Dana 30 locking hub issue

[Daveyd]

Hi y’all,
I’ve got a Dana 30 I’m trying to put the locking hubs back on and can get the larger retaining ring in the channel. The whole assembly won’t go in far enough. We are talking like 1/64 of an inch but won’t go back. I believe I put the center lock ring on first and that could be the issue but if tried it bothe ways with no avail. Haven’t replaced anything but the axle seals so not sure why the issue.
Thanks!!

 

[Bonefizz]

I just did this a while back. I had to push the axle out by putting a pry bar between the knuckle and the joint to push the axle out far enough to clip that retaining ring. You can also put a bolt in the end of the axle and pull it out to push the clip on. It’s tight in there.

 

[DirtDonk]

Did you change anything? New bearing hub by any chance? And which locking mechanism are you using? Stock original, or aftermarket?

Paul

 

[Daveyd]

Did you change anything? New bearing hub by any chance? And which locking mechanism are you using? Stock original, or aftermarket?

Paul

Hey Paul, it’s the stock Ford mechanism and no new parts at this point. The problem is on both sides so I must be doing something wrong. Possibly the sling seat is in wrong. I read it as flange side down. I’m guessing that would make a cup away from the wheel rather than towards?

 

[DirtDonk]

That would not (or should not) be the problem. It does in fact go with the flange facing down/inward so that it cups the bearing, not the spring. The spring just sits on top of the flat part of the spring cup. Really it only fits one way, but even if reversed it would not actually block anything I don't think.
At least I tried it that way once, but I did not get all the way out to the outer locking ring, so maybe it can cause some trouble. But if you're certain that the cup is facing the bearing you should be good to go.

As Bonefizz said, the axle shaft will usually push inward and needs to be manually pulled outward again to get the small lock ring back in place. But that did not sound like your issue in the original post?

Maybe shoot some pics of the order in which you installed things and go from there. Or if it is just the axle not sticking out far enough, simply reach behind and push the u-joint outward. If it's tight, use a prying tool of some kind.

paul

 

[66BlueGoose]

Ensure that you place the the spring retainer plate with the cup facing the bearing. If installed backwards, the flat side of the cup with ride on the bearing and take both out, and most likely the spindle too. I know because a shop installed mine backwards..... :-(

When installing the two hub clutch rings, do that with teeth locked and engaged. Also make sure you don't have too much grease holding them apart. As said, you might need to push / hold the axle out.

When you say you replace the axle seals, you you talking about the ones on the axle tube, back of the spindle or both?

 

[Rustytruck]

Did you put the thrust washer brass/ plastic between the stub axle and spindle with the chamfer towards the stub axle?