D44 brake problem

[chico4554]

im in the process of converting my 73 EB 44 from drums to disc brakes. I have everything knuckle out from a 78 F-150. I have the caliper bracket on the knuckle, as well as the spindle. when i go to put the rotor on, it will not go onto the spindle enough so that i can get all the spindle nuts on.

i am going to see if there are different inner bearings that I can get, because i think that they are not big enough. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem? Is the inner bearing supposed to seat right up against the back of the spindle? Also, it seems that if i do get the inner bearing to seat all the way onto the spindle, the rotor will hit the caliper bracket. This is pissing me off to no end.

 

[zainyD]]

Check and see if you have the proper spindles. Ford had a 5 bolt big bearing spindle too which was used on 8 lug D44's.

 

[chico4554]

well im not sure about the one reused spindle, but i did have to buy a new one, and that is for a F-150, which wouldnt have the 8-lugs i presume. The axle i took the spindles off were only 5 lug. Im kinda hoping its a wheel bearing issue, but then i think the rotors are gonna rub on the caliper bracket. I just dont get it because im just putting stock brakes on stock parts. It shouldnt be this hard!!!

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

You need chevy small bearing spindles to put the ford 5 bolt rotors, hubs and brakes on.

 

[Toreadorranger]

You need chevy small bearing spindles to put the ford 5 bolt rotors, hubs and brakes on.

he only needs chevy small bearing spindles if he is using chevy knuckles. but the sounds of it he has 78 f150 5 lug spindles, so he would not need the chevy small bearing spindles.

 

[Redriverranger]

Assemble brake bracket first with offset turned toward the knuckle, then the spindle. If you have everything knuckles out from the same vehicle, it should go back together. The inner wheel bearing should seat all the way up against the shoulder on the spindle.

 

[chico4554]

thanks for all your help guys. I went to napa and we measured the spindle, the very top where it steps out for the bearing is slightly larger, so im gonna sand it down with some 400 grit to see if i can get the bearing on. I tries timkin bearings as well and the same thing happens. I just dont why the new bearings are not made to fit. I took the old bearings off and they were definatley on the same spindle im using now.

 

[chico4554]

Assemble brake bracket first with offset turned toward the knuckle, then the spindle. If you have everything knuckles out from the same vehicle, it should go back together. The inner wheel bearing should seat all the way up against the shoulder on the spindle.

when you say the offset turned toward the knuckle, you mean where it bends outward and steps out right after the bolting surface on the bracket? That bend should be facing towards the inside of the truck? I was thinking i may have them on the wrong side, that is why it is hitting the rotor. I got them mixed up when i took them off. thanks for your help.