i was looking for a pass side steering knuckle and they asked if i have a 4000 or a 3000 pound axle can anyone tell me how to figure this out the haynes manule won't tell me i am so lost HELP

 

I believe the 3000 lb axle has 3 bolts on top of the knuckle that hold the steering knuckle arm on and has an upper ball joint nut also while the 4000 lb axle has 4 bolts on top of the knuckle that hold on the steering arm cap and use a spring loaded king pin.

 

Look in your driver's side doorjamb. I'd say if the front gawr is over 3000, then its probably a 4000lbs axle. Just an inference.

 

well the book tells me where the axle id tag is but not what kind is what

 

Take your VIN to the dealer and get a build sheet for your truck if you want something in writing. The 3000 lb axle is a 44 model axle, the 4000 lb axle is a 60 model axle, both are Spicer. It still comes down to how many bolts on top of the knuckle hold the steering arm on and does it use ball joints or king pins. The 44 uses ball joints while the 60 uses king pins.

How does your front axle lock into 4 wheel drive? Vacuum, manual hubs, or auto hubs?

 

i don't have 4x4 only 2wd

 

Sorry about the confusion. I guess I should have questioned the conflicting information of front axles in a D250. 2wd does not have any axles up front. Thus my confusion and probably why you can't find an ID tag and the manual doesn't address the problem.

In your original post who asked you about the axle weight and are you sure they also were not confused since they spoke about non existing parts (axles). At this point I would suggest you definitely head to the dealers parts department to get the low down on what was used in the 1989 D250s and whether there were different size knuckles/spindles. If there are different knuckles the parts people can probably show you the parts or at least pictures to help you ID what you have. You don't have to buy from them but price and availability is always good information to have. At the same time you can pick up your trucks build sheet that may also help answer your questions if there was any up grade from stock components in the front end.

 

i got a steering knuckle and spindle off of a 1992 2500 with the cummins guy said its a direct replacement paid 150 for it also got bearings for both sides and new ball joints and tie rods should be ready to go in a few days