Ditch the Third-Gen Dodge Unit Bearings for Good with a Full Dana 60 and AAM Front Hub Rebuild
The Yukon Gear Spin Free Locking Hub Conversion Kit YA WU-04 is engineered specifically for 2000 through 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 single rear wheel trucks running the Dana 60 front axle in disconnect design or the American Axle Manufacturing (AAM) 9.25 inch front. YA WU-04 eliminates the chronic unit bearing failures that hound third-generation Cummins and Hemi Ram trucks by converting to a serviceable tapered roller bearing front hub system complete with Yukon Hardcore premium locking hubs. With YA WU-04 installed on your 00-08 Dodge Ram SRW, you gain a front axle that costs a fraction of factory unit bearings to service, reduces drivetrain drag for better fuel economy, and gives you reliable on-demand four-wheel drive engagement every time.
Key Features and Benefits
- Replaces the expensive and failure-prone factory unit bearing assemblies with durable Timken tapered roller bearings and precision-machined races
- Yukon 4340 Chrome-Moly outer axle shafts deliver far greater strength than factory pieces for demanding towing, off-road and work truck use
- Yukon Hardcore premium locking hubs feature a low-profile all-steel bezel that locks and unlocks in one-quarter turn for quick two-wheel to four-wheel drive changes
- Eliminates the factory axle disconnect design, removing a common source of four-wheel drive engagement failure on 2000-2008 Dodge Rams
- Tapered roller bearing conversion reduces drivetrain parasitic drag, contributing to improved real-world fuel economy figures
- Complete kit includes new wheel hubs, spindles, axle shafts, locking hubs, Timken bearings, seals and all installation hardware
- Designed for 33-spline axle shafts with an 8x6.5 inch bolt circle pattern matching the factory configuration
- Not compatible with dual rear wheel applications
- Backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer defects
Fitment
| Year | Make | Model | Trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Dodge | Ram 2500 | SRW |
| 2001 | Dodge | Ram 2500 | SRW |
| 2002 | Dodge | Ram 2500 | SRW |
| 2003 | Dodge | Ram 2500 | SRW |
| 2004 | Dodge | Ram 2500 | SRW |
| 2005 | Dodge | Ram 2500 | SRW |
| 2006 | Dodge | Ram 2500 | SRW |
| 2007 | Dodge | Ram 2500 | SRW |
| 2008 | Dodge | Ram 2500 | SRW |
| 2000 | Dodge | Ram 3500 | SRW |
| 2001 | Dodge | Ram 3500 | SRW |
| 2002 | Dodge | Ram 3500 | SRW |
| 2003 | Dodge | Ram 3500 | SRW |
| 2004 | Dodge | Ram 3500 | SRW |
| 2005 | Dodge | Ram 3500 | SRW |
| 2006 | Dodge | Ram 3500 | SRW |
| 2007 | Dodge | Ram 3500 | SRW |
| 2008 | Dodge | Ram 3500 | SRW |
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part Number | YA WU-04 |
| UPC | 883584217282 |
| Material | 4340 Chrome-Moly Steel (axles); forged steel (hubs and spindles) |
| Finish | Natural / bare steel |
| Axle Spline Count | 33 spline |
| Gear Ratio Range | All ratios |
| Axle Type | Dana 60 front disconnect design and AAM 9.25 in. front, 2000-2008 Dodge SRW |
| Bolt Circle | 8x6.5 in. |
| Shipping Weight | Approx. 76 lbs |
| Shipping Dimensions | 15 in W x 15 in H x 30 in L |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer defects |
What Is Included
- Two new wheel hub assemblies (one per side)
- Two new spindles (one per side)
- Two Yukon 4340 Chrome-Moly outer axle shafts (33 spline)
- Two Yukon Hardcore premium locking hub assemblies
- Timken tapered roller bearings and races (both sides)
- High-quality hub seals
- Spindle nuts and locking hardware
- All necessary installation hardware
Frequently Asked Questions
What years and models does the YA WU-04 kit fit?
The YA WU-04 fits 2000 through 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 single rear wheel trucks equipped with either the Dana Spicer 60 front axle in disconnect design or the American Axle Manufacturing 9.25 inch front differential. It is not compatible with dual rear wheel configurations.
What is the difference between the YA WU-03 and the YA WU-04 Spin Free kits?
