4x4 manual hubs c clip won't fit on now!

[powdertwoplanker]

Hi all, so I have a question for you all that have either done your wheel bearings and/or ball joints. Have you ever had a problem with getting the c clip back on after you did all the work?

Basically i just did the ball joints an since the hubs were off thought it would be good to do the wheel bearings too. I did the spindle bearing also. So now I'm get it all back together an i go to put the c clip on to hold the manual 4x4 hub an the axle is not out far enough or the hub not back far enough. What did i do wrong? Could it be that the inner wheel bearing is not seated fully, or possible something with the spindle? I don't need much.

Does any one know what size bolt will screw in to the axle? Thought if i could get a bolt in there i might be able pull the axle out enough to get the c clip on.

Called it a night so I'll be back at it in the morning maybe then it will all fit . If not i guess I'll be taking it all apart again

Thanks
Scott

 

[Hedgehog]

That is exactly what that threaded hole is for. Find a bolt that fits, I don't remember hat size it is. I rarely have the right thread, but all you really have to do is catch a thread (don't damage the thread) and pull. the axle will easily come out a little and you can snap the ring right on. This seems rudimentary now, but I remember the first time I did this job, there was no internet to get answers from, I got frustrated, could even be called MAD and stuck a bolt in there and pulled, "Well LOOK AT THAT." It all seems so simple now.

 

[powdertwoplanker]

In light of not knowing what size bolt, I took a long screw driver placed it behind the u joint an BAM! Got it out far to snap on.
Thanks for help

 

[Lumpy Grits]

The hole is 3/8-16thd
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

Lumpy - I more or less knew that, but wasn't sure so I wanted the man to work it out for himself. Finding a bolt size, especially a good old English threaded bolt isn't all that difficult. But, that's probably more for old hands like us that have a bolt bin laying around. When all else fails I grab my tap/die set and figure it out from there. It is funny though, I never seem to have a standard thread 3/8" bolt laying around, so I catch a thread with what can be found and pull the axle that way. ..... a side question here, have you noticed how difficult its getting to find 7/16th nuts and bolts lately? Even fine threads can be a challenge. Yes, I've got a Copper State Nut & Bolt store available, but sometimes you find yourself needing a quick trip to ACE just to stand there wondering where the bolt size you need disappeared to.