Converting full time hubs to lockouts

[LukeandI]

Can anyone tell me if there is a kit to swap a 65 K10 full time axle to lockout hubs? I read somewhere it takes machining etc. I was thinking of replacing it all with a 70 drum brake setup but that one needs spindles replaced etc. Just trying to simplify things now. Thanks in advance Rick

[kwmech]

There should be no machining at all that is required. Pics

[LukeandI]

I’ll post pics later. I remember reading somewhere that there was no snapring groove in the full time hubs. I guess I’ll find out . Thank you. Rick

[Getter-Done]

I have never seen a set in person.
The pictures I have seen of the early styles are different.

Similar to the ones in this picture below.



They very rarely go on sale here in the forum,
Because they are rare and hard to come by.

[LukeandI]

Well. As kwmech said, the hubs were machined already, but the only place I could find the recommended locking hubs was Torque KIng part number QU50864. They show discontinued. The standard lockouts from the 68 and up, don't fit since the newer hubs and axle stubs are shorter. Does anyone know of a locking hub assembly that fits a 65 k10 and is available? Its a long shot I know. Merry Christmas everyone. Thanks Rick

[Getter-Done]

Torque King does handle used parts.
Maybe you could give them a call after the Holidays.

They may have some that are used.

They are a great company to do business with.

[chtr65]

I have a front 4x4 axle from a 65 K-10 that has aftermarket manual lockouts. I bought it a few years ago as back-up for my 66 K-10. My research at the time told me that there was only one company that made aftermarket lockouts for the pre 67 K-10 trucks. The lockouts on this axle has fairly new lockouts. I would have to look at them as I don't remember what make they are.

[LukeandI]

Hi Chtr65. If you decide to part with either set let me know please. 🙏.
I am also looking at replacing the drag link . The original is showing wear in the ball joints and they aren’t removable. No one shows a replacement anywhere that I can see.
The pitman arm seems ok if I could inly find the cone washers fot the smaller 3/8 studs. I have some coming for the 1/2 “ ones.
KW mech. I read in a post somewhere that you had machined the arm on yours to accept larger studs. Miy arm and Knuckle doesn’t appear to have much meat there to go much bigger. Do you recall the sizes and what the work entailed. Cost? Thanks everyone. I think Im committed to the closed knuckle now. New brakes, bearings and seals are in my shop waiting for me. 😐

[chtr65]

What level of restoration are you trying to achieve? The used lockouts that I have on my extra front axle are Selectro. They are in an unheated garage at the moment. I also have an extra set of NOS locking hubs. I can PM you my personal contact if you would like to discuss these further.

[LukeandI]

Thanks CHTR PM sent

[Short 3/4]

Found these directions for the hubs in the glovebox of my 65 when I bought it from the original owner. Thought you or others would find it interesting. Truck had original front hub option #4F76AA listed on build sheet.

Sounds like you’ve found some hubs. Glad you’re going to save the original closed knuckle front end. While some may not notice, as far as I’m concerned there is nothing cooler than an original closed front end in an old truck!

[Short 3/4]

Some more of the pamphlet, couldn’t download all at once.

[Short 3/4]

And finally, the cover.
Sorry they’re all sideways.
Tom

[LukeandI]

Thanks Tom. Those pamphlets are great. I am in the process of purchasing a set of NOS Dana Spicers from CHTR65. I am very happy I decided to stick with the closed knuckle. I just reinstalled the knuckles with new king pin bearings, and a Torque King felt and seal kit. Just need the Hubloks, brakes and hub seals and It should be good to mount on the frame.

[Short 3/4]

Sounds like you’ll have a nice front end when you’re all done. Will definitely be worth the effort. Torque King was a great resource for me as well, glad they’re still around. Your lucky to be dealing with 1/2 ton brakes. My truck is a combination of a basket case 65 K10 and a 64 K20 parts truck. Decided to go with the 3/4ton brakes- Unobtanium!

Not sure how much experience you’ve had with these closed axels, but the secret sauce is Cornhead grease, keeps the lube on the inside where it belongs. Also be sure to run it with those new hubs locked regularly, that’s the only way to keep those upper bearings you just put in lubed.

Good luck, and have fun with your project.
Tom

[LukeandI]

I have heard of the cornhead grease. I have packed the bearings with regular grease, and hope to try to track it down through the John Deere dealer.
What size are the K20 brake shoes? There must be something out there that would work? I don’t know if getting them redone is an option likebthey do with big rigs.

[57taskforce]

We have a local big truck dealer that will re-line old brake shoes of any size/dimensions. I would reach out and see if you’ve got anything similar local to you.

[Short 3/4]

Actually, the shoes were the easiest part. I did indeed take them to a large truck shop to be relined. They were also able to radius them to perfectly match the drums. This is a very important step that greatly improves the efficiency of any drum brakes.

The hard part was the drums. This was ten years ago and it took me about a year to find usable replacements. I was starting to get really worried! Apparently forum member Chaparrailman 1974 has recently found a good source for these long hard to find front drums. Amazing how much help other members here can be.

Surprisingly, the other hard part to find was the small hardware. Many vendors say they have it, but it’s always 1/2 ton stuff that does NOT work for a 3/4 ton. Once again, creative scrounging and the help of other members came to the rescue.

Speaking of rare parts, I have never seen stock 1/2 ton drive flanges like the ones you are taking off. I would say they are even harder to find than the lockout hubs. Definitely save them for posterity, or offer them up to another member