Spindle Bushing confusion! Help!

[D'mon]

I have an '88 4Runner with (of course) IFS. I have gotten my new spindle bushings, but am very confused. Why are the inner and outer the same inner diameter? The CV shaft that goes thru has a noticable step at the base of the shaft, and the inner bushing just fits on it. This makes sense. But the outer, which is twice the price and half teh bulk (much more expensive, especially per pound! ) has substantial freeplay on the shaft where it should ride. The splined section is wider than the shaft also, so I understand that the bushing needs to clear this, but I can not figure this out. I would assume it is only there as a thrust washer, except the inner surface has a grease channel cut into it. I have even gone to the wrecker and disassembled a good assembly to see how it comes apart (and more importantly, how it goes together!). It is exactly the same!

Can anyone explain this to me? I'm goingto be doing this job tomorrow (have booked off work specifiically so I can dedicate to it), but am very confused at this point.

D'mon
{with little stars swirling around my head}

[reb]

I can't explain what you see. Since your last thread on the subject I looked at the shop manual for the 2004 Nissan Frontier. It seems Nissan does not use bushings inside the spindle. There is a single needle bearing on the inside. That makes sense, I think, because the outer end of the shaft is supported by the hub. An additional bearing or bushing supporting the shaft would have to be perfectly aligned (hence your earlier comment about line boring.) I would guess the outer bushing is to prevent the spacer from contacting the spindle.

[D'mon]

Ok, now that makes sense then. The inner is a tight slide on fit, while the outer is very loose on the shaft. It's loose because the shaft is supported (as you said) by the hub assembly. It's only purpose is to act as a thrust washer. Now I understand.

Thanks!

D'mon