2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission DANA 70 Killer Lock Clip?

[DMcClenaghan]

Just did rear seals on my truck which started leaking RIGHT AFTER I changed over to Richmond Gear Syn. 75-140 lube which isn't supposed to make seals leak. (Tech support says it's a coincidence?!) Have never been in the hubs of a full floating diff before, but was alarmed to see that the nylock-type big 'ol nut that keeps the whole thing together was secured by a cheapo little stamped bit of steel that's driven into the nylon. Do these ever get loose in there? I'm sure if mine does, it will head straight for the magnet and do no damage whatsoever. Yeah, RIGHT! Is there a more secure locking method?

Thanks!

BTW, the factory service manual says to tighten the nut to 130-140 ft. lbs. and back off 1/8 of a turn OR 120 degrees. Now, I'm no math whiz, but that doesn't add up. Since they go on to say they want . 001-. 010 end play in the hub, there was none at 1/8 turn, so I ASSume they meant 1/3 turn, which gives a tiny bit of play.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

That cheapie lock seems to hold OK as it bites into the nylon of the nut. It has been used by Dana for about 1/4 century or so. The main problem I have found comes when the nut is not in spec and the bearing wears into it, making even more clearance along with sending metal into the bearings. Sometimes the clips get bent up and should be replaced if so--they are cheap. I usually go about 1/6 turn loose as 1/3 turn usually is too loose. The bearings get an oil film on them and can get a bit out of position so it is hard to check endplay accurately. That is why they say to tighten to 120 ft lb and rotate the hub.

 

[John]

When I replaced the rear axle seals on my '98. 5 2500 (auto. ) Ram (Dana 70), I used a dial indicator ("travel" type indicator), setting the end play per spec. That's the only way you are assured that it is correct.

 

[Jff24Gordn]

When you pull that cheep little clip out, it usually breaks. With it being preformance yelow, it costs a little more than it should, but its still a bargin at $5 from my local dealer.