Spindle Lock socket

I have a 1996 Bronco XL with manual 5 speed and manual hubs that has been in the family since it was a baby.  At 224,000 miles, my front ball joints are in need of replacement.  The spindle socket I had years back for my older Broncos (this is my 5th) used a spindle socket that was very large and I believe is the same size I need now.  I used it many times but never knew its size.  Through time I loaned it to someone and never got it back.  I cannot find a socket or spanner to fit the 1996 spindle lock.  This manual hub appears to possibly be a Warn hub but doesn't say so.  But the decals had a way of disappearing so I cannot tell if they are or not.  It is a 6 point spindle lock and measures 23/4" on the outside diameter.  The largest socket I have found is a 25/8" socket.  I've tried auto parts and tool companies but no luck so far.  Can someone please tell me where I can purchase a socket or spanner that will get me to where I can remove the hubs? 

yo Blu,

WELCOME!

EDIT:
I am including info on 96 MANUAL HUBS and 95 (from May 95) through 96 AUTO Hubs
And info does not include the 6 Lug socket at 23/4" OD; can you confirm your Bronco has the Dana 44 in it? See Mr. N's site for info and ID Tag info; http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/Dana44_3.htm

96 Bronco manual Hubs (made by Warn) usually use the 4 prong socket described below.

Try AutoZone loan a tool program to match socket needed; see if this is what you need;
http://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/4wd-spindle-socket/oem-6-lug-4wd-bearing-locknut-socket/2056_0_0/
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96 MANUAL HUBS (NAPA is Best Source)
Hub Locknut Socket Wrench 205-192 T83T-1197-B 7157
1995-96 Ford F-series 1/2-ton truck and full-size Bronco with manual hubs
$43.99
http://www.shopfreedomracing.com/Hub-Locknut-Socket-Wrench-205-192-T83T-1197-B-205-192.htm

96 Bronco-F-Series Workshop Manual (PARTIAL) http://www.diesel-dave.com/vehic/manual/stj/stjleft.htm
Same as 95 and most earlier years exc. for OBD II, 4WABS (93-96); ABS (87-92); Air Bag (94-96); 3 ***** Automatic Locking Hubs (Built from May 95 through 96) and a few other items
(still need time to go through all pages to confirm other differences)
See
Section 05-03C: Wheel Hubs and Bearings, Front Wheels, 4-Wheel Drive
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Locking Hubs, Manual
Manual Locking Hubs, F-150 and Bronco
http://www.diesel-dave.com/vehic/manual/stj/stj53c06.htm#extract_918
AND;
http://www.diesel-dave.com/vehic/manual/stj/stj53c09.htm#extract_925
"Hub Locknut Wrench" T83T-1197-B

for a pic, see Replacement (Warn® 6 *****) in a 90 (edited version; part of Jeff's Ball Joint R&R)(torque specs are off) http://fullsizebronco.com/forum/showthread.php?t=141208


& by Steve

Wheel Bearing Locknut Torque Settings in a 96 from 1996 F-150, F-250, F-350, and Bronco Workshop Manual; "...While rotating rotor and hub, retighten wheel bearing retainer (nut) to 68 Nm (50 lb-ft) to seat wheel bearings. Back off nut 90 degrees (1/4 turn). Tighten wheel retainer nut to 1.8 Nm (16 lb-in). If necessary, tighten nut to next slot to allow installation of retainer key. Install retaining key into the spindle keyway by inserting the short leg into the aligned slot in nut. Press all the way into position until curved portion of retaining key is seated into counterbore of wheel retainer (nut). Install cam assembly. CAUTION: Improper sequence of three-piece ****** washers will result in excessive wear of assembly. Install three washers in order: metal washer first, plastic washer second and splined washer last. Install C-ring or lock ring. Align legs of cam assembly for installation of hub body. Check that the final end play of the front disc brake hub and rotor on the front wheel spindle is 0.00-0.50mm (0.000-0.002 inch. CAUTION: Excessive end play or torque greater than 2.3 Nm (20 lb-in) to rotate hub and rotor will result in excessive wear of wheel bearings. Torque required to rotate the front disc brake hub and rotor is not to exceed 2.3 Nm (20 lb-in). Install hublock. Tighten screws to 4-6 Nm (35-53 lb-in). Remove safety stands. Lower vehicle..." See Diagrams
Source: by Ford

