one quick question....

[yyc_tbird_sc]

I've already done the search thing, and came up with nothing. I know I've seen it here before....what is the size of the socket needed to take off the stock spindle nut on the front hubs of a 92x 4x4? I'm gonna upgrade to manual hubs and a bunch of new bushings and shocks.

 

[CodePoet]

it's not a standard socket...it's a special nut, goto napa and get a spindle nut socket for a d35 (i think it's the same as a d44)

 

[yyc_tbird_sc]

Thanks, but I already have the socket for the manual hubs with the four tabs on it. I just need to know the size of socket required to get the stock retaining nut off the spindle that has automatic hubs. I think it was something like 2 3/8. Thanks.

 

[CodePoet]

oops sorry

 

[MrShorty]

Yes, it's 2-3/8, sometimes rounded corners. However, if you are converting to manual hubs anyway, don't buy the socket. That socket should only be on there barely over hand tight (16 in-lbs is spec). Once you've got the locking key out, you should be able to get it off with a pair of channel locks if not with your bare hand.

 

[DeRocha]

Exactly as MrShorty has said.. I would only get the socket if you plan on re-installing the autohubs so you can torque them to spec.

 

[yyc_tbird_sc]

Thanks guys. I'm gonna keep the stock hubs around for now in case I need to throw them back on, so I guess that means I'll keep everything else too...great more stuff in the garage.

 

[410Fortune]

why keep them? I say try to sell the auto hubs or toss them in the trash

 

[00XLS]

Wasn't someone on the board buying those and fixing 'em up cheaply?

 

[yyc_tbird_sc]

I'm gonna keep most of the stock parts that are still good in case I want to buy another explorer. Hubs, shocks, stereo, stuff like that. Should be busy tomorrow changing parts around.

Just wondering...can the hubs be left locked and just put it into 4wd by using the dash switch? I think this can work....just making sure. Also, a buddy was goofing around and said I could do a great smoke show by leaving the front hubs unlocked and putting it into 4wd low. From what I can tell, this would start breaking things pretty fast, what do you think?

 

[MrShorty]

Just wondering...can the hubs be left locked and just put it into 4wd by using the dash switch? I think this can work....just making sure.

Yes. Assuming the front drivetrain is in good working order, you may notice a minor increase in noise and gas consumption due to the additional rotating mass. Exactly how you want to balance the increased gas consumption/wear with the minor inconvenience of getting out to lock/unlock the hubs, I'll leave to you.

Also, a buddy was goofing around and said I could do a great smoke show by leaving the front hubs unlocked and putting it into 4wd low. From what I can tell, this would start breaking things pretty fast, what do you think?

2 low is a possibility, and he's probably right, you might be able to smoke your tires pretty good. Remember that, in 2L, you're essentially doubling the torque normally seen by the rear drivetrain. I consider the rear drivetrain in these Explorers to be pretty stout. Used judiciously, 2L can be useful (pulling boats up boat ramps, backing up trailers, and others). Some younger people may call me an old fart, but I wouldn't consider a "smoke show" judicious use of 2L.

 

[DeRocha]

As MrShorty has indicated it is ok to leave the hubs lock while not being in 4x4. Lots of people in snowy areas leave the hubs lock and just toggle 4x4 on and off as needed... Much the same as not reversing direction with autohubs after being in 4x4...