Dana 44 spindle question

[bbbc3]

I have been sourcing parts for my Dana 35/44 hybrid project. I found one spindle from a local guy and another one from eBay. They look identical except for the fact that one has a recessed area around the spindle bearing and the other one doesn't. Does anyone know why this would be and it it matters much?

 

[dzrt_ranger]

some year d44 hubs used different seals. I believe it was 94 and 95 that used two seals instead of just one on the hub. the other ones used only one. that might be the difference. here's a pic with all the different ones

 

[don4331]

My F-100 (think '68 old) had a brass thrust washer between the hub and the axle stub. It fits nicely in the recess which you show.

My newer Ranger did away with the brass washer.

Using the recessed hub without washer would allow more end play of the axle which may/may not be an issue for you. My wheeling is mud/snow when 4x2 doesn't cut it getting to in-laws - tires are mostly straight/never low ranger so low risk of stressing axle u-joints in axle joints. If you are rock crawling in low range with knuckles turned to locks, risk is higher...