Ok everyone,
I'm new to this Forum. I Am still an active member on S.C.C.O.A.....I just bought my 5th Diesel truck. 08 F250 SD, Crew cab short box, 6.4L...I am having a hard time getting the Snap Ring back on the 4x4 spindle hub, after replacing the LT ball joints. I'm a retired Ford Mechanic after 35 yrs. I have never snapped two different snap ring pliers off in my career, trying to put one back on..{It took me 2hrs to get it off though} Suggestions? ANYONE!....

 

When you replaced the knuckle seal make sure it was driven all the way down. Do all you can to make the axle move toward the locking hub. Make sure it has no extra washers on it. Have someone pry with your pry bar between the axle u-joint to move the axle outboard while you install snap ring. When you get it close to the groove you can push it the rest of the way with a flat blade screwdriver. HTH

 

Make sure the axle is pushed all the way into the knuckle. That skip ring is a bit of a bugger.

Sent from my Telegraph using IB AutoGroup

 

I had one of those I couldn't get out!!. Had to put it back together and pay a shop to change my axle joints.

 

Took me three hrs and two broken snap ring pliers, to get it out!...Axle seal IS seated but have not had the better half out to pry the axle shaft outward yet!. Broke two more very good snap ring pliers, trying to get the ## thing into the groove...Frustrated right now!

 

Sounds like Miller time to me, give it another look tomorrow with fresh eyes.

 

When you get it close to the groove you can push it the rest of the way with a flat blade screwdriver.

 

Maybe that's the problem? Not enough Miller ?......... Fresh eyes tomorrow!...And a Dead blow hammer or a stick of TNT?...

 

Nothing can not be solved with suitable amounts of explosives!

 

And a bigger hammer. BFH

 

Ok guys,"HELP"
I Bought some LOCKING snap ring pliers..It Will work but Still won't go on, so I tore it back down... So I Pulled the knuckle seal and axle shaft again. Here's where I need the help!...Knuckle seal was installed by someone else, RUBBER SIDE OUT. Is this the CORRECT orientation for the 08' F250 5.5" dia Vacuum/knuckle seal? It is NOT the 3.5" I'm seeing in all of the Utube videos....Embarrassed now, 35 yrs as a mechanic but mostly small/light duty....

 

Did you try pushing the snap ring on with a pipe or screwdriver?

 

If I recall, I had this issue once. I only had one side apart so I took the other side apart and found I had gotten a piece out of order. I am usually pretty careful to keep the parts in order as I disassemble but I must of gotten to confident / in a hurry that day.

 

jesse5, 1977cutcher, I Tried with pipe, screwdriver, punch...........Now my issue is the Hub seal RUBBER supposed to be "OUT" towards the auto hub?...I installed the old one, {OLD SEAL} after the ball joints the way it came apart...Now I have a "NEW" hub/knuckle seal..Just want to make sure I have it going back in the "CORRECT WAY"

 

If I remember the rubber goes towards the hub. Otherwise it would rip on the way into the knuckle. Its been a few months since I last messed with one.