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Spindle Nut Socket


whale

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Hi.
I have a 93' ranger with 4x4; 4.0L
Stock auto hubs
I've gathered I have a Dana 35 frontend

For the life of me, I can't find the correct tool to loosen the spindle nut.
autozone has a 2 1/2" socket that's too big.
I got a 2 3/8" socket from Sears, and across the flats it measures closer to 2 1/2". I tried it this weekend, and it spins (i.e. too big)

Where is it, or what am I doing wrong?

Will
 


kunar

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Sasquatch_Ryda

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With the auto hubs there is a steel tab that goes into the groove in the spindle into the hub lock nut to keep it from backing off. You can remove it with a magnet to pull it out or get it out with a small pick. When I had auto hubs I just used a large set of adjustable pliers to take the nut off.
 

kunar

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With the auto hubs there is a steel tab that goes into the groove in the spindle into the hub lock nut to keep it from backing off. You can remove it with a magnet to pull it out or get it out with a small pick. When I had auto hubs I just used a large set of adjustable pliers to take the nut off.
ive never had to deal with auto hubs.... does that socket i linked him to still work?
 

Jspafford

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Cleaning the grease off the spindle the best you can first. The little keeper does not like to come out with a magnet when it is coated with a pound of grease.
 

Jspafford

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Last edited:

kunar

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metalmacguyver

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you can also push that little pin in as the slot is deep enough that it can be pushed in and then the nut can be removed and the pin falls off pretty much.
 

whale

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2 3/8" spindle socket

Thanks, but I saw the previous link to the transfercase / hub forum and didn't find any info.
Second, the link to that one where he's swapping hubs, I saw too. It says 2 3/8" spindle socket nut, which I bought from sears.
It is too big for the nut I have. I mean, its stamped right on the friggin' side "2 3/8"" but it doesn't measure that across the flats

Maybe I just got a piece of shit tool.

Will
 

Jspafford

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Once you get the keeper clip out you can use a set of channel locks.
 

whale

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Channel Locks

I can see that channel Locks, but how do I torque it back up correctly with those?
Maybe a better question is if someone has that 2 3/8" socket, what is the measurment across the flats to tell me if mine is a casualty of shit made in China.

Will
 

97ranger4x4

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I dunno the length between prongs, but you should be able to pick up the socket at any auto parts store. tehy are usually only like 8-10 bucks.
 

whale

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New Socket found

Ok guys,
I called my buddy at a dealership, and located the socket through one of his mechanic friends.
This socket looks similar to the one I got from Sears, but instead of a plain 6 point, the corners are rounded like the nut itself.
After work tomorrow, I'll try it out.

Thanks for the support

Will
 

AllanD

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"torque up" the nut?

The auto hub nts are only tightened to ~20 INCH-lbs

In other words it's something you can ALMOST do by HAND.

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