so I finally broke down and decided to change out my front rotors, 1995 F-150 auto-locking hubs. Got the drivers side done no problem, when taking apart the passengers side, the bearing locknut "C" clip broke. The tip of it is still in the locknut and spindle. I check all parts stores for this clip no good, ford wants $92 bucks for the kit, just to get the clip. This parts looks like it is just supposed to lock the nut from backing off. I made a clip out of welding rod, It appears to fit just right, do you think I could get away with using it. I rarely drive this truck, less 5K miles a year, so I don't want to put alot of money into it. Friends say I should junk the auto hubs and go with manuals, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

If ya use a piece of welding wire for making a clip it will not last since it does not have the spring tension the clip is supposed to have for holding on and also is not the same size most likely. I wouldnt risk it, just check out a salvage yard for it.

 

It all really depends how much you want to get into it. But if you are thinking of switching the hubs my thought is to always ditch the autos for manuals. If you can locate the clip at a junk yard I would go that route, based on the amount of miles you put on the truck.

 

Steamplant,

I just converted my 96 to manual hubs last weekend and still have all the retaining clips, washers and so forth. If you need 'em, you can have 'em for the cost of shpping. As far as I know, they're the same for both years.