worn spindles, replace with lift spindles?

[renton]

My 2005 2wd ranger with coil spring spun a front wheel bearing at some time wearing a bit of a groove where the inner bearing sits so it's loose. I can never get proper pretension on it ever since, the wheel always has a little play. Even if I crank down the nut hard I can still easily spin the wheel. i wanted to lift my truck anyways so I figure a set of lift spindles is a good solution to my problem, does this seem like a good solution? anyone else had this problem?

 

[Dirtman]

That nut should never be cranked down hard anyway. Max torque is 12 INCH pounds and the wheel should spin free. Shouldn't wobble but should spin free...

But as long as you do not have traction control lift spindles are fine.

 

[pjtoledo]

my 2005 2wd has about 366,000 miles now, I've have spindle wear too. it can lead to vibrations.
spinning tension isn't the problem, the bearing is allowed to flop sideways and up & down so the wheel doesn't track true.
you can tighten the nut until it breaks off, that won't do anything to reduce the play between the axle and the bearing's inner race.
the play may be only a few thousandths at the spindle, it's amplified out at the tire circumference.

new spindles, lifted or stock, will fix it.

and what @Dirtman says.

 

[Dirtman]

Also keep in mind if your ball joints are original you may want to replace them before adding lift spindles. Lift spindles put more wear on them so if they are even a little worn now they will be alot worn after you put the new spindles on.

 

[renton]

That nut should never be cranked down hard anyway. Max torque is 12 INCH pounds and the wheel should spin free. Shouldn't wobble but should spin free...

But as long as you do not have traction control lift spindles are fine.

old timer mechanic tought me that the way the used to adjust them was to tighten it untill the wheel didn't spin freely then back off quarter turn. on my right wheel that works but not the messed up left one. i'm not talking about putting a lot of torque on it though.

 

[Dirtman]

For future reference the proper procedure for your spindles is to tighten to 20 foot pounds to ensure the bearings are seated, back off completely and then tighten to no more than 12 inch pounds then lock it down with the cotter pin. If you lack a torque wrench, which I highly highly recommend using. Tighten snug with a 3/8" ratchet, back off completely and install finger tight. Over tightening the spindle nut is the main cause of spindle/bearing failure.

 

[renton]

For future reference the proper procedure for your spindles is to tighten to 20 foot pounds to ensure the bearings are seated, back off completely and then tighten to no more than 12 inch pounds then lock it down with the cotter pin. If you lack a torque wrench, which I highly highly recommend using. Tighten snug with a 3/8" ratchet, back off completely and install finger tight. Over tightening the spindle nut is the main cause of spindle/bearing failure.

I know thats what it should be but it always results in the wheel being too loose and having a lot of play. I took it too my mechanic and he said it was way too loose as well. That's why I think the spindle is bad. I replaced the races and bearings twice in the last few years.

 

[Dirtman]

I'm not saying your spindle is not bad. Just saying that's how it's done on a good spindle.

 

[renton]

I'm not saying your spindle is not bad. Just saying that's how it's done on a good spindle.

Ah gotcha. From what others tell me the front bearings on these trucks are not very durable. I take mine off road once a month and I read of a lot repacking it once or twice a year. I guess the 4wd has more durable bearings.

 

[Uncle Gump]

There are a bunch of junk bearings on the market these days. It's probably more of the bearings you're buying.

 

[Dirtman]

Well they are not "weak", that spindle setup has been used for over 100 years. They just require maintenance that a sealed unit hub bearing you find on a 4x4 does not, aka repacking them and checking the spindle nut every so often. And as @Uncle Gump pointed out, there are crappy bearings out there. I try to stay with BCA or Timkin.

Anytime I've seen a failure on these spindles or bearings it from a lack of maintenance or improper torque. Not including an off-road accident or smashing a curb at 60mph lol.