Convert from spindle to hub
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Convert from spindle to hub
Has anyone investigated converting from a spindle to a bolt-in hub assembly on the 2nd gen 2WD Dakotas? I've had to replace bearings on spindles before, and I've had to replace hub assemblies, and I REALLY prefer the hub assembly at repair time.
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I may have found a way forward here. Question, does it matter if you use a front hub assembly with an ABS tone ring on it if the truck didn't come with 4 wheel ABS? Like, say I'm a thousand miles from home, the hub is damaged and must be replaced, and the only parts store for a hundred miles has a 4 wheel ABS hub in stock but can't get a 2 wheel hub in for a month, kind of deal.
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Just updating on the final outcome.
I ended up getting the Timken HA599528 wheel bearing hubs. I also caught a steal on front and rear EBC USR slotted rotors on Amazon. Installed them all this past weekend and the change is remarkable. Changing the hubs was very easy as I didn't have to deal with front axle shafts (2WD). One big axle nut (36 mm) and off they came. No cotter pin, no nothing. Torque was 185 ft-lbs. The noise is completely gone as is the weird tracking I would get during sweeping turns. Both old bearings were dry as chip, when spun by hand.
I ended up getting the Timken HA599528 wheel bearing hubs. I also caught a steal on front and rear EBC USR slotted rotors on Amazon. Installed them all this past weekend and the change is remarkable. Changing the hubs was very easy as I didn't have to deal with front axle shafts (2WD). One big axle nut (36 mm) and off they came. No cotter pin, no nothing. Torque was 185 ft-lbs. The noise is completely gone as is the weird tracking I would get during sweeping turns. Both old bearings were dry as chip, when spun by hand.
Last edited by Dodgevity; Aug 28, 2020 at 06:33 PM.
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They have a hub assembly which looks like it goes onto a spindle, with a bolt holding it in. A unit bearing assembly has three or four bolts holding the entire assembly to the steering knuckle. I was thinking that it had an old style assembly requiring bearing packing, where it looks like it's like a hybrid - no need to pack bearings, still using a spindle. My whole reason for starting this thread was I don't like to pack bearings and making sure everything is just so, and I don't see that getting any better the older I get. I love unit bearings because they're just bolt and go, but I'm fine with a hub assembly that bolts to a spindle as it's also bolt and go, and with only one bolt to boot. Win win.
Spindle style hub, with tone ring
Unit bearing hub
So anyway, I'd like to know if that tone ring is going to cause an issue for a truck that has 2 wheel ABS, and no tone ring up front. That tone ring is fairly large in a tightish area, so I just want to make sure one isn't a problem if the truck doesn't actually need it on there.
No tone ring
I suppose the tone ring could be removed, would need to see one in person unless someone knows...
Spindle style hub, with tone ring
Unit bearing hub
So anyway, I'd like to know if that tone ring is going to cause an issue for a truck that has 2 wheel ABS, and no tone ring up front. That tone ring is fairly large in a tightish area, so I just want to make sure one isn't a problem if the truck doesn't actually need it on there.
No tone ring
I suppose the tone ring could be removed, would need to see one in person unless someone knows...
Last edited by Vimes; Aug 28, 2020 at 07:00 PM.
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They have a hub assembly which looks like it goes onto a spindle, with a bolt holding it in. A unit bearing assembly has three or four bolts holding the entire assembly to the steering knuckle. I was thinking that it had an old style assembly requiring bearing packing, where it looks like it's like a hybrid - no need to pack bearings, still using a spindle. My whole reason for starting this thread was I don't like to pack bearings and making sure everything is just so, and I don't see that getting any better the older I get. I love unit bearings because they're just bolt and go, but I'm fine with a hub assembly that bolts to a spindle as it's also bolt and go, and with only one bolt to boot. Win win.
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Yeah, which is what changed my mind here. I found that a 2001 Dodge 1500 uses the same bearings as the 2003 Dakota, so that hub would bolt right in. It has a 5x5.5 lug pattern, which should be easier to find wheels for. The rotor diameter is also the same, but it's wider so I'm not sure what brakes might work here. I'm thinking I will have to visit the local salvage yard next week and hope I find a Dakota and a 1500 in there that I can try swapping parts between.
Of course, if anyone has a list of parts needed to convert from a 2003's 6 lug pattern to a 5 lug pattern that also has better brakes, like 700-800HP capable brakes, I'm all ears. I don't mind sharing what I come up with, and I hope others are the same. If nobody else gets there before I can figure anything out I'll post a thread showing what it takes to upgrade.
Of course, if anyone has a list of parts needed to convert from a 2003's 6 lug pattern to a 5 lug pattern that also has better brakes, like 700-800HP capable brakes, I'm all ears. I don't mind sharing what I come up with, and I hope others are the same. If nobody else gets there before I can figure anything out I'll post a thread showing what it takes to upgrade.