Front axle spindle nut spec

[usmcjones1988]

I need to change the front bearing on my 1969 F100 4WD I was wonder how to correctly torque the spindle nut back down after replacing them, and what FT/LBS to set them to?

[harrysnyder]

I know there is a torque spec on this, and I'll probably get bashed for telling you MY method , but this is what I've always done, because I've never had a 4x4 with anything smaller than 38's, and it's always worked for me.

With the wheel off the ground, I spin the tire and count the revolutions. I've always tightened my locknut down until I had just one full revolution of the tire. Then I tighten it just a hair more and put the washer and other locknut on.

Maybe a little backwoods but it is...what it is...

[usmcjones1988]

is that with the brake caliper on it i noticed when i put the calipers back on there is alot of friction on it?

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

I know there is a torque spec on this, and I'll probably get bashed for telling you MY method , but this is what I've always done, because I've never had a 4x4 with anything smaller than 38's, and it's always worked for me.

With the wheel off the ground, I spin the tire and count the revolutions. I've always tightened my locknut down until I had just one full revolution of the tire. Then I tighten it just a hair more and put the washer and other locknut on.

Maybe a little backwoods but it is...what it is...

eek. too tight.

you tighten the adjusting nut as you turn the wheel hub just until there is no slop in the wheel hub, which is just past finger tight. then put on the spacer and tighten the locknut down snug.

if you put too much tension on the bearings they run hot and wear out sooner

[Montana71-F100]

From the manual for a '71:

1. Using tool T59T-1197-B and a torque wrench, tighten the bearing adjusting nut to 50 ft-lb while rotating the wheel back and forth to seat the bearings.
2. Back the adjusting nut off approx 1/4 turn (90 degrees). Assemble the lock washer by turning the adjusting nut to the nearest hole where the dowel pin will enter.
3. Install the outer lock nut and torque to 50 ft-lb. Final end play of the wheel on the spindle should be 0.001 to 0.0110 inch.
4. Install the driving hub, spacer, snap ring and hub grease cap. Use a non hardening sealer on the cap where it contacts the hub.

[usmcjones1988]

that i have heard before so i think i will do that thanks.