Questions about installing hubs.
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2007
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Questions about installing hubs.
I am about to replace the 4wd hubs on my 86 f150. I know that it is probably easier, but is it necessary to jack up the truck to replace them? Also what kind of tools will be needed? Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
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Just my opinion, since you are taking it apart, check the bearings. If I recall correctly no special tools are required for a hub install but I have always pulled the bearings out at the same time.
If you want to check bearings, jack it up, and you will need a special ford hub socket, about $10 at carquest.
If you want to check bearings, jack it up, and you will need a special ford hub socket, about $10 at carquest.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
xfactor,
I would strongly suggest you get yourself an original Ford Light Truck Shop Manual, they can usually be purchased on eBay for not much money. Alternatively, go to your local auto parts store and purchase a Haynes or Chilton's manual for your truck; any of those will answer a lot of your questions (complete with pictures).
Checking the bearings isn't a bad idea since you'll be in there, anyway. As a previous poster already said, to do that, you'll need to jack up the front end to remove the bearings (but not to deal only with the hubs). You'll need something called a Spanner Wrench (aka socket) to remove the fairly large nut(s) holding the bearing assembly to the spindle, all else can be performed using normal tools.
I would strongly suggest you get yourself an original Ford Light Truck Shop Manual, they can usually be purchased on eBay for not much money. Alternatively, go to your local auto parts store and purchase a Haynes or Chilton's manual for your truck; any of those will answer a lot of your questions (complete with pictures).
Checking the bearings isn't a bad idea since you'll be in there, anyway. As a previous poster already said, to do that, you'll need to jack up the front end to remove the bearings (but not to deal only with the hubs). You'll need something called a Spanner Wrench (aka socket) to remove the fairly large nut(s) holding the bearing assembly to the spindle, all else can be performed using normal tools.
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
If you are changing the hubs, no need to jack the truck up. The only thing you have to worry about is the small allen bolts getting rounded off. If that happens, get a drill bit that is just about the same diameter of the allen bolt, and drill it out till the head comes off. Then you will need a new bolt, I think they are 10-32 thread.
Once you get that part off, you will have to dig around the outside edge with a hook tool to get a wire retainer clip out of a groove to take the rest of the housing out, and also take a snap ring loose to get the piece off the axle. The last thing to come out will be a large spring.
If things look chewed up, then you will need to jack the wheel up, and then make sure the locknuts holding the bearings in place, haven't come loose and are backing out and chewing up the hub.
Here's some info.
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm
Once you get that part off, you will have to dig around the outside edge with a hook tool to get a wire retainer clip out of a groove to take the rest of the housing out, and also take a snap ring loose to get the piece off the axle. The last thing to come out will be a large spring.
If things look chewed up, then you will need to jack the wheel up, and then make sure the locknuts holding the bearings in place, haven't come loose and are backing out and chewing up the hub.
Here's some info.
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm
Last edited by Franklin2; Dec 27, 2007 at 10:32 AM.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Muskegon, MI (home)
I'll second on that one if you are going to take the time to remove the hubs it isn't that much more work or money to tear it down the rest of the way. Clean , check (replace if needed), and repack the wheel bearings... you will want to replace the wheel bearing grease seals in the hubs as well.
