Is there a trick to removing these lock nuts? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JayDubBlazer · 11-23-2008, 04:29 PM

I'm replacing my front bearings on my Dana 44. Is there a special tool to remove these nuts? I just can't seem to get them to move.

Thanks

haysonj · 11-23-2008, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayDubBlazer

I'm replacing my front bearings on my Dana 44. Is there a special tool to remove these nuts? I just can't seem to get them to move.

Thanks

there should be a tab bent into one of the notches. flatten it down then the nut will come off. there is a special socket to fit that nut but it can be taken off with a punch and hammer.

**too much stuff** · 11-23-2008, 05:24 PM

Most parts stores should carry the 1/2" drive socket that will fit that. I don't know about the tab bent over. The older ones have a washer behind the first nut with holes all around it, and the second nut behind the one pictured will have a stud on it that will line up in one of the washer holes. Make sure the stud lands in a hole. Works similar to a jamb nut. Hope that makes sense for you.

JayDubBlazer · 11-23-2008, 05:48 PM

I think I will have to go to the parts store, i can't seem to get it to budge.

Rust Buster · 11-23-2008, 06:25 PM

I just used a screwdriver and a hammer and they came off surprisingly easy. Just make sure the screwdriver is seated well in one of those notches. Then again, the socket really makes it easy...

Zoerb · 11-24-2008, 03:13 AM

in the picture on the right, it almost looks like theres a snap ring on it....its been a while working on a 4x4.......

Jtrux · 11-24-2008, 10:31 AM

It's been a while since i've done it but I remember a snap ring on it. Don't use the screwdriver method, eventually you plan on putting it back together right??? Then you'll need the socket because there is a specific way it has to be torqued...something like tighten it to 35lbs then back it off an 1/8 turn while turning it by hand or something like that, like I said, it's been a while for me.

hdflstf · 11-24-2008, 10:38 AM

Get the socket (got mine at NAPA), it'll make the rest of the job easy.

OLDCHEV4X4 · 11-24-2008, 11:54 AM

I've never seen a tang to bend over on a D44. Get the spindle nut socket. They are cheep. And you need it to torque it at reassembly.
Remove first nut.
Remove locking washer with holes and tang for spindle slot.
Remove second nut with pin that fits into locking washer hole.

72 CustomCamper · 11-24-2008, 03:59 PM

You need to pick up a Spindle Nut Socket...

Chuck

padresag · 11-25-2008, 01:03 PM

and if you are really stuck and have a piece of exhaust tubing the same size as the slots in the nut, you can cut out a wrench to fit in a few minutes and then just drill a hole through it for a bar
ron

msgross · 11-25-2008, 01:05 PM

you can buy one for $10 or use autozone's tool rental program for it...

padresag · 11-25-2008, 01:38 PM

my statement about making one isn't about the $10.00; it is about the guy who doesn't live next door to an auto parts store and has that frt wheel off and that is his only vehicle. it is just simpler to make one
ron

11-23-2008, 04:29 PM	#1
JayDubBlazer go cyclones Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ames, IA Posts: 1,883	Is there a trick to removing these lock nuts? I'm replacing my front bearings on my Dana 44. Is there a special tool to remove these nuts? I just can't seem to get them to move. Thanks Attached Images __________________ Wes PROJECT OLE GREEN 1972 Blazer 4X4 350/700R4 2017 Silverado LT

11-23-2008, 05:24 PM	#3
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,787	Re: Is there a trick to removing these lock nuts? Most parts stores should carry the 1/2" drive socket that will fit that. I don't know about the tab bent over. The older ones have a washer behind the first nut with holes all around it, and the second nut behind the one pictured will have a stud on it that will line up in one of the washer holes. Make sure the stud lands in a hole. Works similar to a jamb nut. Hope that makes sense for you. __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

11-23-2008, 05:48 PM	#4
JayDubBlazer go cyclones Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ames, IA Posts: 1,883	Re: Is there a trick to removing these lock nuts? I think I will have to go to the parts store, i can't seem to get it to budge. __________________ Wes PROJECT OLE GREEN 1972 Blazer 4X4 350/700R4 2017 Silverado LT

