Bearings? Bushings? Ranger Hubs 29071 & 37780

[malecat]

I have searched all over this site and all over the internet too and cannot find the answer to this question. Can anybody tell me for sure about the bearing-bushing issue on the newer 29071 hubs? Do the newer 29071's have bearings or bushings? I have a 1996 ranger that I want to replace the broken automatic hubs. In reading the "Offroad Tech" article by 4x4Junkie "Stronger "Jeep" hubs for the Dana 35" it tells of using P/N 37780 Jeep hubs in place of the stock replacement P/N 29071. The 37780's are only $20.00 more than the 29071's for sale on this site. If you look closely at the pictures in the article, the 29071's have a huge needle bearing that covers the whole length of the axleshaft gear. It will probably last for a long time. The 37780's have a small bushing that doesn't even cover the full length of the bearing surface of the axleshaft gear. I drive my Ranger cross country and bushing wear is a concern. The Jeep hubs are stronger but how often would you drive with the rear hubs unlocked on a Jeep. Probably only for towing and thing likes that so bushing wear would not be an issue. I have also looked on Warn's site and they do not show a service kit for the 37780's. If both the 37780's and the newer 29071's both have a thin bushing, I will spend the extra $20.00 and go with the 37780's. But if the 29071's still have the needle bearings I will probably go with them. Can anybody answer this question? Does anybody know the answer? I have seen this question come up several times before on forums and nobody ever gave a definitive answer......

 

[AllanD]

I prefer the hubs with the bushing rather than the bearing.

The bushing/bearing only does anything when the hubs are UNlocked.
so it isn't a load issue.

People think needle bearings are so cool...
Frankly Bronze bushings are simple, stupid and they WORK...
so mabey they aren't so "stupid" after all?


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[4x4junkie]

Keep a light coat of grease on them and you won't ever have any issues. Like said, there is never any actual load on them.

BTW, those 37780 hubs are also the same ones included with Jeep FRONT axle conversions as well.