87 Front Wheel Bearing question

Sjorge3442 · #1 03-07-2009, 03:54 PM

I have an 87 dakota 4x4 and it needs a new front wheel bearing. Everywhere I look all that comes up is a wheel hub/bearing assembly. I did happen to find the bearing that fits over at rockauto but I do not think it will be able to be put in?

Would I be able to remove the bearing that is in there (its barly there, Its liek there isnt even a bearing anymore) and then go to a machine shop and have them press a new one in?

Let me know.

Thanks guys.

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dodgerules86 · #2 03-07-2009, 04:45 PM

The entire hub/bearing assembly needs to be replaced.
I haven't heard of anyone working around this, but it would be nice if there was a work around for it!

stesul411 · #3 03-08-2009, 12:45 AM

I haven't looked at a Dakota Unit Bearing yet. Although I have been working on a grease-able, re-buildable set up for Jeep D-30's. So far I've been able to find tapered roller bearings and seals for 84-89 style hubs (I call them 1st gen), these were re-builadable from the factory. COST: NEW hub, 125-180$. BEARINGS & SEALS 50-90$.
90-00 Jeeps (2nd gen) used a ball type bearing, I am working on finding a useable tapered roller bearing for this style.

There are some other differences in the generations. Gen 1 is slightly shorter than gen 2, about 1/4" and use a different rotor that has a thicker flange. A 1st gen brake rotor can be used on a 2nd gen hub but, a 2nd can't be used on a 1st without a 1/4" spacer between the hub and rotor.

Crazy4x4RT · #4 03-08-2009, 04:43 AM

I know someone on this forum did say they swapped out the rollers or races on it. So they did rebuild it with used parts. Try doing a search maybe you can do it too. I would suggest to get new parts. It's meant to not be rebuildable for a reason.