Not knowing what condition my hubs are in on my recently purchased 4x4, I think I want to rebuild them. Everything else on the truck seems to have been ignored or screwed by the PO, so why not (239K miles). I have read several articles and threads here, but I am confused about the references to the 54MM locknut socket. My truck is a mostly stock 1988 with manual Aisin hubs and IFS front end. I don't see anything in my FSM that would lead me to believe this big socket is needed except possibly on the automatic hubs, which I don't have. Before I start tearing stuff apart, can anyone tell me for sure what I need to have on hand to be prepared for this venture? The truck is my DD, so preparation is key. Any insight specific to an 88 truck would be appreciated.

you can just take your hubs off wiht a 12mm 10mm and a hammer, no 54mm is needed unless you were doing wheel bearings. when i rebuilt my hubs i just drove around with nothing for a day.

If you are servicing the wheel bearings, you need the 54mm socket. The axle hub & disc goes on, then the outer wheel bearing, then a keyed washer, 54mm adjusting nut, keyed locking washer, 54mm lock nut, hub body, hub cover.

If you are just servicing the locking hubs, you do not need it.

I would recommded servicing the wheel bearings if you do not know when they were serviced last for that you will need to get the inner hub seal.

Must be a yankee thing. Around here, you get arrested for driving around with nothing. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

I want to either repack or replace the bearings. I will purchase the 54mm. I saw one at summit racing. Anybody else know a good source?

I got mine at Sears, it is not metric it is a 2 1/8 inch.

Just a deep 2 1/8"? Does it have to be a 6-point? Hard to tell from the pics online, but I didn't know if I bought a 2 1/8" if it would be deep enough to clear the end of the axle and reach the nut (I am assuming the nut is behind the mechanical locking hub part).

The one I got is a regular socket, 12-point, works fine. It is 3/4 drive so I had to get an adapter to 1/2 inch that I got at Harbor Freight for a couple of dollars. Marlin, Trail Gear and I think All-Pro also sell them. They are the stamped steel kind where as the Sears one is a regular socket.

Thanks for the info and help. I already have a 3/4 adaptor, so maybe a trip to Sears is in order. Thanks to everybody who pitched in. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />