- Joined
- Sep 22, 2026
- Messages
- 7
- Points
- 1
- City
- Owings
- State - Country
- MD - USA
- Vehicle Year
- 1997
- Vehicle
- Ford Ranger
- Drive
- 4WD
- Engine
- 4.0L
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Tire Size
- 235
I decided to order Timken's version of the SBK4, i was able to pick up two from Amazon for cheaper than the Duralast version I'm going to install those instead.This^
That bearing is barely more than finger tight on mine. I think I took a flat face punch and tapped around it till it seated. I have changes lots of bearing and don't remember ever seeing one which didn't have a positive stop outside of conveyer.
Changed after 97? Seems unlikely since the 35TTB ended that year, but I could see them consolidating designs after the end of production. (Or maybe that set fits some Jeep stuff or Dana 44 too?)
What do you mean "finger tight". I did see a ledge towards the bottom of the bore of the spindle, but wasn't sure if that's it, it's easy to drive the bearing past that if you aren't careful. I was trying to use a small right angled pick to check how far away I was from it, If I seat it there, that's almost towards the bottom of the bore. I will take pictures of the empty bore when I get home tonight.
The only thing I need to clear up is the orientation of these two. The plastic washer (1) does the beveled side face the axle or the spindle. The rubber seal (2), does the groove side (currently facing up in picture) face the needle bearing or the axle?
Sorry for asking so much, I've found a few youtube videos already and it seems I'm getting conflicting info.

