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On my '85 F250 4X4, DANA 44 front differential manual locking hub what do you call the "unit" in the hub that actually engages or locks in the front hubs? I'm NOT asking about the external part you twist from "free" to "lock". I AM asking about the internal unit that is splined that the external part, when twisted to "lock", actually causes the transfer of power from the axle to the hub causing the front differential to work/engage/pull. I had the hubs apart the other day cleaning them and packing the bearings and found burs on the drivers side "internal unit" splines. It took me about 2 hours with a file to VERY methodically file the burs off and reclean this unit. It worked nice and smooth in my hands but when I engaged the front hubs today there was no mistaking the "machine gun" sound coming from the drivers side hub, needless to say it didn't engage. Any suggestions on where to buy either the parts to fix this one or a complete new internal unit? Thank you for your input gentelmen.
Thank you gentlemen I appreciate your input. Yes I have had the hubs apart already and believe replacing them will be fairly easy. I broke two sets of cheap snap ring pliers before I broke down and bought a good set LOL. I am going to count the splines today to make sure but I feel certain there are 19 of them. Thank you for the link to the Mile Maker, I found some Warns on ebay I believe will work for $114 a set but IF I am reading about the Mile Makers correctly they are $69 a set. If either brand makes a good product then I will go with the Mile Maker. Again I thank you gentlemen for your input on the lockout/hub locks.
P.S. I do know I will have to completely tear the drivers side back down again in order to clean out any metal chips that may have been released during the "machine gun" attack.
Last edited by Hogtrapper; Jul 7, 2013 at 09:52 AM.
Reason: add text
Ok gentlemen I counted the splines and it does have 19. I am going to order the new lockouts/hub locks today. I would appreciate your input/thoughts on the quality of the Warn vs the Mile Maker brands. I have found a set of new Warns for $114 and the above link takes me to a set of new Mile Makers for $69. How does the quality of the two compare when you compare the prices? I am pretty rough on mine WHEN I do use them, maybe once every 6-8 weeks. Which set would you choose if you were going to make this purchase and why please? Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas.
Jeffs Bronco Graveyard has the Warn hubs for around $70.
Both are good brands.
I've had my Superwinch installed for over 20 years.
They're still fine too.
Be SURE to use antisieze on the six screws.
Those always seem to get stuck.
Thank you ArdWrknTrk, I really appreciate your input. I didn't even think about needing the antisieze, good point. It'll be nice to have the front hubs locking in again and give my winch a much needed rest LOL. Thank's Again Gentlemen