How to get the rear hub off of a Dana60....wheel won't move

[dablack00]

Ok guys. I'm working on a 72 F250 camper special. Its got the heavy rear end. The truck hasn't moved in the while and the back drivers wheel is locked up. I took off the eight lug nuts and pulled off the wheel. Then I pulled the eight axle bolts and the axle comes out just fine. Now the hub is either stuck the the brakes or I'm doing something wrong. I loosened the star wheel that pushes/pull the pads against the hub, but it didn't budge. Since I need to rebuild the brakes anyway, I squired liquid wrench in the adjusting hole and have tried prying the hub off with two chisels. I've worked on it about two hours. Any help would be apreciated.

To bring in the rear brakes on a dana 60, does the drivers adjusting star need to move clockwise or CCW (when looking at it from the rear bumper)? I was moving it clockwise, but I could be doing it backwards.

thanks
Austin

[bluef250]

The hub is held in place by a large nut on the axle housing. The nut is visible once the axle shaft has been removed. You did not mention removing the nut. If you do not have the proper socket you can use a punch and hammer to turn the nut for removal and reinstallation. You said the drum is locked. The brake shoe may be "welded" or stuck to the drum or the bearings are frozen. Hit the drum firmly but gently a couple time while trying to turn drum while rocking it back and forth (like a bent wheel.) If that does loosen the brake drum, you could try more torque or some heat. Be aware, you could ruin the drum and internals. If the nut has been removed and the drum turns freely continue turning the star adjustment until it stops moving. On my drum, one has a 1/16" groove from a rock or other debris. That drum is not fun to remove.

[dablack00]

Yeah, I finally figured it out. I need to remove the nut. Just for the record, the nut is a 2 9/16". I haven't removed it yet, but I'm going to keep trying.

thanks
Austin

[72hiboy4x4]

if you are careful, you can use a chisel or long screwdriver to knock the nut loose and unscrew it. there will be two (2) of these, separated by a lock ring. yes, they both must come off. then the bearing will fall off into the dirt, umm....I mean your waiting hand when you remove the hub.
replace the seals while it is all apart.

[460 crew]

That how my dad always did his. I eventually went and bought the socket for the job and he still likes his screwdriver method but didn't pass on using the socket.

[FLATBEDFORD]

The socket is much easier, only around $20, and you won't have to get your hands as dirty threading the nut on and off.

[67heavystepside]

hell, i still don't have the socket. i have only had the passanger side hub off once (leaking seal) ..

[SixManCab]

Mine had been previously removed by the chisel and hammer technique. Scared the nut pretty badly. Is that socket something I should be able to pick up at a regular auto store?

[FLATBEDFORD]

Yes.

[FORDification]

Mine had been previously removed by the chisel and hammer technique. Scared the nut pretty badly....

Yeah, them nuts DO get pretty scared when a hammer and chisel get too close. Oh wait...did you mean 'scarred'?? OK, never mind....we're thinking about two different things.

[72hiboy4x4]

my nuts get scared when a hammer gets too close, also. but thats from previous experiences! (don't ask!)

[67heavystepside]