After rebuilding the hubs I am having issues with the ratcheting nut getting the hubs on tight enough before ratcheting. Is this a common issue with these or are my ratcheting axle nuts possibly worn out? Do they make the traditional hub nut and locking washer for these axles?

 

its been a while since I was in there,but dont remember it slipping it would just get tighter,I think the ratchet sytem was to help hold the nut tight, not to slip while tightening.

 

The issue is the threads were scraped when the hub came off and although I cleaned them up the best I could (hub slipped out of my hands when it was removed). The spindle nut still screws on without the hub but it seems like any little resistance whether it be the inner bearing not lining up with the axle or the outer bearing sliding out slightly, the spindle nut ratchets. Each attempt the hub either has a slight movement to it or didn't get all the way on period.

So my options are to take a chance another ratcheting spindle nut and hope it isn't worn out or just find another left hand thread 2" hub nut to use on its place. a 2" die has to be special ordered if I were to chase the threads and this axle isn't worth that much.

 

Did you use an actual thread cleaner/restorer?


Also make sure the nut's threads are in good shape.
Once the threads are in good shape, as good as you can get them, install the hub and make sure the seal and inner bearing are seated well on the stub axle. Install the outer bearing and while applying pressure with your thumbs at 3 and 9, wiggle the hub a little so it seats completely in the race. Then carefully hold the hub so it doesn't rock and dislodge the outer bearing and install the hub nut.

That's the best I can offer.

 

Rovernut, I used a gunsmithing file to remove any burs but otherwise didn't want to remove any material. I might go with the thread file to make sure it is done right. After double checking the ratcheting nuts I found a crack in the inward facing part on the left handed nut. At this point I might just go with replacement ratcheting nuts since it is impossible to find any left handed thread nut kits with 2"-16 thread.

I found some on Amazon but the only come in packs of two and I only need one per side (left and right handed thread, one each, thanks Ford). I prefer to order from Amazon but will start looking at other places.