The plastic center washer in the set of 3 thrust washers is missing on the driver side (haven't yet torn into passenger side). The two steel washers were there, but not the plastic one. The Warn instructions say to reuse all 3 of these during the conversion from automatic hubs. How critical is the plastic washer? My '95 Bronco had obviously been running okay without it for some time. I'm the 3rd owner.

I tried looking online for OEM parts since I have the Ford part no. for the set of three thrust washers (3B458) but nobody seems to have it. I also called some local parts stores. Does anyone know where to get them?

 

I called Warn about the thrust washers, and they told me none of them are required for the conversion from automatic to manual hubs.

When I asked why their instructions indicate all 3 thrust washers are supposed to be used with the conversion to manual hubs, I was told that the instructions were written a long time ago, and nobody has taken time to revise them. I guess they like getting phone calls!

Anyway, I completed the installation on the driver's side and will do the other one soon. I also cleaned and re-packed the front wheel bearings and installed new inner bearing seals. It wasn't too difficult, just a little time-consuming.

 

Interesting thread. I just changed my front axle joints and now find that there's not enough room to get all three thrust washers back on. I haven't put it back together yet but I found if I tried eliminating the plastic washer, the other two will fit and be held by the snap ring. I wonder if your previous owner decided to do that. I'm contemplating doing that. I have also read posts here that imply that when you change to the upgraded hub, you don't need the thrust washers and snap ring anyway.