Hi all, I replaced the inner and outer front wheel bearings on my 1990 F250 with the dana 44HD front end. My problem is they keep loosening up on me after a few miles of test driving. I have the special tool for them, and am following the haynes manual as far as I can tell. I can feel the 'ratcheting' action inside of them, torque it down, back it off 90 degrees, then torque them to spec.

My only guess is if I have the locknut ratcheting thing and the washer that indexes the spindle installed in opposite order. I have the washer that indexes the spindle in first (up against the outer wheel bearing), then the locknut with the four prongs. Is this right?

 

That sounds right, the washer should keep the nut from turning since its indexed to the spindle.

 

Sounds to me like you are missing the second locknut. Here is a pic from a write-up on another forum:


Going from right to left...the first locknut goes against the outer bearing. Notice this first locknut has 4 prongs that face the index washer. Then the index washer goes on. From there the outer lock nut tightens up against the index washer/inner lock nut.

The other parts towards the left are for the locking hubs.

The write-up is for a D44 TTB front, but it is the same as a solid axle D44.

For reference: Wheel Bearings and Spindle Bearings - FSB Forums