11-23-2008, 06:25 PM	#5
Rust Buster Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 547	Re: Is there a trick to removing these lock nuts? I just used a screwdriver and a hammer and they came off surprisingly easy. Just make sure the screwdriver is seated well in one of those notches. Then again, the socket really makes it easy... __________________ Maj USAF 71 K5 Blazer CST 72 K20 HT383 NV4500 Mass-Flo EFI 71 K10 LWB 52 Dodge Power Wagon 67 Dodge WM300 Power Wagon 48 Dodge WDX Power Wagon My Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=239487

11-24-2008, 03:13 AM	#6
Zoerb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Wasilla Alaska Posts: 73	Re: Is there a trick to removing these lock nuts? in the picture on the right, it almost looks like theres a snap ring on it....its been a while working on a 4x4....... __________________ 2017 Tahoe Premier - Daily '99 Silverado 2500 Wife's whip- 2020 Equinox Premier

11-24-2008, 10:31 AM	#7
Jtrux I'm a poor spectator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 2,287	Re: Is there a trick to removing these lock nuts? It's been a while since i've done it but I remember a snap ring on it. Don't use the screwdriver method, eventually you plan on putting it back together right??? Then you'll need the socket because there is a specific way it has to be torqued...something like tighten it to 35lbs then back it off an 1/8 turn while turning it by hand or something like that, like I said, it's been a while for me. __________________ 2006 Jeep Unlimited IMPACT ORANGE 1993 Chevy 2500 4x4 ExCab LWB 454/NV4500 Tow rig 1977 Ford F100 2x4 LWB 1st truck I owned, still have it!!! 1979 Ford F150 4x4 SWB Built Ford Tough!!! 1971 Chevy Blazer 350 / SM465 / NP205 UNDER CONSTRUCTION Soon to have a LQ4 6.0!!! Last edited by Jtrux; 11-24-2008 at 10:31 AM.

11-24-2008, 10:38 AM	#8
hdflstf Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Desert Southwest Posts: 540	Re: Is there a trick to removing these lock nuts? Get the socket (got mine at NAPA), it'll make the rest of the job easy.

11-24-2008, 11:54 AM	#9
OLDCHEV4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Chester County PA, USA Posts: 1,228	Re: Is there a trick to removing these lock nuts? I've never seen a tang to bend over on a D44. Get the spindle nut socket. They are cheep. And you need it to torque it at reassembly. Remove first nut. Remove locking washer with holes and tang for spindle slot. Remove second nut with pin that fits into locking washer hole. __________________ 72 k/10 short wideside 72 k/5 Blazer 72 K/5 Blazer - obstacle course racer 72 custom/10 8' bed 70 K/5 Blazer 67 C-30 GMC Flat bed 86 GMC K2500 Plow Truck 85 GMC K3500 84 M1008 85 M1008 77 G30 Motor Home 72 Sears 12hp Tractor Glenmoore, Pennsylvania

11-24-2008, 03:59 PM	#10
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,368	Re: Is there a trick to removing these lock nuts? You need to pick up a Spindle Nut Socket... Chuck Attached Images __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

11-25-2008, 01:03 PM	#11
padresag Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sidney,b.c. Posts: 4,425	Re: Is there a trick to removing these lock nuts? and if you are really stuck and have a piece of exhaust tubing the same size as the slots in the nut, you can cut out a wrench to fit in a few minutes and then just drill a hole through it for a bar ron

11-25-2008, 01:05 PM	#12
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Is there a trick to removing these lock nuts? you can buy one for $10 or use autozone's tool rental program for it... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

11-25-2008, 01:38 PM	#13
padresag Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sidney,b.c. Posts: 4,425	Re: Is there a trick to removing these lock nuts? my statement about making one isn't about the $10.00; it is about the guy who doesn't live next door to an auto parts store and has that frt wheel off and that is his only vehicle. it is just simpler to make one ron

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