1996 hub conversion

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Feb 19, 2008 | 09:17 PM

Mr. Ranger

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1996 hub conversion

i have a 96 f-150 and am replacing the hubs. i cant seem to get the wheel retainer off. how is this done??

Feb 19, 2008 | 09:23 PM

Animalistic

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From: Hillsboro, OR

You need a special tool. Here is my post on how to put it back on. I recomend that you invest $15.00 in a Chilton's as it will give you step by step instructions with cartoons.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ring-torq.html

Feb 19, 2008 | 09:57 PM

Mr. Ranger

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I have the socket that has the four things that go in the grooves. But i cant get the wheel retainer of to put the spindle nuts on

Feb 19, 2008 | 10:03 PM

Animalistic

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From: Hillsboro, OR

Unfortunately, my knowledge is limited to 2WD floating axles. For about $15.00, you can get a Chilton's that has the procedure step by step, with cartoons. Otherwise, I am sure someone with experience in these matters will come along. If not, just keep bumping this thread until you get the answer.

Feb 19, 2008 | 10:10 PM

baffledinpa

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Ranger

I have the socket that has the four things that go in the grooves. But i cant get the wheel retainer of to put the spindle nuts on

I have a 96 F-150 that I changed over to Warn premium manual hubs after I bought it in March of 2001. It came factory with Auto locking hubs.
There is a ring (retaining clip) inside after you remove the auto locking hubs that goes around the spindle. It is bent specially to fit into the groove on the top of the spindle.
It is only about a 1/16th square and VERY easy to bend out of whack if you don't remove it. This can then mess up the threads on the spindle if you force it. I suggest getting a set of picks from Sears to remove this clip. Once the clip is out, THEN and only then, Can you remove the spindle nut.

Some years did require a conversion kit consisting of 2 spindle nuts and a retaining washer, Some didn't. I bought the kit for my truck to be on the safe side and prevent any backing off of the single spindle nut setup.
Warn has a set of manual hubs and a conversion kit that work very well and in 7 years I have not had one failure from my hubs. Even with a 7 1/2 ft meyers power angle plow hanging on the front.

http://www.gowarn.com/detail.asp?product_id=17756&GID=

Feb 20, 2008 | 05:51 AM

Mr. Ranger

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i Have that clip off. I think. Is it the one that is round then has a straight piece going straight back?? If so that is as far as i have gotten. The directions says the wheel retainer has to come off but i cant get it.

Feb 20, 2008 | 11:07 AM

baffledinpa

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Ranger

You need a special 6 sided socket, IIRC, About 3 1/2 inches, to fit this wheel retainer nut to remove it.
When I did my auto to manual hub conversion 7 years ago, It took me maybe 2 hours from start to finish on both sides.