Hey Guys! Changing my auto 4x4 hubs to manual locking hubs, got the locking manuals with hubs and spindles from a junk yard, so I don't have a manual to install them. Can you help me with directions or a link to R&R directions.

 

it pretty simple really. just take off the cap, there is a snap ring that holds a spring in place for the auto hub. be careful when you remove this ring, because that spring is under alot more tension than you would expect, and like to shoot out a good three inches. take the hub lock assembly out. there are some other snap rings and what not that need to be removed (sorry, it was in august when i took mine apart, and i cant remember the order off hand). there is a nut in there that requires a special socket to remove. it has four prongs and is made specifically for that nut. the socket for the 3/4 ton is about 3/16 or 1/4 of an inch wider than the 1/2 ton. it should be readily available at napa or carquest or another auto store. if all else fails, borrow one from the local mechanic. then once BOTH lock nuts are off, the outer bearing will come off with the hub and rotor, and the inner bearing, depending on the state of your wheel grease, will either stay on the spindle or come off with hub. there are only two bearings. this is an opportune time to repack or replace the bearings. if you replace one side, do the other. i dont think (i could be wrong) that you will need new spindles for your locking hubs. make sure that your cap will match the pattern on the hub so that it will bolt up though! some have 3, some have 5, some have 6. just be sure that set everything out in a way that you will remember how it came out, some parts dont like to go in bass-ackwards. personally, i lay them in on a piece of cardboard and stack them as they come out.

hope this helps! :-)

 

oh! and when you put it back together, and your tightening the first nut over the outer bearing, tighten it while moving the hub. once you can no longer move it with on hand, back off about a thread, maybe two (i do it by feel). you should be able to move it with one hand, but it will be snug, not tight, almost like it doesnt take a lot of effort to move, but if you try to free spin it, it will stop. too tight will destroy the bearings, too loose, will also destroy the bearings. then you can put the outer nut on, and it keeps the inner from backing off, so i crank down on it fairly tight, but not overly tight. i think there is lock ring that goes between the two nuts too, dont forget to put that back in. lol.