Early Vs Late Unit Bearings For The D30

[Biotex]

In regards to this:
 
The front hub/bearing units are usually serviced by replacement. The early (1984-1989) hubs use tapered bearings, while the newer hubs use ball bearings.

 

When I look at the rockauto bearing/hub assembies. they have some cheapies for around $32, and the picture shows them to have ball bearings which according to the above statement fits my 90.

 

The more expensive Timken ones are listed as tapered bearings, yet they show that they also fit my truck. I'd rather get the name brand Timken bearings even though they are twice the cost.  Can anyone shed some light on this contradiction?

[88whitemanche]

I ran into this issue myself...but someone placed a link into my thread about a new aftermarket unit bearing compared to a used timken unt bearing in my old thread. I ended up buying timken bearings and no problems since early this year.

 

http://comancheclub.com/topic/36092-unit-bearing/?fromsearch=1

 

I know it doesn't shine much light on your question about the tapered bearing compared to ball bearing but the video itself set me to get timken.

[Biotex]

Thanks for the link. I already knew I wanted the Timkens, but I'm worried if the 1990 can use the tapered ones.

[Geonovast]

There is a difference, although I'm not sure on the break.  But using the wrong bearings will offset the rotors and wreak havoc on the brakes... or so I'm told.

[mvusse]

The earlier rotors with the thicker wheel mounting surface will work with any unit bearing. The newer rotors with the thinner wheel mounting surface will hit the steering knuckle when used with older unit bearings.

 

Can't remember what year the change over was, though.

[1987Comanche]

I know for a fact that the 1990 4WD and 1992 2WD use the same P/N brake calipers.  Georgia ('92) has 4WD style wheel bearings (sealed hub & bearing assy).  Different calipers would be required for a different offset wheel bearing and/or brake rotor, correct?   Based on this I'd guesstimate that Maura would have the later style hub & bearing.

[FrankTheDog]

Be careful with the 92's. I have 3 92's that were 2wd. 2 built in 92 and 1 built in 91.

The 91 built 2wd has the older brakes and tapered bearings in the rotor and the 92 built 2wd's have the 4wd knuckle and unit bearings.

[Biotex]

I know for a fact that the 1990 4WD and 1992 2WD use the same P/N brake calipers.  Georgia ('92) has 4WD style wheel bearings (sealed hub & bearing assy).  Different calipers would be required for a different offset wheel bearing and/or brake rotor, correct?   Based on this I'd guesstimate that Maura would have the later style hub & bearing.

 

I agree that Maura needs the later style unit bearing. What I'm having trouble with is can the later style assy. be tapered, or are they all roller bearings? Can anyone confirm they have used tapered on the newer style calipers?

[mvusse]

Another complication is the 2wd/4wd issue. The earlier 2wd axles used two separate tapered bearings like older vehicles, while the 4wd models used unit bearings. Later 2wd models used the same unit bearings as 4wd models with a dummy shaft inside them to hold them together.