Mine is a 99 Ram with a Dana 44 front axle. I rebuilt it a while ago, I am now servicing it due to a fried right seal. A few weeks ago I COMPLETELY fried the front right bearing. As in, it was completely broken apart. I replaced it, fine. Yesterday, I noticed I was leaking gear oil through the axle housing. So I ordered a new intermediate shaft-to-outer shaft bushing and new seal. I tore it down this evening, and found the intermediate shaft bushing (for the intermediate shaft itself) was eaten through, turning it into a "U" shape. I hate bushings. I found out the 94-97 models had a roller bearing instead of a bushing. Are they superior? I need my rig back online BEFORE the weekend due to a race, but I want a strong front end. Thank you!!!

 

If you can find the bearing, definitely go that route. Also make sure that there is the correct amount of gear lube in the diff. Being low will much up that bearing/bushing in pretty short order.

 

Ever thought about swapping to a Dana 60 front?

 

Alright, here's the deal. I caved. My local dealership had the stupid bushing in stock, and I have a mud race to run. Quad 4X4 had an actual bearing, but I could not afford the time in shipping.
http://www.quad4x4.com/qu40292.html
In my down time, I'm trying to cross this bearing. I told the dealership I wanted to check on the needle bearing, but they said they needed a VIN (from a 94 to 97) to lookup the part.
I plan on replacing the bushing in the near future. I would love to cross the needle bearing to something....supply-able?

 

Yes, actually. Very often. However, a very high percentage of my travel is being a daily driver, and most of the stress is on the rear end. I would upgrade the rear first, before the front.

Plus, I am intentionally running 1/2 ton axles. The ground clearance is better. My motto is "run it until it breaks, then upgrade". So far, I've not asked too much. But, now I have a modified engine... :-P