Dana 60 Rear Spindle Hub Nut Size?

[BigSix]

I am trying to figure out what the size of the rear 60 hub nuts for my truck are. I want to avoid the chisel method and actually pick up the socket. Its not the 2 9/16" socket I use on my Dana 70...thats too big. Anyone have any idea what the size of the nut is? Just in case it matters my truck has the 2 nut setup.

[duallyjams]

My 64 GMC 3/4 is 2 9/16 the next size smaller would 2 1/2 then 2 3/8

[BigSix]

Am I doing something wrong? My 2 9/16 has rounded corners (used on dodge rears). Is your socket a normal shape one?

[duallyjams]

Correction, I tried a 2 1/2 and it was to small I called my buddy ( snap on dealer ) all his books show it should be a 2 9/16 so I went and got one from him to try on mine and it also is to big. I haven't had time to really dig into it as to see if the socket is just to thick and needs to be thinner or if it is a really off the wall size.

[BigSix]

Originally Posted by duallyjams

Correction, I tried a 2 1/2 and it was to small I called my buddy ( snap on dealer ) all his books show it should be a 2 9/16 so I went and got one from him to try on mine and it also is to big. I haven't had time to really dig into it as to see if the socket is just to thick and needs to be thinner or if it is a really off the wall size.

Thanks for the input. I think maybe we're both using the wrong 2 9/16 socket? Does yours look like this:

[BigSix]

I think we need to find this?

[duallyjams]

The snap on looks like the second pic. The same question was asked on 60-66 gmc forum with no answer except hammer and chisel.On pirate 4x4 forum they change from the hex nut to a prong nut so you could use a hammer and chisel throw them away and upgrade.

[BigSix]

I'd rather figure out the hex size than replace with the various new methods (like the stage 8 and such). Once we figure it out the whole internets can enjoy I don't have a shaft out at the moment...would you happen to have measurements on the width (flat to flat) on the nut? And also the inside diameter of the hub? I have some books I need to dust off and check for us. I already tried looking for the nut on rockauto.com but it is not listed.

[BigSix]

Hmmm if you don't mind...post up what replacement you're talking about. If its a cheap Dorman or something part maybe thats the way to go? Just would rather be able to hit whatever I use with proper torque and adjustment.

[duallyjams]

ok so today I took a air hammer and knocked off one of the out side nut's to measure. I went back to my buddy ( snap on dealer ) 2 7/16 is the closest size but no one makes a axle socket in that size, none of the axle sockets will work so he ordered to 6 point sockets to see if one of them will work, I'll have them by Thursday to try.

[BigSix]

Wow thanks for putting in the work! Its looking more and more like we're just gonna have to get it snug with a chisel. I feel like my rear 60 has other issues. When I had the carrier out it literally just fell into my hands. When I reinstalled there was play side to side. But I can't tell if thats just how older 60's were? Sorta like the hub nut quirk we are facing?

[duallyjams]

The axle nut was super tight I used a air hammer with a chisel bit and it bit into it hard before it came loose.

[jtrichard]

Originally Posted by BigSix

Wow thanks for putting in the work! Its looking more and more like we're just gonna have to get it snug with a chisel. I feel like my rear 60 has other issues. When I had the carrier out it literally just fell into my hands. When I reinstalled there was play side to side. But I can't tell if thats just how older 60's were? Sorta like the hub nut quirk we are facing?

No that's not how they were all Timken bearings must have preload you need new bearings assuming that it was set up right last time new bearings were installed OR if its never been apart you'll be good with new bearings just DO NOT lose or move ANY of the shims I would replace all the bearings then you will be good for many years to come

[BigSix]

Originally Posted by jtrichard

No that's not how they were all Timken bearings must have preload you need new bearings assuming that it was set up right last time new bearings were installed OR if its never been apart you'll be good with new bearings just DO NOT lose or move ANY of the shims I would replace all the bearings then you will be good for many years to come

Its been apart but I just don't trust the person who did it because I don't know them (previous owner had it done). Its getting redone.

The passenger side hub nut was so loose there was massive play in it.

I gave up, took it apart, cleaned everything, and hit the hub nuts with a chisel. Got it tight and things are all good. Wish I had a socket so I could use a torque wrench but that is proving impossible!

[66Submarine]

Originally Posted by BigSix

Its been apart but I just don't trust the person who did it because I don't know them (previous owner had it done). Its getting redone.

The passenger side hub nut was so loose there was massive play in it.

I gave up, took it apart, cleaned everything, and hit the hub nuts with a chisel. Got it tight and things are all good. Wish I had a socket so I could use a torque wrench but that is proving impossible!

You didn't hit the INNER hub nuts with a chisel, did you? That needs to be fixed NOW if you did, or you'll destroy the bearings when you try to drive it.

[BigSix]

Originally Posted by 66Submarine

You didn't hit the INNER hub nuts with a chisel, did you? That needs to be fixed NOW if you did, or you'll destroy the bearings when you try to drive it.

Not the inner...just got them snug...the outers got a beating though!

[duallyjams]

Here we go. The axle nut is 2 3/8 use a regular 6 point socket.The coating on the socket was thick so I just sanded the coating off and it worked.

[BigDan3131]

Thank you for finding a correct socket for the rest of us out there.

[gmc 2500 4x4]

thanx duallyjams,

[duallyjams]

Originally Posted by gmc 2500 4x4

thanx duallyjams,

glad to help

[sdwolff98]

Gyusy know its an older thread but there is a much better socket out there than that cheap one in the pictiures. I got mine at sears many moons ago 3/4 drive craftsman 2 3/8 socket it fits perfectly in the hub without modifications. Plus it is much heavier than that one yall posted when my bearings seized I tried one of those and bent the thing lol.

Sean

[duallyjams]

Yea but mine was free

[Baketown Scotty]

How much preload does the first nut need?

[jtrichard]

ZERO/SNUG ....You will get slight preload from the lock nut