Hey all,

Found that the right front automatic hub will not unlock.

Looking at the hub diagram in the repair manual it doesn't look all that complex but I can't see where the large snap ring is.

Big question though - are the parts inside the hub available individually? I have to believe that the "cam" is the problem but I can't seem to find any sources online that list the parts.

I know converting to manual hubs is an option but would rather not at this point. However, if that is the ONLY option I'd appreciate any help there as well. The auto hubs on this truck are the type with just 3 screws holding the cap on.

Many thanks,

Dan

 

Save your self future headaches and swap to manual hubs. It's very easy. You can get the conversion kit at most parts stores or easily online. Also, usually you can't buy just a single part. Package deal unfortunately at least in my experience.

 

Large snap ring is just back from the outer edge of the hub (1/4" or so), most likely buried in grease to point so as you can not see it easily.

Unless something actually broke it probably just need a good clean/lube job make it function correctly again.

 

Thanks Edge, I've read that switching to manual hubs is probably the least expensive way to go.

Dan - thanks for that. I've had the chrome cover off and have looked at the inside of the hub but couldn't see the ends of the snap ring. How does that piece of piece of aluminum that the chrome cover screws onto come off?

Dan

 

Give me a hot minute...

 

You know what they say a picture is worth a thousand words so I went out took one of the caps off, got ya couple shots of the clip ends. Same three bolt setup you have.





See the ends of the lock ring shown there, see it against the aluminum behind it. Use small regular screwdriver, pry lock ring end toward center-line of axle to begin removal.

I know the manuals are better for off road use and everyone dislikes the autos however for the record I have never had one problem with the auto hubs on my 95 (I do prefer the manuals).

If kept clean and well lubed they work just fine, gotta be because they lock/unlock/lock with each direction change.

 

Excellent photos Dan, thanks for those.

The couple of times I've looked I did not see the ends of the snap ring, and there isn't any crud/road grime in the way. I'll have another look - the ends have to be there.

I assume once the snap ring is removed the aluminum center piece will come right out.

Any other "gotcha's" that I need to know about?

Many, many thanks.

Dan

 

Gotta say I just don't recall off top of my head, I took em apart when I first got my 95 cleaned inspected and greased em.
I don't off road with that truck other then little in field in front of barn (tends be muddy), only drive it in summer months (I have drove it some when other truck was down in snow but not much) so have had no need to take it apart again yet. Not even for U-joints/ball joints all original still! (knock on wood.......)

Like anything you take off/apart for the first time just use caution (things under spring tension for example) and be sure and keep track exact of order of parts= lay out in order "out" to "in" on clean rag. Seams IIRC under spring tension keeps in "unlocked" state (naturally), takes axle shaft input = front drive axle rotation to "lock" hubs.

If you get into little trouble no big deal as I can always dissemble one of mine, take you some pictures be sure you have em put together right.

 

So, I put my glasses on, grabbed a flash light, and had a closer look. Found the snap ring this time - though it isn't quite as obvious as in the pictures you took.

Thanks again Dan, I really, really do appreciate your efforts/help.

I'll dive into taking apart tomorrow to see if I can find anything obvious.

Dan