Front wheel bearing question

[CO-Bronco69]

I’m in the process of replacing the front drivers side wheel bearings in my ‘69 Bronco. In removing and replacing the outer wheel bearing there was what I can best describe as a protective dust ring that was seated atop the old bearing, but after removing it for cleaning, I’m now unable to find it. Does anyone know the actual name of that part and where/how to order a replacement?

And this part rests atop and encircles the wider end of the bearing and is not the race collar. Thanks

 

[DirtDonk]

It's a spring seat for the original Spicer locking mechanism.
Are you still running factory lockouts, or are they aftermarket such as Warn or MileMarker?

With the factory hubs you will need the spring, so you will want the seat. With aftermarket parts you do not re-use either the spring OR the seat.

Paul

 

[Glass Pony]

Is this it?
https://shop.broncograveyard.com/D30-D44-Lockout-Hub-Spring-Retainer-Plate/productinfo/12245/

 

[CO-Bronco69]

The picture from the Bronco Graveyard site sure looks like the piece that went missing. Especially if it’s intend to fit over the wide end of the outside front bearing. Fingers crossed and please let me know if anyone has anything else to suggest. Thanks

 

[Steve83]

1A055?



#14 in the 2 lower diagrams?

 

[DirtDonk]

So are you still running the stock original hubs CO-Bronco?
If so, you'll really want to try to find one to install.

The good news is that you don't need the locking mechanism to drive the Bronco. Leave it out until you can install it complete, and just cover the open hub with something. Either the original knob assembly (it can fit without the inner mechanism) or some weatherproof tape, or even some plastic held in place by wire-ties to keep dirt out.

Paul

 

[1970 Palmer]

So are you still running the stock original hubs CO-Bronco?
If so, you'll really want to try to find one to install.

The good news is that you don't need the locking mechanism to drive the Bronco. Leave it out until you can install it complete, and just cover the open hub with something. Either the original knob assembly (it can fit without the inner mechanism) or some weatherproof tape, or even some plastic held in place by wire-ties to keep dirt out.

Paul

You have to love advice from someone that's got real "Trail Smart's". I'd bet Paul has some good stories about "getting home" after you broke something while wheeling.

If you search around, you can find a plastic bottle in a close diameter to the hub. Cut it in half, and secure the bottom with a screw type hose clamp. I have towed trailers with missing dust caps hundreds of miles this way.

John

 

[SHX669]

Like Paul said - the answer depends on what locking hubs you have .

 

[CO-Bronco69]

Thanks everyone. I was actually able to find the missing part, and then reassemble the wheel assembly. The best part??? After doing that, and after having spent the last 2 months doing a lot of other mechanical restoration with the help of a mechanic friend, we were able to fire up the Bronco and actually drive her around the field of the property where we've been doing all that work. From my research, this is very likely the first time this Bronco has been driven since the mid-1970's! Talk about a survivor.

 

[DirtDonk]

Great that you found it! Did you adjust the bearings by the book?
And more importantly still, did you take pictures of your Bronco driving around the lower 40? After sitting over 40 years, you should!

Paul

 

[CO-Bronco69]

I did take a quick phone video. It was dusk, it had snowed earlier in the day, the car cover was pulled up on the hardtop and I was really wanting to get her moved to the enclosed barn stall where she’ll get more mechanical attention over the winter months. So far, new fuel tanks, fuel lines, radiator, water pump, alternator, regulator, battery, brake cylinders and lines, master cylinder, tires, shocks, front drive shaft rebuild, plugs, wires, carburetor rebuild, and other assorted parts.