warn hub install ?'s

[Sailor77]

I am putting warn hubs on my 1/2 ton axles. Now that you are all done shooting down my 1/2 ton axles.... I can not get the last spring clip on the axle. You know the very outter one that sits about 1/4" from the end. Am I doing something wrong? Do I need to tighten down the hubs nuts more? Thanks, I really need to get this back together. Oh yeah, I tired to pull the shaft out more but no luck. I just did the balljounts and had the shaft out, so I know there is on problem with it coming out

Also since I am here, what would the benefit be of putting the 3/4 ton knuckles on my 1/2 ton?

[charlo]

"Also since I am here, what would the benefit be of putting the 3/4 ton knuckles on my 1/2 ton?"

You get a slightly bigger brake rotor. Possibly a larger wheel bearing(prolly not), and 8 lugs.

Post this stuff in the newbie section.
BTW some hub kits from warn require a spindle nut kit also.

Charlo

[yettiatcpg]

I am wondering if you put the shaft seals back on right before you put the spindle housing back in. that would be the only thing keeping it from coming out all the way.

[trkklr77]

put a large screwdriver or pry bar on the axle shaft ujoint and push it so it moves the shaft out all the way. it will move a 1/4" or so.

[Sailor77]

I didn't pull the shaft seal. Or maybe I am thinking of something else. All I need 1/16" to get the clip on. Damn this is frustrating

[92 S-Dime]

I had the same problem when I was assembling my front D44 (3/4 ton version) and ended up just taking the stub shaft seals off so I could get the clip on. Do I recommend it? not really. But it did work, and I just try to stay out of deep mud so I dont ruin my wheel bearings really fast.

[Sailor77]

What are you exactly talking of when you say shaft seals?

[trkklr77]

did you push on the ujoint like i said

[Sailor77]

Yes I pulled and did not gain enough to put the clip on.

[mikeprince]

Which year axle is that? There's a good chance you'll never get the clip on because the Warn hub for some years was designed to run without it.

I have a 85 3/4 ton Suburban with a 10 bolt front (same outers as a Dana 44). When I was assembling my hub I had the same problem as you. After scratching my head and trying everyones recommendations, I called Warn who told me they'd been running trucks without that retaining ring for years with no problems.

I've been running without the outer retaining clip for 8 months, and sure enough, with no problems.

If you have an axle from a year that won't allow the retaining ring, and your really *must* have it then you have two options. Either get the stub shaft from a year that has the retaining ring groove a little further "out" than the one you have, or switch to another hub manufacturer (I think Milemarkers will work).

But like I said before, Warn recommends running without the outer retaining ring

Good luck.

[dott]

Originally Posted by mikeprince

I called Warn who told me they'd been running trucks without that retaining ring for years with no problems.
But like I said before, Warn recommends running without the outer retaining ring

I don't understand how it can work without the ring. Won't the hub fall out?

[trkklr77]

no it wont. the outer locking ring will hold the hub in. the small inside ring HELPS hold the shaft in place but is not neccessary.

the stub shaft seals to the spindle, were all 3 peices rubber ? some old d44 used a brass flat washer and then 2 rubber seals. the newer one use a rubber flat washer. all dimensions are the same, just a different material. the brass just wont compress that last little bit.

[J94_4runner]

for some reason on my '72 D44 I can't run the larger outer ring. I just run the center axle shaft C clip. If I install the large outer ring the hub covers won't go on all the way.

[meatman]

I just put Warn hubs on my pickup, and it said right in the instructions that there was a few years where the inside small lock ring could not be used and was not needed. I know it said only some of the 85s were this way, but there was a few other years that were for sure. I couldnt use them on mine. I can probably dig around and find the instructions to get exact years......

[mudslinger99]

You all do know this post is from back in March right ?

I'm here so I will add to it

I had a 3/4 ton that I couldn't get the outer lock ring on no matter what I tried.. Like everybody else I only needed just a hair more to get it to go on.. I thought it was a bad set of Warn hubs even though they were new.. I took them back and got another set and they didn't work and still had the same problems.. I took everything apart and come to find out it was bad bearings.. They were messed up just enough to not let the lock ring go on..I put new ones in and the ring went right on.. So maybe this will help somebody later on..