Always something bug

[Randomrunner12]

Hey y’all,

So once again it’s always something has struck again. Just got new tires after a blowout last week. Managed to get away with no damage to the truck so I guess this is karma for that.

front pinion seal has started leaking. Because of this and hours of research, I want to go ahead and install a free spin hub kit. So far the best one seems to be from dynatrak with warn hubs and spicer u joints. 2300$ from CJC.

any one have other suggestions or comments on the matter. Already going to have to explain this to the old lady so that’ll suck.

 

[Timd32]

Or....... just fix the seal and check the ujoints.... but what fun is that.....good luck on your project.

This little deal off Amazon worked great for holding the yoke of my Dana 44 recently. It's got all sorts of slots for different yokes, was like $16.

 

[Topzide]

I had thought about going with Spyntec's when a front u-joint went out. After much thought, there wasn't any real savings in fuel to make it worthwhile. Others have mentioned that you can remove the ABS sensor and add some grease through the sensor hole to help prolong the bearings. It's your choice and money. Good luck with the up sale to the DW! Gonna cost you almost twice as much as you think do to the compromise that you'll have to reach with her!

 

[bcbender]

I debated about free spin hubs and the GV overdrive for my 4:10RAR 6spd.... at the end of the day could not make the expense justification, never going to burn enough fuel to make up the difference in rotational inertia. Plus then you have to get out and or STOP to lock them in when you need 4WD as well as care for the added maintenance of that style bearing setup vs the maint. free unit bearing. Personal choice as always, I've had great luck with the Timken unit bearings (rock auto made in USA).. and did both U joint and both bearings on my 2004 for less than 500$ including as Topzide mentioned all the sundry items you don't count. Good luck on the project.

 

[Randomrunner12]

Thank you all for the replies and comments. This is why I love this site.
I’d made a pros cons list and just can’t get enough pros to outweigh the cost of the kit plus anything else that may come up as a surprise.
I’ve got a buddy who owns and off-road shop near me so going to have him do the seal. Front DS was rebuilt with all new joints about 2 months ago. Front u joints are good as well no play.

 

[AH64ID]

Probably a good call.

I did the conversion on my 05 and while it had some pro’s I am not sure I’d do it again. I did like 2Lo for trailer parking and the steering felt much better without the hubs locked, but fuel mileage didn’t change and there is more maintenance with greasable bearings.

 

[AEdelheit]

I just did the Yukon free spin kit this weekend, got it on Amazon for $1450 so that was worth it but the hubs stick out so far its annoying, I would do Dynatrack if I was to do it again.

The pinion seal is pretty easy to do but make sure to get a new nut as well, not fun when they loosen up driving down the road....... Not me but happened to a good buddy that follows FSM to a tee , just didint replace the nut the first time....

 

[AH64ID]

I just did the Yukon free spin kit this weekend, got it on Amazon for $1450 so that was worth it but the hubs stick out so far its annoying, I would do Dynatrack if I was to do it again.

The pinion seal is pretty easy to do but make sure to get a new nut as well, not fun when they loosen up driving down the road....... Not me but happened to a good buddy that follows FSM to a tee , just didint replace the nut the first time....

Did you use the Yukon lockouts?

The nice thing about Yukon is they use standard sized stub shafts, where Dynatrack uses custom stub shafts from what I found. I also liked the wider stance on the bearings, but any of the kits is wider than the sealed OEM units.

 

[AEdelheit]

Did you use the Yukon lockouts?

The nice thing about Yukon is they use standard sized stub shafts, where Dynatrack uses custom stub shafts from what I found. I also liked the wider stance on the bearings, but any of the kits is wider than the sealed OEM units.

I did the Yukon lockouts, its a decent kit but even running 37x13.5 tires on 0 offset wheels the outside of the hub is flush with the outside of the tire sidewall so very prone to damage off road depending on how the truck is used.

 

[Ozymandias]

Dynatrac with Dyna-Loc Hubs is probably the Gold Standard if it comes to freespin Hubs.
I run them for a couple years and miles now, so far im happy aside from the dirt maintenance Jobs.

The only reason for me to get'em was the ability to use 2LO on mountain roads and other occasions where 4LO doesn't work out because of binding.
Otherwise I'd still run Timken hubs, they work just fine and are easy to replace - after the first time, depending on location.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

I'm running a Spyntec hubs with the Mile Marker lockers. No issues or complaints to speak of. I installed new spicer joints at the time aswell. For me the most exciting thing about the kit were the Koyo Japan bearings that I packed with Amsoil Dominator grease.

Well designed kit with decent instructions and a part number for every item with cross reference numbers. The lighter steering feel is pretty nice, i'd talk about fuel economy but I buy used AT and MT tires for dirt cheap.

You could argue the cost over utility. I personally really like Japanese bearings when I can get them and Amsoil products.

Weather you have a factory style unit bearing hub or a locking hub style hub you're going to have to replace a part or parts at some point. The locking hub will be the cheaper option when pricing individual parts (seals, bearings, races) but it'll involve more labor. If you're not doing the work yourself when it needs to be serviced it'd be best to go to a shop with 4x4 experience. I abhor hands touching my truck and I just bring tires and wheels to be mounted and do my own rotations at home, every time I think of a tire shop I get this feeling that some underpaid, and overworked "Technician" is gonna strip or break a stud and at that point I would be seeing blood.

That said they do have some benefits, mpg just isn't a huge one. It's kinda a flex factor if you will since you rarely if at all see them on Dodge's. To date i've not seen locking hubs on another Dodge solid axle in the wild. Some people like 8K lift kits with 5k wheels(in front of drum brakes even). I like serviceable hubs with Japanese bearings, high performing grease, and a dash of cheap used tires.