D44 Warn locking hubs

[mustangjonny84]

Last winter, I had some issues with my current hubs. I know a lot of you guys know my truck better than I do so I'm looking here for help. Pictured below is what I've got now. My front axle is a "79' Bronco dana44 highpinion with 76' f250 knuckle out". I'd like to get Warn Premium locking hubs. Being Frankenstein's monster, I'm just not sure which one to go with.

Some sites say the Warn 9072...
Some sites say the Warn 20990...

From what I've read so far, the difference has to do with the outer diameter of the axle shaft. Any ideas so that I can make the purchase before taring into my axle??

[Jesus_man]

Before you replace, you should pull them apart and have a look-see. Perhaps it's an easy fix? Sometimes even too much grease creates more vacuum then the spring can overcome (especially in the cold) and all that is needed is a good cleaning and a light coating of lithium grease.

But based on internet pics, those look like stock F-250 hubs.

[RJLougee]

They both fit the 19 spline axles, so it's not an axle shaft size issue.

The #20990 is designed for the standard internal locking hubs like we have on the EB.

The #9072 is designed for the external locking hubs commonly found on the 3/4 ton trucks (not the 1 ton, D60 setup).

I cannot tell which you have looking at the pic. Maybe a shot from the side without a wheel on?
HTH, Joe

[mustangjonny84]

Here's a side view of my current hub...

[sykanr0ng]

That sure looks like a heavy duty Spicer hub that was used on the highboy F250

[RJLougee]

That still looks like an external assy. However, I'm only 85% sure, not 100%.

Can we get a pic without a wheel on there?
Joe

[mustangjonny84]

Before you replace, you should pull them apart and have a look-see. Perhaps it's an easy fix? Sometimes even too much grease creates more vacuum then the spring can overcome (especially in the cold) and all that is needed is a good cleaning and a light coating of lithium grease.

But based on internet pics, those look like stock F-250 hubs.

Yeah, there was some gunk. I'm going to clean them up and see if I can get better operation out of them. There did not appear to be any breakage/defects inside.

That still looks like an external assy. However, I'm only 85% sure, not 100%.

Can we get a pic without a wheel on there?
Joe

Joe,
Methinks you were 100% right. After a few more lessons from the interwebs, I decided to go with my (our) gut and get the 9072. No road test yet. But the movement is MUCH smoother and they look pretty sharp too!