Random Tech Pics that dont need a thread

Unit bearings are ready.

I think this might go here... Been playing around in CAD with some ideas that have been on my mind...

Not sure I'm ready to drop the coin on making them, but if anyone with a cnc or 3d printer was interested, I might make a prototype to check fitment.

paradisepwoffrd said:

I think this might go here... Been playing around in CAD with some ideas that have been on my mind...

Not sure I'm ready to drop the coin on making them, but if anyone with a cnc or 3d printer was interested, I might make a prototype to check fitment.

Click to expand...

That looks like an adapter to use unit bearings on standard spindle / hub knuckle? Cool. 8)

So it woild bolt straight to the knuckle?

One is an adapter to bolt 05+ unit bearing to Ford kingpin knuckle, and use the kingpin stub shaft. Biggest problem I can see, it would add ~3" width to each side. Might could solve that with a special slug though.

The other pic is a bolt on adapter to convert a SF 9" to FF using 05+ unit bearing.

paradisepwoffrd said:

One is an adapter to bolt 05+ unit bearing to Ford kingpin knuckle, and use the kingpin stub shaft. Biggest problem I can see, it would add ~3" width to each side. Might could solve that with a special slug though.

The other pic is a bolt on adapter to convert a SF 9" to FF using 05+ unit bearing.

Click to expand...

I like seeing people do stuff like this. Unfortunately, I think throwing a unit bearing on a kingpin knuckle is a little counterproductive.

Re: Re: Random Tech Pics that dont need a thread

kmcminn said:

I like seeing people do stuff like this. Unfortunately, I think throwing a unit bearing on a kingpin knuckle is a little counterproductive.

Click to expand...

There are folks on both sides of that coin. They are cleaner, easier to change, lighter, but I don't think anyone would pay for the adapter; esp since it would likely rival the cost of aftermarket knuckles.

I like unit bearings. Makes axle shaft replacement so much quicker!

Those look like 10 lug though. What's up with that?

Amazing how 10 years ago unit bearings were junk and now they're all the rage


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Technology changes. The old style 99-04 SD bearings get the job done, spidertrax has upgrade options, etc. The newest SD 05+ have shown to be even stronger in stock form. They may not be for everyone but I think you will see more and more being used. I could be wrong. I'm gonna give them a shot personally.

87_bigbadzuk said:

I like unit bearings. Makes axle shaft replacement so much quicker!

Those look like 10 lug though. What's up with that?

Click to expand...

that was the only unit bearing i found already drawn. It is an 05+ F550. From what i can tell, the mounting dimensions should be the same.

paradisepwoffrd said:

that was the only unit bearing i found already drawn. It is an 05+ F550. From what i can tell, the mounting dimensions should be the same.

Click to expand...

Mounting dimensions are the same. 250/350 are 8 lug and 450/550 are 10

I redrew the adapter to reduce the width by adding a custom drive slug.

This version would only add ~1" width per side.

Cost is likely still a deterrent, as the blank would be an 7+" diameter chunk to turn down.

you could shorten it by tapping the holes and run bolts through the unit bearing on oneside and bolts through the knuckle from the other

Send me a quick overall demension. If it will fit In my printer, I will print you one and send it to you.

Man that would be a cool setup. I like the kingin idea, It would be super cool if you could make a setup that could use RCV big bell shafts(not that I could afford them). I like the rear 9", tho it would seem like an added failure point, I like the bolt on capability.

Re: Re: Random Tech Pics that dont need a thread

pennsylvaniaboy said:

Man that would be a cool setup. I like the kingin idea, It would be super cool if you could make a setup that could use RCV big bell shafts(not that I could afford them). I like the rear 9", tho it would seem like an added failure point, I like the bolt on capability.

Click to expand...

That's what the Reid Super Kingpin knuckles do.
Big Bell + Kingpins+Super Duty Unit Bearings

Re: Re: Re: Random Tech Pics that dont need a thread

TBItoy said:

That's what the Reid Super Kingpin knuckles do.
Big Bell + Kingpins+Super Duty Unit Bearings

Click to expand...

Exactly.. I don't think a standard knuckle will fit big bells. Without big bells I don't see the need for the massive slugless stub shaft. This setup would allow you to use a standard 30/35/40 spline Ford d60 stub.

That is also the reason for the adapter length. The kingpin shafts are 2" longer than 99-04 shafts and like 4" longer than 05+.

The 99-04 adapter is much more complicated, as the adapter is only ~2" thick and the bolt pattern interfere. If I could find a unit bearing stub shaft for each vintage, I could better understand what other options there are.

Re: Re: Random Tech Pics that dont need a thread

pennsylvaniaboy said:

Man that would be a cool setup. I like the kingin idea, It would be super cool if you could make a setup that could use RCV big bell shafts(not that I could afford them). I like the rear 9", tho it would seem like an added failure point, I like the bolt on capability.

Click to expand...

I agree that replacing the wheel bearing with a solid piece is the potential failure point. It is atleast 0.5" thick in any point, so I bet the bearing cup on the housing fails first.

Might be a good option for those guys looking for an 8lug 9", or maybe mud racers. Basically would be someone not wanting to spend the money for an aftermarket housing and weld-on cups.

Reduce cost by welding the "spindle" to the unit bearing adapter. Could use multiple size material stocks. Could also reduce machine time/ # of operations.

Just put steps to locate and hold true.

A big metal core gmaw bead or several solid wire beads around it and done.