Dana/Spicer or Moog?

[Headbarcode]

Greetings and salutations, fellow can't leave it aloners!

I'm planning a wave of front end upgrades. Some of you are aware that I've been sitting on RCV axle shafts and outer housing seals, Reid Racing knuckles, Dynatrac ball joints, and RPM Performance 2.5 ton 2" diameter aluminum steering linkages. While I'm in there, and seeing as how the Jeeps got over 53k on the clock, I've decided to add new bearing hub assemblies to the mix.

I'd like to go with the highest quality. Would Moog be a better option than Dana/Spicer? Vice versa? Or any others?

Anyone's thoughts, comments, or opinions would be very much appreciated! Thanks!

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[CarbonSteel]

Greetings and salutations, fellow can't leave it aloners!

I'm planning a wave of front end upgrades. Some of you are aware that I've been sitting on RCV axle shafts and outer housing seals, Reid Racing knuckles, Dynatrac ball joints, and RPM Performance 2.5 ton 2" diameter aluminum steering linkages. While I'm in there, and seeing as how the Jeeps got over 53k on the clock, I've decided to add new bearing hub assemblies to the mix.

I'd like to go with the highest quality. Would Moog be a better option than Dana/Spicer? Vice versa? Or any others?

Anyone's thoughts, comments, or opinions would be very much appreciated! Thanks!

I looked at this as well and I am leaning towards Dana/Spicer. I could not find any that were of any "known" better quality. With that said, the Moog's look good:

https://drivcat.com/overlays/part-d...13423&partType=Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly

 

[SlickRickMotoADV]

I used to rebuild all my vehicles with Moog parts. Their quality has really dropped over the recent years, sharply from what it used to be. I would go with Dana/Spicer for sure, without even having used them personally.

 

[areuriding]

Dana/Spicer and don't look back.

 

[Headbarcode]

I've been getting the steering shimmy and increased bump steer reaction that comes with tired factory ball joints. Over the last few days, I'm now getting a slight steering wheel oscillation if I dawdle at about 55mph. Hanging my head out the window I can see the front tire bouncing back and forth, just enough to notice and feel. No up and down hop like a wheel balance issue.

I'm looking to tear the front end apart this weekend, and hope to get it all done in one day to avoid sleeping in a disabled jeep. So...... I jumped the gun on a pair of Moog hubs from rockauto. Their shipping is always fast, so they are due in on Thursday or Friday.

I've gotten so used to avoiding oem, and getting better quality through the aftermarket, that my haste to get my hands on them made me forget all the years of using Dana Spicer parts without issue. Damn haste caused me to lump them in with mopar.

What to do? What to do?

Thanks for the comments so far!

 

[CarbonSteel]

I've been getting the steering shimmy and increased bump steer reaction that comes with tired factory ball joints. Over the last few days, I'm now getting a slight steering wheel oscillation if I dawdle at about 55mph. Hanging my head out the window I can see the front tire bouncing back and forth, just enough to notice and feel. No up and down hop like a wheel balance issue.

I'm looking to tear the front end apart this weekend, and hope to get it all done in one day to avoid sleeping in a disabled jeep. So...... I jumped the gun on a pair of Moog hubs from rockauto. Their shipping is always fast, so they are due in on Thursday or Friday.

I've gotten so used to avoiding oem, and getting better quality through the aftermarket, that my haste to get my hands on them made me forget all the years of using Dana Spicer parts without issue. Damn haste caused me to lump them in with mopar.

What to do? What to do?

Thanks for the comments so far!

Let us know how it goes and how they perform.

 

[Headbarcode]

Let us know how it goes and how they perform.

Like always, rockauto didn't drag their feet and the Moog hubs were in my hands in less than 48 hours after ordering. I gave them a good look over before install, but time in use will get the full story out of them. The preload was the right amount of firm and Lazer perfect between the pair. Also, there were no burrs left or any sign of machining grit caught in the threadings which is usually a good sign. Fingers crossed that they stand up to some mileage.

 

[Headbarcode]

Why Moog vs Dana spicer ? I think I have a ball joint issue is why I ask. I recently returned from a 3,500 mile road trip. Half way I realized my left front tire had a very bad wear problem on the outer edge and just the left front. I jacked up the tire but could find no wiggle up/down or side to side. Wear was extreme enough I moved that tire to the spare, thinking maybe the tire was faulty. Now home with 1,750 miles on the spare, it is looking wacked out too. I have felt zero steering issues the whole time but could hear a womp womp tire sound coming from the left front Cooper STT Pro MT as the miles worn the edge. Whata shame, tires have 35,000 plus and were wearing beautifully even.
Mike, did you had any tire wear issue from the bad Ball Joints.

3rd paragraph of post #5 explains why I chose Moog over Dana. I would've gone with the latter had I not been distracted with getting everything else ready for the front end overhaul.

I'm just over 35k on my 38 Pat's. I ran way past my normal 5k rotation on this last turn, and the front tires had some very odd and irregular wear in the center lugs. Right after the rotation, I developed a vibration between 55 and 65 mpg. I can see the front tire quickly oscillating side to side, making me think the ball joints and/or hubs were tired. Usually an up and down movement indicates a balance issue.

I no longer have the bump induced steering shimmy, and even bump steer has greatly reduced. It also feels like it tracks smoother and seems to hold a straight line more easily. But I still get the same tire oscillation. I also have the womp womp sound that got more noticeable after the rotation. The Patagonias aren't a high mileage tire to begin with, and I'm thinking that I screwed them by running well over 8k on my last rotation.

I'll be swapping tires soon. Just waiting for discont tire to get back to me with an eta. I plan on keeping an eye on the next set to see if the strange wear was due to one or more of the parts I just replaced, or just from delaying a rotation on a notoriously softer tire.

 

[OllieChristopher]

Hey Mike, I'm of the opinion you are going to be fine with the Moog brand. I have not seen a reduction in quality. I have been using Moog ball joints and steering components since the 70's when I was a teen. I'm currently on almost 100,000 miles with a Moog ball joint I had to replace when the OEM one went south due to damage during suspension installation I boogered up.

I recently installed Moog tie rod ends as well. So far so good.

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