Closed knuckle Bearings??

[Ks Highboy]

I have a 67 F250 with the light duty closed knuckel D44. The bottom bearings are out on the knuckle. Is it as simple as just replacing them or is there some shimming to be done? And, are they still available.?

[Art]

I think those are standard catalog tapered roller bearings that should be OK with the same shim thickness. I would double check it anyways. Get you hand on a factory service manual and dive in

[Ks Highboy]

I hear guys talk of shimming. What is the reason for having to shim?

[Ks Highboy]

I hear guys talk of shimming. What is the reason for having to shim?

[1972hiboy]

there is sapposed to be a pre-load on the trunion bearings. I dont remember off hand what that value is. When I did mine I was able to source both top and bottom through timken directly the rest I was able to find at bronco graveyard. for the felt seals ect ect.

[Ks Highboy]

Thanks guys! I see bronco graveyard has everything I need. Guess I'll try my hand at it.

[eggman918]

I hear guys talk of shimming. What is the reason for having to shim?

when I did mine I assembled it without shims snugged it down evenly and measured the gap on the bottom cap take that number divide it by 2 and split the shims evenly between top and bottom. I would use the combination that is closest to the number I measured less .004" for new bearings but the amount of preload is a bit of judgment call and you are limited in the shims you have you must have some preload for it to last but too much will also shorten bearing life.
When installing the races's you can put them in the freezer an hour ahead of time and use a heat gun to warm up the knuckle up to where it is too hot to grasp firmly and they should "drop in" with the help oh a driver made of aluminum or brass and a 12oz ball-peen hammer,there is very little interference in the fit only ~.001" so a 300* temp differential will take care of it