01 F250 7.3 4x4 front hub problem

[skiatom]

OK, I buy a set of Warn hubs to install. No problem on the passenger side, but the hub would not go on the driver side. Upon closer inspection, I notice that the center shaft (I don't know the correct terminology) is off center. I think I have more issues to deal with, including a possible needle bearing issue. What should I do? I am not very knowledgeable about this stuff, but would like to learn. Should I replace the wheel hub assembly? What else should I look at?

[skiatom]

Another question: Does the wheel hub assembly take care of the needle bearing issue?

[lamoparpower]

can you shake the tire when it was all mounted up? if it had play in it id say change the assembly..

[skiatom]

No, seems tight. What bothers me most is that I cannot get the new hubs on.

[Czechsix]

I'll be interested to see what you find out with this - I think I'm looking at the same issue.

If you crank hard right, and reach in to the axle u-joint, is there slop in the assembly? Can you move it side to side like it's got a roached bearing or seal?

[skiatom]

Removed the hub and discovered the needle bearing that fits inside the backside of the hub was toast. I mean there was nothing left. This put the axle in a bind off center, which is why the locking hub wouldn't slip on. Had to take the wheel hub hearing assembly to a shop to have them grind the remainder of the needle bearing shell out of the hub. They put the new needle bearing in and bingo! I was good to go. Locking hub went on after I put it all back together. The axle is fairly scarred, so I will probably have to replace that when I get the bucks.

[Czechsix]

you found the same thing I just did. Hub is decent and tight, I pulled the autolock with difficulty (gonna have to rebuild that too), and got the hub out. My needle bearing wasn't as bad as yours, I probably had 80% of the bearings left. Most of them sideways, lol.

But the stub shaft is toast, heavily grooved, so now I'm calling around to see who's got one locally. Even though that needle bearing is easy to get to, it wouldn't last long with the axle in this condition. can't really afford it either, got no choice.

and all this is after the dealership said 'nothing wrong with it, that amount of play is normal. idiots. might have been able to save the shaft, but noooooooooooooooo...so now I wind up paying out more that I can't afford. at least it's cheaper than that damned dealership, last time I go there. they also lie about chassis lube, but i'll take my truck one more time there and call them out on it in their waiting room so the other customers can have a laugh too.

update: just got off the phone with my parts guy, found a spicer stub shaft for $130, not too bad. UJ is another 35.