front end lube.
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front end lube.
Hello:
I own a 1968 hi-boy 390 4spd. 4x4 that I am doing some work on; do the work in the summer so I can have worry free winter driving. The front axle has big ball and socket joints at each wheel. Can anyone tell me what type of oil I should put in these joints?
Thank you, Ken
I own a 1968 hi-boy 390 4spd. 4x4 that I am doing some work on; do the work in the summer so I can have worry free winter driving. The front axle has big ball and socket joints at each wheel. Can anyone tell me what type of oil I should put in these joints?
Thank you, Ken
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qman:
Thank you for responding to my question. I need to clarify the size of this "ball & socket" type joint. Each joint is about the size of a fist. There is no grease zerk, rather a plug like you would find on a differential. I removed the plug and stuck my finger down in there and found just a little oil. My problem is that I then figured I should use 85w differential oil, but after I put it in there it appeared to leak out around the ball. Bad move on my part.
ANy other ideas?
thank you,
Ken
(obdrifter)
Thank you for responding to my question. I need to clarify the size of this "ball & socket" type joint. Each joint is about the size of a fist. There is no grease zerk, rather a plug like you would find on a differential. I removed the plug and stuck my finger down in there and found just a little oil. My problem is that I then figured I should use 85w differential oil, but after I put it in there it appeared to leak out around the ball. Bad move on my part.
ANy other ideas?
thank you,
Ken
(obdrifter)
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obdrifter,
The factory reccomendation is 85W-90 gear oil. There have been discussions about this with some folks writing in that they used grease. On mine, I use Gear Oil. I'd be worried about how stiff the grease would become in the winter here in NY.
The factory reccomendation is 85W-90 gear oil. There have been discussions about this with some folks writing in that they used grease. On mine, I use Gear Oil. I'd be worried about how stiff the grease would become in the winter here in NY.
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Can you guys tell me what the socket is getting lubed? And should it leak out all over the place?
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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Hi Ken, if the oil leaked out check to see if there is a seal and if there is it maybe shot. Sorry, I have no experince with this so that is all that I can suggest for you to check. When oil leaks out the seal is the cause most of the time. Also check for worn/damaged surfaces that could damage the seal. Try to get a look at a shop manual.
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Brett Foote
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Well, the first answer is that they will always leak--at least a little. That is why some folks use grease. There is a felt seal with a rubber wiper over top of that. They work OK. Not great. They are still available if yours is shot (and it probably is). As far as your question about what you are lubing, you are lubricationg the internal U-joint, as well as the trunnion bearings (upper and lower).
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front end lube
Thanks for all the replies. Yes, it would not surprise me that the seals are shot. When I bought the poor old truck, it had spent many years sitting out in a field. Its a great truck, though. The 390 has the heart of a young horse, and doesn't seem to realize it is 37 yrs. old. The driveline is tight. The body--well, that is another issue.
It seems that the driver's side plug is rusted solid ( even heat would not budge it, so I can't check the oil level in the left socket. Well, I could with an "easy-out." The project continues.........
Ken
(obdrifter)
It seems that the driver's side plug is rusted solid ( even heat would not budge it, so I can't check the oil level in the left socket. Well, I could with an "easy-out." The project continues.........
Ken
(obdrifter)
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