locking hubs

[Als87]

I replaced the front wheel bearings on my '87 & when putting everything back together, the locking hubs have some play in them & the gaskets are worn. I was told I just need new caps, everything inside works fine, but I don't know what kind to buy. The ones that are on the truck now are SuperWinch, but there are different options for fitment ex.# of splines I guess, Dana 44 or Dana 60 axle. I just want to buy the right ones the first time so I greatly appreciate all the help. U guys are always great.
Does it make a difference what transfer case I have? I think its a Dana 300 because its the only shift pattern I can find that matches mine.
4L
N
2H
4H

[pholliday1]

Looks like New Process 205 what type of front axle do you have?

[Als87]

Is a np205 chain or gear driven? (Mine is gear)
I'm not sure, its a 10 bolt if that helps. 1/2 ton 87.

[pholliday1]

The 205 is gear it also didn't come with your truck. Yours should have a 208 aluminum case. As far as manual hubs I've personally always used warn premiums there easy to install and when you order them I usually order a service kit. (If you plan on keeping the truck) I just hang the service kit on the wall.

[bake74]

     Let me see if I can compile this correctly for pics.

NP203 shifter knob:



shift pattern:


np205 shifter knob and pattern:


np 208 shifter knob:


     The shift positions of the NP208 are as follows from the most forward position (towards the engine) to the rear most position: Two Wheel Drive High Range, Four Wheel Drive High Range, Neutral, Four Wheel Drive Low Range The NP208 shift pattern is not straight forward, it has to be pulled to the side and back to enter four wheel drive low range mode.
     Oh course there are variations of shift patterns on the knobs especially between vehicle manufactures and the after market guys.  But if you do a search on the OL internet you will or can see all the variations.

[Als87]

Thanks for the info. My shifter knob is the first pic of the 203. I had thought mine was either a np203 or a Dana 300 but that's a jeep case.
 But dnt I need to kno what axle I have to kno what lockouts to buy. I need to get the caps replaced to keep water out, I'm not sure why they won't go all the way in but I was told that I need to replace the caps. I dnt understand why replacing te caps makes a difference but he do I kno which ones to buy?

[bake74]

     Here's a link to an Axle identification chart, happy hunting.

[Als87]

Thanks for the axle id info.
I dnt understand how if the caps are bad, it won't go on all the way. Even with the Allen screws tightened down it sticks out 1/8-1/4 inch. What is causing it to not go all the way in? By replacing the caps, wouldn't I just be putting new caps on that still won't seat? If the Allen screws are tight & its not going anywhere but has that 1/8"-1/4" play, what holds it snug where it should be?

[bake74]

     Pics would help in this situation, when you say cap, are you talking about the actual hub with the turn lock in it ?
     My guess, since I can not see it, is something is keeping it from seating all the way, either it is put together wrong or something is not aligned properly.
     If you have a Dana front end, here is a manual on Dana front axles.
     If you have warn hubs you can look here at a Warn Hub Breakdown. Here is the Supplemental Large Lock Ring .
     Yes you are right, before buying new caps (if you mean the actual hub outers) you should find out why yours will not work so you do not waste your money.

[Als87]

Thanks. I have a Dana 44, superwinch lockouts.
I took it off earlier, looking for something not lined up right. I turned the hub about 1/4 turn & it seated a lot better. Still has about 1/16" gap but that's a huge improvement.
& yea by cap I just mean the pc that just screws in with the 6 Allen screws

[bake74]

     You might have this already, but here is the superwinch hub installation guide.  Just in case you did not have it.

[Catrik]

I have Superwinch locking hubs and the have a small play in them too. I dont know for sure but I think its normal, atleast they work alright.
New O-rings would probably help it a little. Common problem with these seems to be the bolt's hex head stripping out, I've went to many bolts  stores but nobody even knows what the thread is, I have only found them on Superwinch store.. I think this is stupid and would not even consider buying some propietary bolts. I actually have only 4 bolts left (2 per side), Im going to try machine the bolts but if that wont work I'll get another brand of hubs for sure.