1987 spindle dust shield

[87RangerXLTct]

In the process of doing ball joints on my 87 and the spindle dust shield is completely mangled and rotted. Is this a critical part? It seems like the part is discontinued and there is no wrecking yards near me that have anything older than 2000. Also anyone know of anywhere to get brake rotor dust shields? 1987 ranger 4x4 with the Dana 28 I think.

 

[franklin2]

I forgot to put the brake rotor dust shields on my f250 after I did a similar job, and told myself no way am I going to tear that apart again to install them. 10+ years later I have had no problems not having the shields on there. I cant picture where the smaller shield you asked about goes.

 

[87RangerXLTct]

Ok cool good to know, it goes between the spindle and steering knuckle.

 

[franklin2]

Ok cool good to know, it goes between the spindle and steering knuckle.

It must be there to keep minor grease leaks from the wheel bearing seal from being slung up on the brake rotor surface.

 

[4x4prepper]

It serves two purposes on the RBV, to keep the rotor and to keep stones out, plus, to cool them. They used to be called STONE shields for the reason. On my own Aerostar a stone got lodged between the pad and rotor, it made quite the sound. Not critical, but, nice to have on the vehicle.