78 k5 full time hub rebuild

[chappys4life]

Doing the maintenance on my newly acquired 78 k5 blazer with a np203 and full time 4wd. For now I dont see going to part time and just want to do the maintenance on whats there. In the hubs what rebuilding/cleaning should I be doing? Like bearings, do i need any special tools?

I found the hubs on napa and rock auto but cannot find any information on bearings or how to work on them

 

[nvrenuf]

You'll want to get wheel seals but for the rest you'll need to inspect the parts. Plan on repacking 3 bearings per side, 2 wheel bearing and a spindle bearing. With respect to the full time hubs there's really not much to do except clean parts (note; you will want to leave a light coat of grease on the drive slug to prevent rust but it doesn't need to be heavily packed with grease like a bearing.

On the spindle bearing, it can be tricky to get out if you need to replace it - a long flat screwdriver with the last inch bent at a 45 degree angle works great to drive it out. There's a pretty good likelihood that the spindle bearing and or seals will be in mediocre to poor condition, an "SBK1" bearing kit has everything you need and is commonly stocked at parts stores.

You will need a special 4 prong socket for the spindle lock nuts, this is available at most parts houses, Amazon, etc. and the same socket fits 1/2 & 3/4 axles of that era.

 

[chappys4life]

So buy inner, outer, and spindle bearings? is there a spindle bearing tool? Im sure mine will need the replacements instead of hoping they are ok.

 

[nvrenuf]

I'd at least buy the spindle bearing kit, that dude always gets neglected. New wheel bearings would be great maintenance but I wasn't sure if you wanted to spend a lot or a little.

Once upon a time, Lisle made a spindle bearing removal tool but they discontinued it so a rare ebay auction is your only hope. You have to drive the bearing out from the outboard end of the spindle so a 12"(ish) long screwdriver with the last inch bent at a 45 degree angle works good.

 

[chappys4life]

Is this one a modern version of the tool https://www.summitracing.com/parts/otc-7502?rrec=true or https://www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-9...ocphy=1026201&hvtargid=pla-799247472152&psc=1

 

[nvrenuf]

That tool is for pulling the spindle off of the knuckle with a slide hammer.

This is the discontinued tool -

This tool is used after the spindle is removed, drop it in the outboard end and the bent tangs get behind the bearing so you can hammer it out through the inboard end.