img][/img]

[CZR]

One more try with the damn pics.

[ChaseTruck754]

do you have the parts for the right year? I know there are a couple different snout configurations.

Pics can be seen here:
http://www.gofastbroncos.com/forum/view ... =14&t=1162

[CZR]

I believe so. I didn't take the D44 outers off myself so I don't know the exact year. I bought a complete front end off a bronco and only used from the knuckles out. Doesn't have any ABS shit so I just guessed as an 85 bronco when I ordered the parts. I have the 6 stud knuckles. The seals look like they are the same dimensions. Only difference is the metal casing on the OG seal.

[PaulW]

I just went to NAPA and ask for the spindle inner seal. Gave the counter guy the Bronco year and engine size.
Took the things to Baja and installed them. Perfect fit. Not to hard. In the past NAPA always gets the parts correct.
No need for research or part numbers.

[Rmc]

I usually order through partsgeek.com or rockauto.com, it saves you a fortune over the local parts house and 90% of the parts have a photo of them so you can visually match them up.

[CZR]

I actually tried NAPA but they couldn't tell me if the seals they had were like the original style. They didn't have them in stock so I couldn't see them. They also pulled up the same seal kit I had bought. I may try another NAPA who has them in stock.

I hear you about rock auto. That is where I bought my parts from. I even tried a Ford dealer but the damn parts guy wanted to know what engine, trans, gear ratio and if it was a limited slip bronco. He couldn't just look at a parts diagram and pull the part number. I even showed him a parts diagram I had with me and he still had a hard time. He found the part but didn't have it in stock and then told me he couldn't guarantee it was the right one.

I did a test fit yesterday and it fits OK but instead of the stub shaft spinning in the seal now the seal will spin in the spindle because its not a press fit. Don't really like this.

@PaulW the seals u got at NAPA were they single pcs or in kits? Were they the rigid seals?

Thanks

[Rmc]

On oil seals it dosnt matter if its rubber over metal or all rubber it's the same seal. NOK vs SFK or NTN seals vary, nok is metalwith rubber over it, NTN SFK, fafner, ect all have there own versions of seals. The main thing is inside diameter and outside diameter and width that's it. If you can read the seal number off the seal it can be ordered through Kaman industrial or applied industrial technologies. They both carry fafner, SFK, NTN, timken, and can cross referance nok brand.

[Rmc]

If you want to take a drive ac dupoit ( la) or o-rings n things ( Fontana) can match it up, I garranty it.

[yikes]

o-rings n things ( Fontana) can match it up, I garranty it.

These "gals" are awesome. Tons of knowledge.

[PaulW]

@PaulW the seals u got at NAPA were they single pcs or in kits? Were they the rigid seals?

Thanks

====
Just 2 seals each in a package. As far as I could tell they were exactly like the old ones.

[CZR]

I figured I could just get the seal from a supplier and will most likely be cheaper as well. Problem is the old seals are beat up. I dont think I can get any numbers from them. Have done this in the past with bearings as well. I just don't understand why Dana would change the style of seal and I don't trust the flimsy seal. Thanks for the info on the seal place in Fontucky. I'm in Ontario so will keep them in mind in the future.

[CZR]

@PaulW the seals u got at NAPA were they single pcs or in kits? Were they the rigid seals?

Thanks

====
Just 2 seals each in a package. As far as I could tell they were exactly like the old ones.

Will try NAPA today then. Thanks.

[Rmc]

If you took the old seals to either place a mentioned they will measure it up for you and give you an exact replacement. You would be asked material choice at that time, buna, nitrile or viton all would work well.

[VintageIronFab]

This motorcraft axle to spindle seal is the only one that fits like it should. All the rest I found are not correct in size or shape. The national seal looks nothing like the motorcraft.

[CZR]

Thanks for the info guys. Going to try NAPA one more time. This time though I'm going to the store at their distribution center so definitely will be in stock.

[300]

I have used dozens of those Dana seal kits without a problem but agree they are very flimsy (but cheap). They do successfully keep out the dirt and sand but I would doubt they could keep out water if you completely submerged them. Then again if you are doing that on a regular basis you probably need to be pulling stuff down and checking it often.

[CZR]

Well I had no luck at NAPA. They have the same flimsy seal that I currently have.

At least it gives me a little confidence after reading 300's post. Going to run them for a while then will go to O-Rings and Things to get the original style.

Was a little hesitant on running these because the original spindle needle bearing was shot and ruined the stubshaft.

Thanks