My hub won't lock

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AuroraGirl

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So I replaced my axle shaft on the passenger side of my 1980 3/4 ton. Now the hub wont lock. The only thing that should be incorrect is the cap is on backwards, so lock points at unlock and unlock points at lock. Would that cause it to not engage? The plastic of the cap looked like it was symmetrical and I figured as long as I knew it wasnt a big deal. Or would something else internally cause this? If I have to replace it... Im getting a new one. This is the original locker and I'd rather get a new one if I need to replace parts.
 

Goldie Driver

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AuroraGirl

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Looking at it.. don't remember which type I had but definitely put something in the wrong order. Do new aftermarket ones Have the same part list and assembly?
 

Goldie Driver

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Looking at it.. don't remember which type I had but definitely put something in the wrong order. Do new aftermarket ones Have the same part list and assembly?

I suspect they all operate in a similar fashion, but will vary make to make. Seems like the instructions mention that if you have 2 grooves you should put the snap ring ( # 10 ) on the inner one - know if that occurred ?

And, maybe that was from my Chilton's as I do not see it here ...

Good Luck !

Britt

P.S. If you still have the OE Spicers these seem to be pricey - I'd keep the old stuff if you change it.
 

dvdswan

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Looking at it.. don't remember which type I had but definitely put something in the wrong order. Do new aftermarket ones Have the same part list and assembly?

Pretty similar.

You did get the axle shaft snap ring on?
 

AuroraGirl

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Uh.. I believe I did. I have a complete redundant set of parts for the hubs if I missed something. I will probably use the diagram to check against it. I was under the impression aftermarket lockers were better than the OE?

Anyway... I have a complete axle just like on my truck on an empty 3/4 frame on my property that I stole the axle shaft out of already haha. I took all of the hub locker components and put them together since I didnt reassemble the locker on the axle without any shaft. I will include a picture of how my hub locker sits atm.
 

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I mean... would the cap being on backwards cause it? The cap seemed to be symmetrical.

You must be registered for see images attach
 

dvdswan

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Your cap isn't lined up, easy fix. Pull the six allen bolts, remove cap and place it in the arrow on the free, then re-install.

As shown in the picture your hubs are locked.
 

AuroraGirl

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How do you know it's currently locked? And so that shouldn't affect the function, correct?
 

dvdswan

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Since the lever is basically backwards or 180* out, the other end is pointing relative to "locked". If you want to verify, jack the front axle up and spin the tire. Verify to see if the axle is turning in the steering knuckle.
 

highdesertrange

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if you have factory Spicer hubs like what is shown in post number 2. the plastic actuator only goes in one way correctly. you can assemble it wrong but it won't work right. highdesertranger
 

AuroraGirl

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Oh, so its very possible I just need to spin it around? My dad was trying to use the hub locker as it was while I engaged 4wd and gave it throttle on wet grass when I was stuck and he said it felt like it was trying but just wouldnt.

if you have factory Spicer hubs like what is shown in post number 2. the plastic actuator only goes in one way correctly. you can assemble it wrong but it won't work right. highdesertranger

So my cap could be on correctly but the plastic is backwards?
 

highdesertrange

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the outer chrome piece has little relief notches in it. the actuating cam body fingers fit into those notches and the cam(plastic piece that you turn) the lowest part of the cam lines up with the fingers when it's locked. that is the easiest way to install it because you are not fighting the spring. if you put those pieces together outside the hub it's easier to see what I am talking about.

I also take every piece of the hub and fit it together with all of the other pieces that it meshes with. then I take a jewelers file and make sure all the parts mesh together with no hang ups.

highdesertranger
 

AuroraGirl

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So I figured out what the problem is. I did assemble the thing correctly, however, my "inner clutch ring" which, when locked, meshes with the gear that is always rotating with the hub, "axle shaft sleeve and ring" (according to the diagram) is not meshing, so it doesnt lock the hub. I confirmed this by pulling off the cap of my drivers side, which I never touched. It doesnt want to push forward. But I Know why. When I pounded off the brake rotor, I hit too hard on the nose of the rotor and bent it in, the spring can't push the cog into the gear. So Im gonna buy a new rotor and redo. Which won't be so bad because all of the bolts have been off and the brakes, too. The bearing seal on the rear of the rotor was iffy anyway.

So thanks you all
 
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