Free spin hub kit

[holleywood]

Has anyone on here that runs bigger tires and lifts ever had to worry/replace their front bearings. I was reading 8-lug today where they did a write on an install of the free spin bearings saying that to repair stock costs thousands and its the weak link of the drive line anyways so anyone who is running a lift with tires should be concerned about it. just wanted other peoples 2 cents

[EODguyJake]

Well, I don't know about it costing thousands to repair, but I haven't had to do it. I only run a leveling kit and 305/70 R16, but I have been told that a wider tire is just as bad as a taller tire. I would like to have the kit on my truck, but I can't afford the $1700 plus install. At least not at the moment. I have heard that it is the "weak link" but I would like to know the definition of weak. I've run 4x4's ever since I had my own rig, and I've never broken anything (I was really hard on an 81 Bronco). And none of those were Dana 60s either. But, the flip side of that is the difference in weight and power now. If nothing else, I can't see doing it before the front end goes out anyways. I'd love to hear from some folks that do have it.

[Raul@Stealth Automotive]

im running 37" tires and havnt had to change mine... and i agree 1700+ is very expensive for the kit but its worth it if you can afford it lol

[Marty]

It's the best kit available, but it was on backorder when I looked into it. I almost bought when I replaced mine over a year ago, and they are recommended as replacement on 35+ inch tall tires. I didn't go with them but I was going to because I planned on running 40+ inch tires and now I'm more interested in going fast... So I'm happy with the stockers.

Replace the stockers at 300 bucks from Powerstrokeshop.com - PSD and Ford Superduty Parts if they go bad... it's an easy job and should last as long as the previous ones did. The kit from the shop comes with all the seals and Orings you need too

[holleywood]

ohh well they made it out to be a common problem, but if you can run stock at 300 and if they go bad every 50000 lets say its still cheaper then upgrading to the free spins.

[GreenF350]

From what I understand it is a common problem, but why spend $2,000 to upgrade a Dana 50? Unless you have a newer (I think it was 2002 or newer?) or a Dually then the weak link would be the ring and pinion. A Dana 50 is basically a Dana 60 Case with a Dana 44 Ring and pinion. Why they would put that in a F350 I will never know. I forsee a King Pin 60 or maybe a Currie built Dana 60 in my future. (Not until it breaks though)
-Aaron

[Marty]

The difference in strength between a Dana 50 and Dana 60 is marginal.

I've had the front diff cover off of my truck and it's nothing short of beefy in there, definitely bigger then the Dana 44 on my best friends Dodge Ram 1500.

If you had a dually from 99-01 it had a Dana 60 front axle. All front axles from 02+ are Dana 60's.

[ipz2222]

The hub/bearing assy is $350 new aftermarket, x2 =$700 plus labor, $300 =$1,000. I've never replaced one with less than 100,000 miles. I think i'll keep the factory style.