The YA WU-03 is designed for 1994-1999 Dodge Ram SRW trucks with the earlier Dana 60 disconnect design, while the YA WU-04 covers 2000-2008 Dodge Ram SRW trucks that use either the updated Dana 60 or the AAM 9.25 inch front axle. The two kits share the same engineering philosophy but include different spindles, hubs and axle shaft dimensions to match each generation's specific front axle configuration.
Does the YA WU-04 work on my 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab with single rear wheels?
Yes. The YA WU-04 is designed for 2000-2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 single rear wheel applications. As long as your 2006 Mega Cab is SRW and equipped with the Dana 60 or AAM 9.25 front axle, the YA WU-04 will fit and install correctly.
How hard is it to install the Yukon Spin Free hub conversion kit on a third-gen Dodge Ram?
Installation requires disassembling the front hub down to the steering knuckle, pressing in new bearing races and assembling the new spindle and hub. A competent home mechanic with basic tools, a press and a bearing race driver can complete both sides in a day. Yukon includes detailed step-by-step instructions with the YA WU-04 kit.
Will installing the YA WU-04 affect my truck's tow rating or payload capacity?
No. The YA WU-04 replaces the front hub components only and does not alter the axle's structural ratings. The 4340 Chrome-Moly axle shafts included in the YA WU-04 are actually stronger than the factory shafts, so the conversion does not reduce your truck's capability in any way.
What gear oil or grease should I use after installing the YA WU-04?
The front hub bearings in the YA WU-04 conversion require standard wheel bearing grease. The locking hubs should be lubricated with a quality multi-purpose grease on the spline and ramp engagement surfaces during assembly. The front differential gear oil type does not change as a result of this conversion.
Does the YA WU-04 Spin Free kit include brake rotors?
No, the YA WU-04 does not include brake rotors. The kit is designed to work with your existing factory or aftermarket rotors. Since the front axle is fully disassembled during installation, many owners choose to install new rotors and pads at the same time to maximize the value of the labor.
Can I run the YA WU-04 with my aftermarket Dana 60 or AAM high-steer setup on a lifted third-gen Ram?
The YA WU-04 works with the factory steering knuckle on 2000-2008 Dodge Ram SRW applications. Aftermarket high-steer and high-clearance knuckle kits that retain the factory knuckle-to-spindle interface are generally compatible, but you should verify dimensions with the knuckle manufacturer before purchasing if running a heavily modified front axle.
Installation Instructions
- Safely raise and support the front of the vehicle, then remove both front wheels.
- Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor from the factory unit bearing and carefully set the sensor aside to avoid damaging the harness.
- Remove the brake caliper and support it with wire to prevent brake line stress. Set aside brake rotor if replacing.
- Remove the bolts securing the factory unit bearing to the steering knuckle and slide the unit bearing and stub axle out together as one assembly.
- Clean the steering knuckle mounting face thoroughly and inspect for damage or cracks before continuing.
- Apply anti-seize compound to the knuckle-to-spindle mating surfaces, then install the YA WU-04 spindle onto the knuckle and torque fasteners to the specifications in the included instruction sheet.
- Install the dust shield and any included spacers per the instruction sheet.
- Press the new Timken bearing races into the hub using a bearing race driver until fully seated. Install packed inner bearing and seal into the hub.
- Slide the assembled hub onto the spindle. Install the outer bearing, then thread on the inner spindle nut and adjust bearing preload per the torque specification. Install the locking tab washer and outer nut to secure.
- Press the new wheel studs into the hub. Reinstall brake rotor, caliper and reconnect ABS sensor, routing the harness clear of all rotating parts.
- Carefully insert the Yukon 4340 Chrome-Moly outer axle shaft through the hub and into the axle tube, connecting to the inner shaft at the correct U-joint position.
- Assemble the Yukon Hardcore locking hub: install the spring seat, apply grease to all spline and ramp surfaces, then install the spring, spacer and hub body. Secure with the retaining housing and large circlip, then attach the hub face in the locked position.
- Verify that the hub engages and disengages smoothly through its full quarter-turn rotation before reinstalling the wheel.
- Repeat the complete procedure on the opposite side, lower the vehicle, torque all lug nuts to specification and perform a low-speed test before returning the vehicle to service.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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