warn hubs - too loose?

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Dec 7, 2011 | 09:52 AM

cjcocn

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From: The Pas, MB, Canada

warn hubs - too loose?

I recently bought some warn hubs and installed them into my 2000 F250 with manual hubs. They seemed to sit very loose in the hub and I worried that they would fly out while I was driving down the highway so I returned them.

There was nothing holding them in there except for a thin ring that looped around twice (like a flat key ring). When I installed the screws they didn't tighten anything up because the part they attached to was only held down by that thin ring.

When I say loose I mean I could very easily move the lockout hub around with my fingers and I had the impression that I could pull the whole assembly out past that thin locking ring.

Also, there was a snap ring that I did not install because there was no place to install it. My stub axle did not have any grooves in it except for that usual one at the "back."

According to Warn's instructions I installed it properly.

Is there something I missed? Does that locking ring tighten up in its groove and hold everything tight?

I still have no 4x4 and need to plow so any help would be appreciated!

Thanks.

Dec 7, 2011 | 09:57 AM

cjcocn

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From: The Pas, MB, Canada

PS: the part number I used is 38826. Parts bin online shows the part number 3638826. Is the difference due to American / Canadian part numbering or did I get the wrong part?

Dec 7, 2011 | 10:43 AM

SteveH-CO

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From: Southern Colorado

IMO, this is the lame attachment method of so-called 'internal style' locking hubs. My MileMarkers are loose, too. The large ring is the only thing that holds the locking hub onto the wheel hub, and it's a fairly loose fit. I think you just live with this design.

Dec 7, 2011 | 10:53 AM

OverReved

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Joined: Jan 2007

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It sounds like there is some confusion on the part#. Years ago I replaced Fords autolock hubs with some Warn manual ones. In my case there was an install kit it switch from auto to manual, but when the job was done, everything fit clean and tight. You need a tight fit to keep trash out. I'd look for a good offroad shop and get them to check things out.

Dec 7, 2011 | 10:57 AM

grec-o-face

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From: South Shore, MA

Yeah, That's the correct install. It's kinda' weird, but it seems to work. I called Warn and talked to them when I went through this. It's a known issue and they sent me additional snap-rings (the flat ones) and o-rings for free.
In my case, the Driver's side needed two snap-rings and the passy side only needed one.

Every truck (Every Hub Assy) is different.

Dec 7, 2011 | 05:27 PM

cjcocn

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From: The Pas, MB, Canada

Thanks for the responses.

I emailed Warn and will see what they say. I may go pick the hubs up and install them tomorrow. Depends on what Warn says but some of the responses here indicate that the looseness is normal.

Thanks.

Dec 8, 2011 | 07:48 AM

krewat

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From: Long Island USA

Warn will definitely take care of you. In my case, I emailed them through their website, and I had an answer in a day. Two days later, I had a second set of snap rings in my mailbox.

They are GREAT to deal with ...