Front axle ID? and noise....

[GreenF350]

I just recently found out (to my dismay) that not all F-350's came with a Dana 60 in the front, that some came with a Dana 50 monobeam, and that on the exterior it looks like a 60. Anyone know how to tell without taking the cover off and looking at the carrier/ring gear?

On a side note I have noticed a clicking noise coming from the left front tire while rolling. It seems to be louder when turning to the right. Is this a warning sign that the bearing unit is going out on that side? If so, would you recommend replacing with similar units or converting over to "old style" wheel bearing with something like the kit that dynatrac sells? Thanks.

-Aaron

[gregor]

I think that some of the covers have it stamped onto the cover. Extreme 4x4 just did a show on the Dana axels and that was one of the things mentioned. I am not sure if all of them are marked. I maybe wrong, but I am sure someone else will be along to correct me if I am.

[GreenF350]

I looked on the front cover, the tag, the factory sticker that is on the right side tube and the rear of the housing and didn't see anything that specifically said 50 or 60. Lots of numbers though. Maybe there is a database of serial numbers or model number or something?
-Aaron

[rajharley]

I'll be interested to see any tech data on this one too. Would like to determine what I have got as far as Dana 50 or 60. I have a similar clicking noise on one of my axles. I think on mine it is bearings in the locker for the 4X4. Could be wrong but I had my wheel off the other day and I could hear it clicking as I rotated my wheel. Took off the locker cap/switch thing and spun the wheel with no clicking. Since I do not use my 4x4 very often I am not too worried about it. Until of course someone like Marc chimes in and says what the problem is and that I need to get it fixed. That inspires me to get her fixed.

[GreenF350]

At first I was almost sure that it was the bearing in the hubs, but I was checking my ball joints the other day (they were bad :blowup: )and no noise without weight on the tire. Makes me think wheel bearings. I am in the process of doing my ball joints right now and I just thought I would voice my opinion that this new "sealed" bearing unit sucks. I think I am going to convert mine back to the old style. Pricey, but I think worth it in the long run.
-Aaron