I have a 2003 2500 4x4 my original wheel hub assemblies lasted 228,000 miles. Had them replace an those have only lasted ~33,000 miles. What brand hubs come on truck from factory? This truck is my daily driver, no off roading or anything crazy with this truck.
What is the best hub assembly manufacturer? I have looked at MOOG an Timken so far. MOOG has 3 yr warranty, Timken has a 1 yr. warranty.

I know there will be lots of opinion here but I'm looking for proven performance facts.
Thanks in advance!

 

National, Timkin, are both good brands. The biggest thing for longevity though, is making sure the axle nut is torqued to the proper value. On the third gen trucks, it's north of 180 ft/lbs........

 

Thanks for your response.
So how about SKF ? I'm reading some this morning and some say SKF is what originally came on the 03 Dodgeram trucks.

 

I'm not sure what company supplied the OEM hub for your truck, but in most cases the manufacturer has higher specs for the OEM product than the product sold to the public.
I'd add Raybestos to the list of considerations.
Also check the terms of the warranty. Many times the warranty is dependent upon the product being installed by a certified shop.
If you install the hubs yourself, I recommend using a stud press vice banging the lug studs into the hub.

 

I don't have a Ram but the Timkens I put on the Dakota have lasted 50K now with no discernible sign of wear. They also came with the studs... 2WD though.

 

when wheel bearing assembly is removed, should there be play/slop in the circled housing?

 

Yeah, that's pretty normal. The axle isn't supported at the ends of the tubes, just held in place by being bolted to the hub/bearing. And remember, the axle nuts are what hold the hub/bearing together, and are torqued to some truly stupid value. Make SURE it is properly torqued, else you will have premature failure of the bearings. (or, worst case, lose the whole tire/wheel/bearing while driving. That is NOT fun. )