Wheel Hub (Locking): Service and Repair

Front axle exploded view-4WD:

1. Place locking hub in free position, raise and support front of vehicle, and remove wheel.
2. Remove bolts securing locking hub housing, then the housing assembly, Fig. 5.
3. On models with manual locking hub, remove snap ring from drive axle, then withdraw drive clutch from hub.
4. On models with automatic locking hub, proceed as follows:

Fig. 3 Exploded view of automatic locking hub assembly. 1985-88 4WD Pickup:

a. Remove snap ring from drive axle, then withdraw washer A, washer B and brake B from hub, Fig. 3.

Fig. 4 Typical brake set thickness measurement. Models w/automatic locking hub:

b. Remove brake A from housing, assemble brakes A and B together as shown in Fig. 4, then measure thickness of assembly. If assembly thickness is less than .606 inch (15.4mm), brakes should be replaced.
c. Reassemble housing using new O-ring.
5. On all models, reverse procedure to install, using new snap rings and torque locking hub mounting bolts to 18-25 ft. lbs.