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Confusion on Front Axle Snap Ring/ Lockers.

Operator238

Operator238

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So I replaced the wheel bearings and converted to manual warn premium hubs.

I preloaded the bearing to 50#, backed off it, torqued to 35# and backed off 3/8 turn.

I installed the washer and lock nut. Torqued to 160# (per GM shop manual).

I reinstalled the axle snap ring. Then installed the warm hubs. I didn’t see a lot of information out there but is that what I’m supposed to do?

Also, I couldn’t install the snap ring (supplied by Warn) on the snub/snout of the axle shaft once the Warn locker was in. I noticed on some videos and in the instructions that some 85 models, you won’t be able to and to just install the hub snap retaining ring on the face/rim of the new locker.

Anything wrong with what I have done here?

IMG_7129.jpeg

IMG_7130.jpeg
 
I did not use the snap ring at the lock nuts. Only the outside one at the end of the stub shaft.
You may have to push on the stub shaft from behind the knuckle to get outer lock ring on, after removing the inner.
 
Wes Harden said:
I did not use the snap ring at the lock nuts. Only the outside one at the end of the stub shaft.
You may have to push on the stub shaft from behind the knuckle to get outer lock ring on, after removing the inner.
Click to expand...
I don’t have the clearance for the outer snap ring so I suppose leave the inner one in (either inner or outer need to be there I suppose to check axle walk etc)
 
Yes i did. I used a pry bar on the U Joint. There is no way its possible to apply the snap ring on the snout of this truck.

Per the Warn Hub Instructions:

8. Install the Axle retaining ring. If necessary, a pry bar can be inserted into the knuckle (universal joint) to hold the axle shaft outboard while installing the axle retaining ring.

NOTE: Some early model solid front axle may not accept axle retaining rings (77 ½-79 Ford’s, 81-84 and some 85 Chevy/GMC’s). Use them if they can be installed correctly (outboard of the hub body) but their use is not mandatory and no durability loss will be suffered. ALL FORDS WITH TWIN TRACTION BEAM FRONT AXLES (INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONS) MUST HAVE AN AXLE RETAINING RING INSTALLED.
 
Wes Harden said:
yep remove inner snap ring and only use the 1 out board of the hub lock
Click to expand...
Ok, yes, so I just talked to WARN. They said remove the inner snap ring and use the snap/rim edge retaining ring (not talking about traditional snap ring).

Man, hope my wheel doesnt fly off.
 
Operator238 said:
I don’t have the clearance for the outer snap ring so I suppose leave the inner one in (either inner or outer need to be there I suppose to check axle walk etc)
Click to expand...
Yes the snap ring keeps the axle from walking, it will still move but much less. Use the outer snap ring only. Be sure to use the the large diameter round ring at the edge of the hub to hold the cap screw base (outer part of lock)
 
lock has nothing to do with wheel hub. That is the nut you tightened to 160#. This is only to lock you wheel to the drive axle when you need it.
Also pro tip don't over tighten the hub cap screws, they strip easily
 
Wes Harden said:
lock has nothing to do with wheel hub. That is the nut you tightened to 160#. This is only to lock you wheel to the drive axle when you need it.
Also pro tip don't over tighten the hub cap screws, they strip easily
Click to expand...
I can’t put the snap ring on the outside axle snout. It’s not because of strength, effort, knowledge. It’s because this year spindle is long. It’s not physically possible
 
I am not understanding. The stub shaft has 2 snap ring groves.IMG_20230623_220934.jpg
Right is original 77, left is aftermarket replacement.
With no other snap ring on stub shaft. You should be able to install the snap ring in the last outside groove.
 
Wes Harden said:
I am not understanding. The stub shaft has 2 snap ring groves.View attachment 457816
Right is original 77, left is aftermarket replacement.
With no other snap ring on stub shaft. You should be able to install the snap ring in the last outside groove.
Click to expand...
IMG_7130.jpeg

Mine only has one grove about 3/4-1” from the end. When the hub is all the way in it can’t go further back to attach a snap ring to.

This video explains my exact issue, 53mins start it from there
 
I see now. No groove, yes leave the inner snap ring and use the wire hub ring at the out side.
 
Wes Harden said:
I see now. No groove, yes leave the inner snap ring and use the wire hub ring at the out side.
Click to expand...

53mins, start it there. Sorry forgot to provide the link. I have two snap rings: 1 at the spindle snout inside, 1 at the end of the axle shaft (I guess for the automatic lockers)
 
still confused how many snap ring groves do your stub shafts have ? if there are 3, then removing the inner snap ring will allow the outer snap to fit.
 
I only have two. One inner, that’s just at the snout of the threaded spindle in the hub, goes in after lock nut. The. The outer one about 3/4-1” from the end of the axle snout.

IMG_7129.jpeg
 
yes if the outer groove is 3/4 or more in you will never get the snap ring on. Leave the one on in that picture then use the large diameter ring in the hub to hold the locking mechanism.
 
Wes Harden said:
yes if the outer groove is 3/4 or more in you will never get the snap ring on. Leave the one on in that picture then use the large diameter ring in the hub to hold the locking mechanism.
Click to expand...
Ok yes that’s what I did. Hopefully my torque specs are ok and my bearings don’t fail. It spins smooth and with out much effort but it won’t free spin.

Bearing jobs make me paranoid as hell!
 
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