Dana closed trunnion-style splined bronze bushings

BinderWalker

BinderWalker

New member
Hello fellow Bindernauts, I've got a 68 1200C 4x4 with (I think) a Dana 44 front axle setup. I just sent out for a build sheet so this is just a guess.
The truck is a complete frame-off restoration in-process, and many parts are needed. The first on my shopping list are the splined bronze bushings that sit atop the trunnion opposite the small tapered roller bearing on the bottom of the steering knuckle. I have found the bearings. Does anyone know please where these bronze bushings could be found? They also look "offset" meaing that they could possibly be used for setting the camber / caster?
I threw in a couple of pictures to hopefully answer some questions.
Any assistance on this would greatly be appreciated - thank you.

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You should have the FA-18 Dana 44HD front axle. As far as I know they are no longer available through normal IH channels. They are replaced by a second roller bearing and outer race and cap to accommodate the lack of splines, same as the top. They are not necessarily needed for a rebuild. Was there any slop in the knuckle? I may have one and can check to see if it is made off center if it would help you sort things out. Call the shop at IH Parts America. They may have them or a line on
 
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Thank you Robert. Initially, when I tore this apart and found these bronze bushings to be worn my first instinct was either taking this to a machinist or finding another axle. I was greatly surprised to find replacements from a Montana business that not only stocks them, they claim to manufacture them: https://torqueking.com/product/40569/qu40569-bronze-upper-knuckle-bushing-with-internal-splines/

That being said, along with further research, I found some desperately needed details on this topic as well:
Tech Note 8: Shims & Preload 1
Shims are used between the King Pin Caps and Steering Knuckles to set your Knuckle Bearing/Bushing turning preload. More shims decreases preload, less shims increases preload. King Pin Caps are shimmed to put the specified turning preload on the bearings. The amount of turning preload on varies by vehicle and year but the value is measured by a beam or dial type torque wrench (refer to the vehicle manufacturer Service Manual for your specific model specification or if a manual is unavailable, see Tech Note 7). Too loose can cause poor steering or "Death Wobble", too tight will lead to rapid bearing failure, broken parts, and possible steering loss.

Tech Note 9: Shims and Preload 2
The Knuckle Bearings MUST be shimmed to provide correct knuckle turning preload. The critical measurement is the amount of force required to move the steering knuckle through the turning arc. The measurement is taken by attaching a beam or dial type torque wrench to one of the King Pin Cap screws. Do NOT install the knuckle seal, axle shaft, or tie rod before setting turning preload. Dana recommends the following turning preload for Dana 25, Dana 27, Dana 30, and standard Dana 44 steering knuckles:
5-10 lbs. ft. for axles with tapered roller bearings top and bottom
10-20 lbs. ft. for axles with upper bronze bushings

I appreciate you reaching out but this time (and this doesn't happen often), I think I got lucky!
 
I get it - thank you Sir.
My next challenge is finding brake drums.
6-lug, 12" x 1-3/4" fronts & 12" x 2" rears
 
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