It’s been a few weeks since I have been to the shop. Where all my projects are waiting patiently. Number One on my list is “Old Green”. For a couple of reasons. Even as long as the to do list is, it is the easiest project to progress on. Brakes, fuel, tires, start it. Just as important it’s in the way.

I have two stumbling blocks. Bearing races are stuck on the right side. I have a couple of plans for this. I bought a drift punch for my air chisel. If that doesn’t work I can use heat. Either my Oxy-Acetylene torch or my welder. Or I can drop it off at Brake Masters for them to remove. The spindle nuts are cross threaded on the left side. The left side becomes my priority as the bearings are in worse shape than the right. I might as well drive out all the races at once. On my initial inspection of the front end I found the left front wheel to be loose. I could wiggle it back and forth. My hands in the 12-6 position and 9-3. Further inspection found the movement at the hub. Not the steering knuckle. In preparation for the brake repair I purchased new bearings and races. These are parts that wear out under service on all cars. It is expected on my fifty year old work truck.

I was able to remove the spindle nuts. The inner nut was broken with impact damage at the tool points. The nuts have four spaces for the tool to fit. I believe the spindle threads were cross threaded. So to tighten the hub the inner nut an impact wrench or hammer and punch were used. Besides the thread damage the spindle had heavy wear patterns on the bearing surfaces. If the spindle is too worn the bearing can spin on the race and overheat. Leading to a failure. I decided to buy a used spindle from Ebay. After shopping for replacement spindle nuts. I discovered the Dana 44 front axle to be a popular part with several companies selling new spindles. New cars are boring. Fix something old.