Closed knuckle Dana 44 question

[Ron in Indiana]

In rebuilding the knuckles on a Dana 44 axle we followed the service manual on setting the trunion bearings. The book states that the knuckles should have a 6-9lb. resistance when pulling side to side. We used an electronic fishing scale to measure this load. We could only come close to 6 lbs. I later realized that we used bearings in the top instead of the original cones. I think this was the reason the readings were so low, less resistance. The question is how do we know what the proper preload should be on using roller bearings at top and bottom? Shims are used to set this loading. Does anyone have an idea? I don't want to ruin a set of expensive bearings or have a safety issue down the road.

[Gordon Maney]

In rebuilding the knuckles on a Dana 44 axle we followed the service manual on setting the trunion bearings. The book states that the knuckles should have a 6-9lb. resistance when pulling side to side. We used an electronic fishing scale to measure this load. We could only come close to 6 lbs. I later realized that we used bearings in the top instead of the original cones. I think this was the reason the readings were so low, less resistance. The question is how do we know what the proper preload should be on using roller bearings at top and bottom? Shims are used to set this loading. Does anyone have an idea? I don't want to ruin a set of expensive bearings or have a safety issue down the road.

If you reduce clearance down to zero, and then tighten more, that is preload.

The seat of your pants will be useful here, but.... I would say first try the least amount of preload your shims will allow, then tighten it by the smallest increment possible. Compare the two, and see what you think.

Other ideas will be along here shortly.

[MoparFreak69]

Many telescopic forklifts, and other heavy equipment, use a similar setup with taper bearings on the top and bottom of the knuckle using shims to preload them. The preload is essentially the same as what you would want with a bushing style knuckle because it has an affect on steering function as well.
I would say at 6 lbs resistance you are doing good. I personally prefer a bit more preload on not only steering bearings but wheel bearings. To each his own I suppose. There should be some resistance felt when turning the knuckle, but it shouldnt be hard to turn, just stiff.

[Ron in Indiana]

We got 7 lbs on the right side but it was a little light on the left. I don't have any shims on the left side either so I'm calling it good. With the steering having been welded to the knuckle it's a wonder we got this far. I had to have the bolt holes drilled and tapped for 1/2" vs the original 3/8". With the new seals on the knuckle it should be good now.