Overview
The Crown Automotive J0052979 is a rear differential bearing for the Dana 44 axle, built to OEM specification. It is a direct fit for the 1966–1969 Jeep CJ5 and CJ6, the 1966–1968 CJ6A and the 1949–1953 Willys CJ-3. Older applications include 1948–1968 CJ, 1956–1964 FC-150, 1957–1964 FC-170 and 1946–1954 pickups, so confirm fit for those years before ordering.
Crown describes itself as a Jeep replacement parts maker for more than 50 years, with over 8,000 part numbers, many of them discontinued. This bearing is for the rear position of the Dana 44 differential.
Key features
- Rear Dana 44 differential bearing
- Built to OEM specification
- Direct fit as listed by Crown
- Covers older CJ and FC applications
Restoring a Dana 44 rear
The Dana 44 rear is a heavy-duty axle, and its differential bearings carry pinion and carrier loads as the gears turn. Under load, a worn bearing can allow the carrier to shift slightly, which shows up as gear noise, play in the ring and pinion, or a whine that changes with throttle. Checking bearing preload and ring and pinion contact when the bearings are replaced helps the gears last.
Carrier bearings are often replaced in pairs with their races, and the pinion seal is usually changed during the same job. When fitting new bearings, use the correct shims to set preload, and check the gear lash against the specification for your axle.
- Replace bearings and races as a set
- Replace the pinion seal during the job
- Check for a whine that changes with throttle
Specifications
| Brand | Crown Automotive |
|---|---|
| Part number | J0052979 |
| UPC | 848399051384 |
| Axle type | Dana 44 |
| Position | Rear, rearward |
| Specification | Built to OEM specification |
| Fitment | Direct fit |
Vehicle fitment
The core fit is the 1966–1969 Jeep CJ5 (base), the 1966–1969 CJ6 (base), the 1966–1968 CJ6A (base) and the 1949–1953 Willys CJ-3. The older CJ, FC and pickup years are outside that range.
Match your vehicle’s year against the ranges above before ordering, since the older applications fall outside the core fit.
What’s included
One differential bearing for the rear Dana 44.
