2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rear Axle Hub Nut Size, '98.0 3500 2wd Dually?

[MikeH]

I know this is a old question, but I can't seem to find the answer. Rear axle seal is leaking. '98 12 valve, 2wd dually, Dana 80. Somebody please tell me what size the hub nut is. I think 2 9/16, but not sure. Factory service manual give a "special tool number", but not the size.
Thanks in advance for the help. Had this truck since new (October 1997) and still love it.
MikeH

 

[fest3er]

Yepper, 2 9/16".

How many miles on it? Got my 2500 10/18/97, ordered in August. About 293k on it now. And it's showing its age.

When I replaced one rear seal and the bearings and races, I think I over-torqued 20 lb-ft, then backed off the specified turn. No problems since, no leakage. I think the over-torque suggestion is detailed somewhere in this forum.

 

[MikeH]

Thanks for the quick response. My truck only has 150k on it. It's been semi retired for several years. I drive it a couple of times a month and pull a car trailer once in a while (as an excuse to keep it). It still looks good and has no rust so I will keep it around.

I've got a seal leaking on one side and a wheel cylinder leaking on the other side. I will change both seals and both wheel cylinders and replace the original brake shoes. Drums show almost no wear.

Thanks again.

 

[GAmes]

When I replaced my seal a very thin spacer was stuck to the nut and my socket (that I bought when I had a first gen) wouldn't fit. I spent half a day looking for a socket that was a tiny bit larger, before I discovered the shim. Just a heads up.

 

[MikeH]

GAmes, Thanks for the tip. No luck finding a socket so had to order from Amazon. I'm in a holding pattern for now. BTW, I'm a Viet Nam Vet too.
MikeH

 

[GAmes]

Welcome Home!!

I'm sure Amazon cost less, but most auto parts stores usually have them. I know the NAPA and CarQuest both have them here. In case you don't know the trick to removing the brake hubs I'll pass it along to you also. With both rear tires removed and the truck on a good set of jack stands install a couple lug nuts on both sides far enough for the threads to go all the way through. I also chock the front tires. Start it up and put in gear, getting the speedo up to 10mph or so, then slam on the brake. The momentum of the axles will break them free of the hubs, the nuts are to keep the hubs from coming off and hitting something you cherish.

 

[MikeH]

Thanks, and welcome home to you too.

Our small town no longer has a NAPA. Auto Zone is my local store of choice and they don't list it. So since I'm not in a rush, and it's easy, I'll defer to Amazon this time.

Yes, I did indeed use that method of removing the drums the other day. In my youth, I worked in a small town Kansas Ford dealer shop. One of my jobs was to patch up old farm trucks to try and get them through wheat harvest one more year. Learned some about brakes and clutches in the process. Owners did not want to waste money on new parts so scavenging and patching was the name of the game.