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AUTO HUBS from May 95 through 96

You need "Ford OTC 6795 Wheel Hub Bearing Locknut Socket for 95-96" (Ford # T59T-1197- B)
You can get or rent them at NAPA http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Socket-Locknut/_/R-OTC6795_0483062808

SEE PIC;
Socket Points : 6
Socket Drive Size : 1/2"
Socket Finish : Black
Socket Size : 2 1/2" Rounded Hex
Socket Type : Locknut
Standard or Impact : Standard
Manufacturer : Owatonna Tool Company
Manufacturer Part Number : 6795
or any other parts store plus E bay

Ford changed the auto locking hubs to a new design in May 95 through 96;

3 ***** Info & Bearing Locknut Torque Settings for 95-96
Source: by miesk5 at Ford Bronco Zone Forums http://broncozone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6916&hl=

3/4 view pic @ http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/otc-6795.html

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Torque;

see
Section 05-03C: Wheel Hubs and Bearings, Front Wheels, 4-Wheel Drive
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
http://www.diesel-dave.com/vehic/manual/stj/stj53c08.htm#wgs53c



from 3 ***** Parts Description & pics, 5/95-96; "...The 2 items at the far L are one complete hub lock assembly piled together. The top center is the hub lock body. Bottom center is the cap with 3 ***** holes. Top R are the cam & large (outer) C-ring (which retains the lock body in the hub). Lower R (upper row) are: the large single wheel bearing adjusting hex-nut; the adjusting nut lock clip; the steel splined ****** washer; (lower row) the small (inner) C-ring (which retains the axle stub shaft in the spindle); the plastic ****** washer; and the steel ****** washer..."
Source: by Steve @ http://www.supermotors.net/registry/media/72050
and by Dana @ http://www.supermotors.net/registry/media/277564

Thanks for al the information!  After a little research I can add the following;

MY front axle is a Dana 44.  My hubs are not the Warns I loved and enjoyed in 4 previous Broncos.  My last question is why hasn't anyone made a video of the Ford three ***** hubs?  All video "How to" show the Warn hubs.  I don't know how many Warn hubs Ford used in 1996 but every one I've seen are Ford three ***** and not the Warn 6 ***** hubs.  The reason for this project is that I have to replace the upper and lower ball joints and I have to get past the hubs to do that.

yo.

All 96 Broncos came with either 3 ***** hubs or manual hubs,

A few Ford sources have claimed all were mfg by Warn for Ford.

Bearing Locknut Socket incl. 95-96 w/pics; "...No. 519097-5 – 2-1/2" rounded hex locknut socket works on 1995–96 Ford F-150 trucks and full-sized Broncos with 2 ***** automatic locking hubs. Similar to Ford No. 205-348 (T95T-1197-A) ..."

Source: by OTC

I don't know OTC's Internet team screwed up their website to show just the socket kit; but search or ask NAPA for the OTC #519097-5 (Ford #T95T-1197-A)

Some on-line sources;

http://www.toolsource.com/wheel-bearing-locknut-socket-t95t-1197-rounded-p-108030.html

http://www.autotoolworld.com/OTC-519097-5-Wheel-Bearing-Locknut-Socket-T95T-1197-A-2-12-Rounded-Hex_p_162787.html

http://www.usatoolwarehouse.com/usatoolwarehouse/OTC-519097-5.html

Wheel Bearing Locknut Torque Settings in a 96 from 1996 F-150, F-250, F-350, and Bronco Workshop Manual; "...While rotating rotor and hub, retighten wheel bearing retainer (nut) to 68 Nm (50 lb-ft) to seat wheel bearings. Back off nut 90 degrees (1/4 turn). Tighten wheel retainer nut to 1.8 Nm (16 lb-in). If necessary, tighten nut to next slot to allow installation of retainer key. Install retaining key into the spindle keyway by inserting the short leg into the aligned slot in nut. Press all the way into position until curved portion of retaining key is seated into counterbore of wheel retainer (nut). Install cam assembly. CAUTION: Improper sequence of three-piece ****** washers will result in excessive wear of assembly. Install three washers in order: metal washer first, plastic washer second and splined washer last. Install C-ring or lock ring. Align legs of cam assembly for installation of hub body. Check that the final end play of the front disc brake hub and rotor on the front wheel spindle is 0.00-0.50mm (0.000-0.002 inch. CAUTION: Excessive end play or torque greater than 2.3 Nm (20 lb-in) to rotate hub and rotor will result in excessive wear of wheel bearings. Torque required to rotate the front disc brake hub and rotor is not to exceed 2.3 Nm (20 lb-in). Install hublock. Tighten screws to 4-6 Nm (35-53 lb-in). Remove safety stands. Lower vehicle..." See Diagrams

