Steering knuckle bearing ?

[Aaron S]

I am thinking of replacing the bronze cone top knuckle bearings on my Dana 70 (58 W300) with the same tapered roller bearing found on the bottom. I understand it is a simple procedure and will greatly reduce steering effort. However, when calling VPW to order the parts I was told this is a bad idea, the roller bearing will be crushed to bits and I will be putting the bronze cones back in. I am skeptical about this because I know one or two people who have done this and had no problems (though not on a dana 70). Does anyone here know anything about this or have anything to say about it one way or the other? Is there a particular power giant era front axle that is unreceptive to this swap?

[Gordon Maney]

I think there has been some significant number of people who have done this. The bottom bearing is the loaded bearing, so the upper position should be able to accept a tapered roller bearing just fine.

One criticism of the roller on top is that you lose the natural damping action of the bronze cone, though I don't think it alone causes problems. Shimmy is more likely to be caused by wheel balance or caster issues, with bearing preload a possible contributor to the equation.

[Aaron S]

I think there has been some significant number of people who have done this. The bottom bearing is the loaded bearing, so the upper position should be able to accept a tapered roller bearing just fine.

This is exactly my thinking on the matter. However, after being cautioned by someone I assume would be knowledgable on the matter I thought it might be in my best interest to ask if anyone, anywhere, had anything negative to say about this operation before I throw caution to the wind and dive into the knuckles head first... would that make me a knucklehead?

[Charles Talbert]

We have been replacing the top cones on Dodge axles with tapered rollers for years. Never the first issue no matter the application. We pay very close attention to bearing preload; this adjustment is critical to a good handling truck. We have never had the first complaint in regards to wander, shimmy,etc. In fact we have never had anyone that was not delighted with the set up.

[Aaron S]

Thanks Charles, that's exactly the confirmation I was looking for.