Snap ring, do I need it?
Thread Starter
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,767
Likes: 1
Snap ring, do I need it?
My truck doesn't have the snap ring outside of the thrust washers, on the axle, behind the locking hub assembly.
It didn't have it when I installed my WARN premiums. It came in the WARN kit. I called WARN, they said the snap ring is not necessary for my truck.
My cousin (mechanic) and I had the WARN assembly off last summer. He thought it needed one because of the slop and the presence of a groove in the axle. I told him what WARN said. He disagreed.
Now I've been researching doing my ball joints. To the extent I've bought the MOOG kit.
Both sets of directions w/photos include removing the snap ring...
Would this snap ring not being installed cause my truck to wander? Or any other effects of it not being there?
Thanks in advance.
It didn't have it when I installed my WARN premiums. It came in the WARN kit. I called WARN, they said the snap ring is not necessary for my truck.
My cousin (mechanic) and I had the WARN assembly off last summer. He thought it needed one because of the slop and the presence of a groove in the axle. I told him what WARN said. He disagreed.
Now I've been researching doing my ball joints. To the extent I've bought the MOOG kit.
Both sets of directions w/photos include removing the snap ring...
Would this snap ring not being installed cause my truck to wander? Or any other effects of it not being there?
Thanks in advance.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,903
Likes: 1
From: MICHIGAN
If you have a snap ring groove in the axle shaft then use it, unless it interfers with the hub lock (I doubt it will). I don't remember when or why but Ford stopped using the outer snap ring some time ago. I like the idea of holding the axle from moving in and out but it will not cause your truck to wander.
I've worked on both styles and it freaked me out the first time I ran across one with no snap ring. Nothing to worry about tho.
I've worked on both styles and it freaked me out the first time I ran across one with no snap ring. Nothing to worry about tho.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, MO
I agree that if the groove is there, use a snap ring. To me, it's good peace of mind to have it in there. It will keep the axle fully extended out into the locker. I forgot a snap ring when I was reassembling mine, and did notice some extra slop in the end of the axle before the locker went it.
