Wheel bearing preload/ manual hubs question

[xfrog]

This is a 1993 ranger 4 x 4 supercab, 4.0L, 5 speed with manual hubs. The wheel bearings need replaced and I'm having a real hard time setting the wheel bearing preload. Actually, I set the preload to the correct amount but when I try to torque the outer lock/jam nut I cant keep the washer with the tang from moving and overloading the wheel bearing. The groove in the spindle doesn't seem deep enough, nor tang on the washer long enough to fully engage each other to keep the washer from turning. Having the same problem on both sides of the truck. Hope you can understand what the problem is and can help. Thanks.

 

[4x4junkie]

Not unheardof.

Best fix I've seen is to get a welder (or find a friend with one if you don't have) and put a tiny bit of metal on the end of the washer tab to lengthen it, then get a Dremel or similar and reshape the tab so that it's flat. Make it so that it will extend deeper into the spindle groove.

FWIW, it seems this may more of an issue with aftermarket washers (Warn, Mile Marker, etc.) than with the OEM (Spicer) parts.

 

[xfrog]

Thanks, I'll give it a try. Not sure if mine are OEM or aftermarket, I didn't buy the truck new.