K20 front hub-need help

[MARKDTN]

Originally Posted by kwmech

So at one point you had automatic locking hubs. You remove the snap ring and washer at the spindle so the hub will go in all the way. There is a snap ring provided with the new hubs. This gets installed on the outside before you put the cap on. Having the snap ring on is required 2 fold. 1 to keep the axle centered in the steering knuckle and 2nd to keep the axle tight up against the back of the spindle to keep dirt out. So with that being said, having no groove on the tip of the shaft is kinda not that big a deal as the shaft will center itself when turning but at the same time will not be as tight as before up against the spindle. Replacement outer axle shafts have all the grooves cut in them if you ever get to that point

Yes, I replaced the original autolocking hubs. This is something I have been needing to do for 20 years now. If I had realized how easy it was, I might have done it a long time ago. For the last 20 years if you put it in 4wd it went in fine, but when you wanted to disengage you had to back up straight at like 20 mph for 100 feet or it would not be fully out; it would click. I just put up with it because it is really nice not to have to get out to lock hubs in, but it just got to be too much hassle to get them to disengage. As time went on it took more attempts to get them to disengage. I live on a quiet street but it is just dangerous to go so far so fast in reverse. Anyway, all good now.

As far as the inner washer and clip, I removed them per the instructions. (I did try to see if I could leave them but the hub would not go in far enough as you say). There is very little movement on the axle with them gone so I think it will be OK.