Sanity Check, D44 Full Floater

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   Final update on this project.  
First thanks to all who gave input and helped evolve this along the way.
I spoke about my lessons learned earlier, re: that if I were to do this again, I would do the Inner & outer Set47 bearings and change the snout thread to 1.75" x 16TPI as opposed to the 1.75" x 12TPI I used.  

I went with the 1.75 x 12TPI because that was the pitch of the Dexter spindle nuts I sourced.  Those nuts, thrust washer, and lockwasher turned out to be unusable to me.  I ended up making my own spindle nuts and thrust washer.  For the lock washer I sourced part #WI-09 from Whittet-Higgens and they work perfectly (they come slightly pre-bent and you need to flatten them before using them in this application).  

Because of having to make your own spindle nuts and washer, the large snout design is a PITA and frankly, I don't think it's worth it when using high tensile material.

If using this design (1.75" snout of 12 or 16 pitch), I think material selection is not terribly important and you could use any free machining steel if it saves you money.  I think if you went with the 1.625 x 16TPI snout, you should stick with a higher tensile material.

Another option is to use the dual Set47 setup with Toyota spindle threads of M42x1.  OEM replacement and high performance upgrade parts are commonly available for this thread pitch if you can stand the idea of having metrique cork sniffer threads instead of freedom units on your flatty.  The pro is the M42x1 gives you a greater OD and the minor diameter of the thread is about .050" greater than the 1.625" x 16 pitch and that also gives you a greater amount of material at the snout.  Again, may not be worth it but it is a straightforward and easier design to complete.

Another option is to use the 1.625 x 16 snout and eliminate the keyway altogether.  There are a variety of spindle/bearing shaft nuts on the market that have evolved past the use of tabbed washers & keyways.

One last item, the Set47 inner bearing race has a face diameter of 2.340" where the thrust washer contacts it.  The standard Jeep Set45 thrust washer has an OD of 2.180".  I've done no research to see if a larger diameter thrust washer exists for that application.  I do think it is important to have the thrust washer contact the entire face of the ID bearing race.