Anybody know what the socket part number is, and who to get it from, so I can pull apart this 14 bolt & check the bearings?

If you are referring to the pinion nut, it is 1 5/16, I think. If you are referring to the nuts that hold the bub on, I don't think there even is a socket (could be wrong), I just used a hammer and a punch, if you look on the inside of the hub there are special angled slots which seem to be for just that purpose. There is not that much touque on them, just loosen the outer one off, spin it off, then take out the locking ring by bending the tabs back, loosen the inner nut off, spin it off, and she should all come apart. 14 Bolts are SO easy to work on.

Pinion size is 1 1/2"

if you are talking about the spindle then you need a 6 pronged spindle nut socket available at major auto parts stores.

i don't know what chad was talking about :smokin:

Originally posted by bigdude
Pinion size is 1 1/2"

if you are talking about the spindle then you need a 6 pronged spindle nut socket available at major auto parts stores.

i don't know what chad was talking about :smokin:

This is what I need before I start taking it apart. Isn't there different diameter 6 prong sockets? Idon't want to have to buy more than necessary in tools. I got too many now!

There is a standard 6 prong and a standard 4 prong. The six prong is listed for 3/4 and 1 ton pick ups. it is standard and i've only seen one size. I picked mine up at NAPA nad saw the same one everywhere else (for $2 cheaper :D )

I'm basically talking about the same thing, got the pinion nut size wrong, and you can use a hammer and punch if you don't have the socket - I ordered my socket (only place in town that carries them was out, I've since got one), so had to make do with what I had, which was a hammer and punch.

The pinion nut size is 1 1/2", thin wall, so if fits in between the nut and yoke.

I got the pinion nut off fairly easily with lots of soaking in PB Blaster, taking the whole assembly out, putting the yoke is a big vise, and going after it with a powerful impact gun. Took it about 10 seconds to loosen the nut and then it came right off. If you can anchor the axle shaft so it can't spin, you should be able to remove the pinion nut while the whole thing is still on the axle with a strong impact gun.

Now, getting the yoke off is a whole different story. Might be best to take it to a drvietrain shop and pay them the press the yoke off and all the bearings on the pinion gear.

- eliot -

I get the pinion nut off with a breaker bar and both wheels firmly anchored on the ground in the pic n' pull :D

Forget the six point socket and try the punch method. Mine didn't even need the hammer to get them started. There's very little torque needed on them. Take the little locking ring off, pull the block out which prevents the nut from turning and try to spin it off by hand with a punch.

Having worked heavy trucks for years, taking the hub nuts off w/ a punch is asking for trouble, sooner or later. What happens is a lip is formed and when you tighten the nuts back on, the lip stops full contact w/ the washer betwween the inner nut & the bearing, and between the lock ring and both nuts. It doesn't happen all the time, but when it does, I have seen some catastrophic failures. Wheels & hubs have come off on the highway. Why do you think DOT will down a vehicle and issue fines to shops for doing that?
For the few dollars that the correct tool costs, it ain't worth not doing it right.

Originally posted by JeepinIan
For the few dollars that the correct tool costs, it ain't worth not doing it right.

No kidding :beer:

I'm cheap too, but it's only a $12 tool that you use on a 1-ton front also :rolleyes:

Originally posted by bigdude


No kidding :beer:

I'm cheap too, but it's only a $12 tool that you use on a 1-ton front also :rolleyes:
So, the socket is the same one that I already have for the D60 that I am pulling apart now? Cool!

If it's 6 pronged for one ton then yes it's the same for every 1-ton that uses spindle nuts that accept prongs (if I'm wrong someone correct me)

You can get a combo socket that has the 6 prongs for rears and (some) D60 fronts, as well as the 4 prong for a D44 (good way to go if you're 3/4 ton). ~$22, I think made by Lisle? Also, it works better on the 4 prong that most others.

My '80 D60 came with the 6 prong nuts, and those crappy lock washers. When I had to replace one side (broke the nuts taking them off a mushroomed spindle, following a 30 spline outer failure), I replaced them with a 4-prong style that uses lock rings similar to the 1/2 ton Chevy style (tit on the inner lock nut, and lots of holes in the lock ring). However, the 4 prong socket used on this is not the same as a 1/2 ton, it is bigger. So, they are not all the same.

Pete