Hi guys,
Been looking for info here for a month to no avail. One last attempt to find out how to get the rotor/hub off on an 87/88 f150 4x4. Manual t-case.
Someone out there must know about these strange hub systems. The flanged hubs come off with the wheel/tire. I need to get the rotors turned.
All the shop manuals and mechanics say 'first remove the six screws holding the lockout hub to the spindle'--so I know they don't have a clue about these.
The axle nut is surrounded by a metal piece. I know there is key holding this assembly from turning but i can't get at it. The Explorer site says use a magnet or pick to remove the key, but their piece around the nut pulls off for them giving a clear shot at the key. This one doesn't seem to pull off.
About ready to send it to the recycler.
Any help appreciated.
Mike

 

The nut holding everything on should look like a castle nut (it is called a "lock nut" or spindle nut - four notches in a flat circle of metal). I have never seen a "key". The lock nut requires a special socket to remove it, about $15. Looks like a big 1.5" socket with four prongs. Available at any autoparts store.

> All the shop manuals and mechanics say 'first remove the six screws
> holding the lockout hub to the spindle'--so I know they don't have a clue

Tha is for the older style hub.

> I know there is key holding this assembly from turning but i can't get at it.
> The Explorer site says use a magnet or pick to remove the key

Nothing is holding that assembly except for torque. Underneath this nut, is a thrust type washer, called a "retainer" that is "keyed" to match the groove in the spindle.

You get the socket, 1/2" breaker bar, and the spindle nut will come off.

There is a certain torque seq. to getting these spindle nuts back on correctly, usually requires torquing to something like 80 ft pounds, backing off 3/4 of a turn, then on at 40 ft pounds. It varies by year and axle model.

 

Nobody with an 87/88 4x4 here?

The axle nut is relatively loose. It's just held from turning by something--I suspect a key. But the whole nut is surrounded by a metal shroud, which also turns a little.
It's just not the normal set up where the hub flange/lockout is fixed to the rotor and spindle.
This strange animal is driving me nuts.
thanks
Mike

 

I double checked a Chilton's repair manual (not that they are that accurate) to make sure it was as I described (going by memory) for your year vehicle. It was correct, though there was an axle change in early 1987 listed.

Could you post a picture? That would help a lot. It is possible someone changed the axle or hub set up, I guess.

What you are describing sounds like a thin metal lock nut that fits over the nut to prevent it from spinning. It is usually secured by a tab that you bend down by hitting it with a punch into a groove. Usually has a bunch of stamped ridges on top so it fits over the nut in various clock positions. That should not be on there for that TTB set up for that year.

If it is, you can at the worse, rip it right off with channel locks to get at the nut underneath.