Well I picked up my '78 Ford F250 D60 for the Jeep and want to rebuild it with new bearings, seals, and brake parts. This is my first real look into a rearend, and aparently I need a few tools that I cannot find anywhere.

Inside the rear, after sliding the axle shaft out, there is a large nut, looks like 2.5". Then a lock ring with tabs, and another 2.5"? lock nut.

It dosent look like a regular socket will fit on the nut because of clearance. Do I need a special tool to get these parts off? And if so where can I get them from?

Also anyone got a good source for the rebuild components, bearings, seals, and brake parts? , or do I have to pay a billion % mark-up at the dealer for them?

Sorry for the *newbie* type questions, but I have no clue about this rear.

Thanks.

should be able to get all the parts at the local Autozone. Where ever you go, make sure you pay the extra couple bucks for Timkin bearings.

Not sure about the socket you're talking about unless... I haven't torn into my rear 60 yet. Give me a couple weeks. I'm still working on the front.

You should be able to find the socket at Pep Boys. I havent seen them at any other auto parts stores. They usually have an assortment. I got mine there for a 14 bolt (similar if not the same socket). It was about $10. Autozone should have what your after for seals and whatever else you need. And like mo said get the timkin stuff.

I'm going through the same process.

Screw the local Autozone or what ever chain's in your area. You can do better.

1) The 2.5" (it may be 2 9/16" or 2 1/2", depends on the axle)nut/washer/nut is referred to as a spindle nut. It holds everything together. You can chose to try and find an axle socket to fit it or you can break out a chisel and hammer to knock it loose. I chose the chisel, because it's cheaper. There's usually enough grease in the hubs to unscrew it with your hand, once you get it started.

2) I just recently had a great transaction with A&W Bearings (http://www.awbearings.com) out of Dallas Texas. I replaced all my 30 year old bearings (2 inner, 2 outer, with races and seals) for about $100 (which was about 1/2 of Partsamerica.com). You need to check the part numbers on the bearings (stamped on the edge) and check prices at whereever you'd like, then check out A&W Bearings.

There's plenty to be said about rebuilding an axle. Everyone will have their own preferences. I chose to replace the bearings and convert the rusty old drums to disc brakes.

Bob

Yep the socket you are refering to is going to be either a 2 9/16 or 2 1/2...I had to go to NAPA to get my 2 9/16 socket...I paid about $26 for it but now I have it for all my other jobs I may have to do in the future:D

Cool, thanks a million guys. I am going to get those sockets. For now I did manage to get it apart using the hammer and chisel method. But I think the sockets will alow me a bit more controll on assembly. :)

Thanks again. Later.