QU40318 99-05 Outer Axle Shaft for Ford Dana 50/Dana 60 4x4 Front Axles

QU40318 Outer Axle Shaft for 1999-2005 Ford Dana 50 or Dana 60 4x4 Front Axles is a genuine original equipment outer axle shaft for 1999-2004 Ford Super Duty® or 2000-2005 Ford Excursion 4x4 with either the Dana-Spicer Model 50 or Model 60 front drive axle. The most common reason to replace these outer axle shafts is a chewed up bearing surface (in the photo, the shiny area next to the 4 of 4x4 Tech). Unlike 1997 and older Hub-Lock equipped Ford 4x4s that used a dead-spindle, your Excursion or Super Duty® has a live spindle that rotates anytime your wheel moves. What this means is, in 4x2 mode with the hubs in free position, the wheel hub and axle support bearing are constantly rotating around a stationary axle shaft so when the bearing runs out of lube, presto, you have a problem!

Also See: QU40318U Used Outer Axle Shaft for 1999-2005 Limited to stock on hand
Also See: QU20235U Used Outer Axle Shaft for 1999-2002.5 (*See Tech Note 3) Limited to stock on hand

Need More Info? Use the handy Links below to access over 40 years of Dan's product and vehicle specific Tech Notes to easily get the information you need for your vehicle's repair, maintenance, or upgrade project!

Dan the Gear Man® Tech Notes:
U-Joint Size
Reason To Replace
Fits
4x4 Tech Publications
Press Tools
Matching Parts
Applications

Tech Note 1: U-Joint Size
QU40318 uses stock size universal joints made to Spicer 1480 Wheel Joint dimensional specifications. The yoke holes are 1-3/8" in diameter and the inside span between the yoke ears is 3". The matching u-joints for QU40318 Axle Shaft are: QU30332 (hot-forged, greaseable) TK40715 (cold-forged, non-greaseable), and TK40724 (cold-forged, greaseable). QU40318 fits all years and will accept either QU40233 (unshielded) or QU20035 (shielded) Axle Shaft to Knuckle Seals.

Tech Note 2: Reason To Replace
Outer Axle Shafts are one of the most common parts needing to be replaced on these vehicles due to damage caused by water infiltration wrecking the Axle Shaft Support Bearing (QU40143). A worn out or improperly installed Outer Axle Shaft to Knuckle Seal (see QU40233, QU20035, and QT1515) will allow water to contaminate the Axle Support Bearing grease. Once that happens, your Axle Shaft Support Bearing (QU40143) and your Outer Axle Shaft will grind against each other any time the hubs are in the free position. By the time you hear or feel something wrong the damage is done. Also check the vacuum hose (auto hubs) or Knuckle Fitting Cap (manual hubs) for cracks.

Tech Note 3: Fits
QU40318 and QU40318U fit all years and will accept either QU40233 (unshielded) or QU20035 (shielded) Axle Shaft to Knuckle Seals. QU20235U is a used shaft from early production axles (1999-2002.5) and it can ONLY be used with QU40233 Unshielded Seal!

Tech Note 4: 4x4 Tech Publications
Ford Excursion and Super Duty Front Axles require different disassembly and reassembly procedures compared to other axles. To Help you do the job right the first time, it is strongly recommended you order one of these optional color illustrated print publications with your axle parts:
TSB4610 Axle Shaft Service Bulletin (4 pages)
TM4637 Front Axle Manual ) (abridged version, 19 pages)
TM4688 Front Axle Manual (76 pages)

Tech Note 5: Press Tools
Most axle shaft universal joint service is done using makeshift tools and hammering on the parts until something gives. Axle Shafts and Axle universal joints are precise components that can be easily damaged by such slam-bang work. There is a better way to perform u-joint service using application specific press tooling and approved service procedures. See our U-Joint Tools web page or our individual Tool Pages for QT1065M C-Frame Press, QT4009 Large U-Joint Separator Yoke, QT4011 Press Tip and QT4015 Press Anvil.

Tech Note 6: Matching Parts
QU40143 Axle Shaft Support Bearing
QU40242 Inner Thrust Washer
QU40385 Outer 3 Piece Thrust Washer Set
QU40233 1999-2002 Unshielded Axle Shaft to Knuckle Seal
QU20035 2003-2005 Shielded Axle Shaft to Knuckle Seal (will NOT fit QU20235U Axle Shaft)
QU40155 Axle Shaft Snap Ring
QU20145 and QU20339 Ford Factory Hub Locks
QU56011 Warn Manual Hub Locks for Single Rear Wheel 4x4s
QK4816 Wheel Hub Kit for 1999.5-2004 Dual Rear Wheel and 4 Wheel ABS
QK4688 Wheel Hub Kit for 1999.5-2002 Single Rear Wheel and 4 Wheel ABS
QK4689 Wheel Hub Kit for 1999.5-2002 Single Rear Wheel and Rear Wheel ABS
QK4823 Wheel Hub Kit for 2003-2005 Single Rear Wheel and 4 Wheel ABS
TM4688 4x4 Hub, Axle Shaft, Ball Joint, and Axle Shaft Seal Service Manual (76 Pages)
TM4637 Front Axle Tech Manual for Ford Excursion and 1999-2004 Super Duty (19 pages)
TSB4594 4x4 Ford Excursion & 1999-2004 Super Duty® Front Hub Service Tech Service Bulletin (3 Pages)
Ford Shop Manuals

Applications:
FORD:
F-250, F-350, F-450 F-550 With Dana 50 or 60 Front Axle: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Excursion Dana 50 Front Axle: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005