needle thrust bearing 88 ranger 4wd manual hub ?

[swvapaver7274]

I have a 88 ranger 4wd manual hubs, just finished ball joints and axle u joints. On driver side which i done first, after i took off the wheel, then the hub i only had a locknut which takes a special 4 pronged socket, a holey washer and another locknut. When I got to the passenger side I had a c-clip, washer with splined center to go over spline, needle bearing washer looking thing, and a plain washer. I went to dealership and they said just use the c-clip and dont worry about the 2 washers and needle bearing washer thingy, so i dont have any on ethier side. This doesnt sound right to me, what will this affect? and where could i find the parts? thanks for your help cause i dont know who else to ask.....

 

[AllanD]

The purpose of that needle bearing is to provide tension against the
stub shaft seal against the backside of the spindle.

On the D35 through '95 or '96 Ford used a simple heavy splined washer

1996 or so they went to a three washer setup.
and outer "thin" splined washer and an inner thin washer
with a plastic anti-friction washer between them.

While the torrington bearing used on the D28 was a bit of
engineering overkill... without SOMETHING there there is
no tension against the inner seal and mud/water/dust/dirt
can get into the spindle from the backside.