Wheel bearings

[Elijah1989]

I hope I’m posting in right forum. I have an 89 4x4 with auto locking hubs. Went to change my bearings and my passenger side had the locking pin to the nut that tightens against bearings/rotor. My driver side is missing that piece.

Does anyone know the name or part number for it? I’ve looked at the conventional places and no luck. It has grooves that fit into the inside of the nut and locks it from spinning off the axle.

Any and all help would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Uncle Gump]

I'm not sure they're available new... but they might be. I believe they're called spindle nuts. Try LMC truck maybe.

Make a note that next time you head to the junkyard... you pick up a couple spares.

 

[Roert42]

You talking about the pin or the nut?

 

[97RangerXLT]

try a junkyard as well.

worst case, take the one you do have and take to a machine shop and have them fab you one.

89 might have had the dana 28, not sure f the keys are the same as the 35, but if they are, that opens at least 7 more newer model years to choose from for spares when you are at the junkyard.

AJ

 

[Elijah1989]

It’s the pin that locks into the nut so it will not loosen. I’ll have to try junkyards further away. Not many around here have 4x4 rangers or bronco 2’s that were auto hubs

 

[Uncle Gump]

I believe the pin is part of the inner nut... then there is a washer with holes that the pin will align... then there is an outer nut that jambs the whole thing together.

 

[97RangerXLT]

I believe the pin is part of the inner nut... then there is a washer with holes that the pin will align... then there is an outer nut that jambs the whole thing together.

for the auto hubs, the two nuts are completely different. the inner one secures the bearing and the outer one is only put on hand tight up to the inner one securred by a metal keyway that keeps the outer nut from turning. the outer nutholds the plastic cams for the auto hub to engage. unlike the manuals which are cranked down to Gorilla torque specs and there by have the inner nut held in place from turning by a splined washer with locating pin holes on it that you speak of.

If you notice on any pre 98 4x4 Ranger, the spindle itself has a keyway in it. this keyway is used by the auto hubs. Not sure if the factory manual spindles do not have them as they don't need them but it doesn't matter as it really makes no difference for the manual hubs if they have it or not.

@Elijah1989 I actually might have the keyways from my auto to manual conversion several years ago... if they are the same for Dana 28 as Dana 35, I will send 'em to you.

AJ

 

[Uncle Gump]

Sorry for the confusion... I missed the auto hub part of the question.

 

[Curious Hound]

for the auto hubs, the two nuts are completely different. the inner one secures the bearing and the outer one is only put on hand tight up to the inner one securred by a metal keyway that keeps the outer nut from turning. the outer nutholds the plastic cams for the auto hub to engage. unlike the manuals which are cranked down to Gorilla torque specs and there by have the inner nut held in place from turning by a splined washer with locating pin holes on it that you speak of.

If you notice on any pre 98 4x4 Ranger, the spindle itself has a keyway in it. this keyway is used by the auto hubs. Not sure if the factory manual spindles do not have them as they don't need them but it doesn't matter as it really makes no difference for the manual hubs if they have it or not.

@Elijah1989 I actually might have the keyways from my auto to manual conversion several years ago... if they are the same for Dana 28 as Dana 35, I will send 'em to you.

AJ

Actually, when looking for the new part, it is called a key. The key "way" is the channel that the key fits into.

Not trying to give you a hard time. It is just easier to communicate with the correct terms.

 

[97RangerXLT]

Actually, when looking for the new part, it is called a key. The key "way" is the channel that the key fits into.

Not trying to give you a hard time. It is just easier to communicate with the correct terms.

you sir, are correct.

AJ

 

[Elijah1989]

@Elijah1989 I actually might have the keyways from my auto to manual conversion several years ago... if they are the same for Dana 28 as Dana 35, I will send 'em to you.

AJ

I don’t know if they are the same. My dummy self didn’t take a picture of it before I put it all back together for work tomorrow. I’ve had it a year with out it. So a few more days while I look down the part can’t hurt.

 

[4x4junkie]

The spindle nuts for manual hubs use the keyways also (the tab on the locking washer fits within the keyway to prevent the whole assembly from turning, occasionally it actually works too).

1989 should have the Dana28 front axle. You'll want to look around for 1986-1990 trucks in a wrecking yard, as these would be the same as yours (with auto hubs). Some 1990 (and later) trucks will have the larger D35 axle... If it were mine, I'd actually swap the whole D35 axle in place of the D28 since it's a better (stronger) axle in almost every way (this if you have intention of running larger tires on it). The D35 axle can be found as late as 1997 under Rangers ('94 for Explorers).

It seems possible D28 & D35 auto hub keys might be the same, but I haven't compared them to verify.