I'm trying to get the backing plates off my narrow track dana 44. There is a collar on there that looks pressed on. Would it be ok to hit it with a hammer and punch to remove it, or is there a better way? The bearing does not look like its pressed on


<IMG width=384 height=200 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/bearingcollar.jpg">

No idea if it would be the same, but on the AMC 20 one piece I had, the bearing wasn't pressed on, but the collar was. I don't think it would have come off with a BFH, maybe just cut it off, and get a new one? You aren't SOA on narrow track still are you?

Looks similar to the Ford 9", the collar is all that retains the bearing and the axle inside the housing. It is pressed on there, with a press you MIGHT be able to get if off if not cut it a die grinder but do not hit the shaft itself. You will want to however use a new collar when you put it back together and if possible use 2.

Hope this Helps

The proper method it to take a drill slightly smaller than the width of the collar. Drill ALMOST to the axle, then use a chizzle across the hole and it will crack it right open.

Originally posted by The Flem:
<STRONG>I'm trying to get the backing plates off my narrow track dana 44. </STRONG>

If all your doing is taking off the backing plate, without changing the wheel bearing, just take the four bolts off, of the bearing retainer, use a slide hammer or axle puller, and the bearing should slide through the hole in the backing plate. Somtimes it's easier to pull the brake line before you get to far along.

well the reason I'm asking is the brakes are some crazy 10" drums that don't match the parts I get for any year dana 44. I've been going through this for 4 years with this jeep and have had enough and am just going to replace the fawkers with a disc setup.

next question, whats the best rotor to use? maybe I'll start a new topic. I tried searching cause that topics been beat to death, but I can't find any of the really good info that I found a few months ago

As for the 10" brake parts try late sixty or early seventy Internationl scout, as a referance. I'm not sure about what disks you want.

You shouldn't need to remove the collar or bearing to remove the backing plate. If you do hit the collar with a chisel and press the bearing off.

Well I havent removed that collar yet, and the reason is every parts store in town doesnt know what part that is. I've taken the axle to them and they are clueless. Its also the only part for the d44 in the 4wd hardware exploded diagram that doesnt have a part # or arrow pointing to it. Anyone know where I can get a replacement?

Is it possible that the collar comes with the new bearing in the package because each are required to complete the job?

nope, already tried that idea. the bearing is just the race and bearing. that collar isn't included.

I checked out the haynes and its referred to as a bearing retainer ring.

The bearing should be a BR10. It does come with the new collar.

If you don't have a press to get the new bearing and collar on, then just get a piece of pipe, stand the axle up, put the retaining plate followed by the outer axle seal, bearing and then the bearing retaining ring. Slide the pipe over the axle and pound on the ring. This will squarely seat the bearing and ring.

You might want to find a new parts store. <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0">

[ 10-28-2001: Message edited by: Flip1YJ ]

[ 10-28-2001: Message edited by: Flip1YJ ]