Source: by Ford via thedieselstop.com Note that last torque setting is in Pound INCH

Hook Set, pic, typical, for removing C Clips especially in 95-96 3 ***** hubs; 4 Pc Dominator® “Mini” Hook & Pick Set EDP# 60003

Source: by Mayhew Tools

or similar set @ Wal Mart

Section 05-03C: Wheel Hubs and Bearings, Front Wheels, 4-Wheel Drive

1996 F-150, F-250, F-350, and Bronco Workshop Manual

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

Locking Hubs, Automatic

Automatic Locking Hub, F-150 and Bronco

http://www.diesel-dave.com/vehic/manual/stj/stj53c07.htm

Also see

Section 05-03C: Wheel Hubs and Bearings, Front Wheels, 4-Wheel Drive

Wheel Grease Seal and Bearing, Front

Replacement and Repacking

SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL(S) REQUIRED

Description

Tool Number

Hub Nut Wrench T95T-1197-B

http://www.diesel-dave.com/vehic/manual/stj/stj53c08.htm#wgs53c

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Operational Test in a 96; "...Automatic Locking Hubs: Raise vehicle on a hoist so that all wheels are off the ground. Start engine (6007) with vehicle in neutral and transfer case in two-wheel drive. Front wheels should spin freely by hand. Put transfer case in 4WD and put vehicle in gear. Front and rear wheels should rotate together. Put vehicle in neutral and spin front wheels by hand in the forward direction. The front axle and front driveshaft should rotate with the wheels. The additional load of the drivetrain components should be felt once the hub has been engaged. To disengage the hubs, spin the wheels in the opposite direction until an audible click is heard. Spin wheels forward again and they should rotate freely without the axle and driveshaft rotating. Repeat the procedure, only shift into 4-wheel drive and put the vehicle in reverse. This time the hubs should release when the front wheels are spun in the forward direction. NOTE: While the vehicle is hoisted, shift into 4-wheel drive from a dead stop and not while rear wheels are rotating in order to avoid slamming the hub locks into the lock position. Road Test; When checking front hubs for proper operation, road test the vehicle to make sure the hubs will remain engaged while under load. This is accomplished by engaging 4-wheel drive and taking the vehicle through several turns (both forward and backward) on dry pavement. This will put an additional load on the front wheel at the outside of the turn because it is traveling the greatest distance. Driving through several turns while traveling in different directions will make sure that both sides of the hub teeth have been tested under load. Hubs that are not sufficiently engaged will pop out when loaded. This is due to the driveline releasing windup and is an indication of hub malfunction. If slippage is suspected, mark the tire and axle shaft with chalk (after locking the hub) and apply a heavy torque load several times. Then inspect your original indexing marks. If they are no longer aligned, the hubs are not remaining locked when under load. They will have to be replaced. Should hublocks become submerged in water or mud for a long period of time, water may get past the seals and into the hubs and axle. In this case, all water must be expelled from the system. The axle must be drained by loosening the axle cover and 4x4 Gear Oil F1TZ-19580-A (WSL-M2C191-A) used to refill the axle (F1TZ-19580-A has no equivalent). Disassemble the hubs using procedures in this section and repack the wheel bearings using procedures in this section and dry off the hublocks. Reassemble hubs using procedures in this section. Refer to Section 05-03A or Section 05-03B for replacement of outer axle shaft seals or spindle inner seal and bearing. ..." from 1996 F-150, F-250, F-350, and Bronco Workshop Manual

Source: by Ford via thedieselstop.com

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