[Lloyd]

I'm reaming the spindles on my rear axle for Spicer shafts pulled from a 70. They're a bit under 1.5" at the splines, and turned down to near 1.4" (minor diameter of the splines) along the body of the shaft. I'm thinking that 1.550" should be plenty big enough to allow for housing flex and get oil to the wheelbearings without compromising strength too much. Anyone had problems with that size? Spindles on the 70 are 1.6" ID but these stepuup to a larger OD and use a larger inner wheelbearing; my front spindles are only 1.525" but they ride on torrington bearings at the base and don't oil the wheelbearings around the shaft. What experiences have people had?

 

[cmk]

Why not pack the bearings with grease and then not worry about getting oil to them?

cmk

 

[CrazyHorse]

the spindles on my 60 were 1.7" ID from the factory. BTW, everywhere I've checked the dana 70's use the same wheel bearings as a dana 60.

 

[Lloyd]

the spindles on my 60 were 1.7" ID from the factory. BTW, everywhere I've checked the dana 70's use the same wheel bearings as a dana 60.

I've heard that they use the same bearings also but these definitely don't. Inner seal is bigger on this 70-2UA also. Outer wheelbearing is the same, but the spindle steps up nearly 1/2" (don't have the measurement handy) between the bearings. Does your 60 have a straight spindle with inner and outer bearings the same?

 

[Lloyd]

Why not pack the bearings with grease and then not worry about getting oil to them?

cmk

I usually do put grease in them, but it wouldn't hurt them to get some oil also. Another possible concern is housing flex, don't know how much room needs to be there for that.

 

[66CJdean]

1.550 is fine but I go 1.6 on the ones I have done.

 

[Bushwhacker]

Is this something that has to be done in a lathe? I have a buddy that works at a machine shop that could probably do it for me, but dont know what to tell him as far as what he needs to do. Is it as simple as boring it out to 1.6?

 

[66CJdean]

Yes. I use a boreing bar and just turn it out to 1.6.

 

[cmk]

Just be sure to use a hefty boring bar (>1" bar).

cm "chatter box" k

 

[Flexy Flatty]

I seem to remember an issue of Four Wheel and Off Road from about a year ago where they just used a drill and a large bit to hog out the spindle for 35 spline. I don't have the magazine with me right now, but I believe that it lists the exact measurement that they used without a problem. The work was done on a Dana 60 in a Ramcharger.

 

[Lloyd]

There's also a guy in Montana who sells a jig that clamps onto the spindle and uses a 1-1/2" shell mill. Costs ~$300 but gets you to that size in 20 minutes both sides using a 1/2" drill motor. If one were doing more than one axle it'd be worthwhile IMO. Someone here posted about the drill bit job being done for them by a shop and getting holes so cockeyed that the axles wouldn't clear. I started with a couple adjustable reamers and can attest that removing that much material 0.002" at a time REALLY SUCKS and I'd recommend that anyone thinking about this method start thinking pretty hard about some other. I'm at 1.550" on one side and 1.485" on the other; if that size will work then I might actually finish this month. Thanks Dean!!

 

[bad76ih]

I've had several bored out at a local machine shop. They used a 1 5/8 drill bit on a large lathe. Only charge about $75 and it works great.

 

[rocraven]

I cut mine to 1.500,the bearings get oil because the shaft is smaller at that point. carefull going any larger you will weaken the spindle . mic the inside dia. of the spindle nut that will tell you how much material you'll have at the threads.

 

[Lloyd]

That's what I was looking for - someone running a little under the size I'm at and able to say it works. Thanks!

 

[uglyscout]

I seem to remember an issue of Four Wheel and Off Road from about a year ago where they just used a drill and a large bit to hog out the spindle for 35 spline. I don't have the magazine with me right now, but I believe that it lists the exact measurement that they used without a problem. The work was done on a Dana 60 in a Ramcharger.

I recall that article as well - And I also recall them having a HELL of a time making it work , typical 4 Wheel and off road.
They had to get a larger bit than the one they started with and then ended up wobbling it around to hog it out - THEN they had to turn down their axle shaft to make it clear the full length of the axle.