Aftermarket Axle Nuts?

[BurntRanger]

Hey y'all,

I'll be installing my Eibach Stage 2 Kit soon and I'm going to do it the suggested way of removing the axle nuts & popping the hub off to reduce stress on the CV axle joint.

I need to use new axle nuts when reinstalling the the hub, but Ford's axle nuts (KB3Z-3B477-A) are backordered/unavailable. Has anybody had any success with aftermarket axle nuts?

Tascaparts.com has them listed in stock but cancelled my order citing that they are in fact, not in stock.

Any suggestions are appreciated!

Sponsored

 

[ctechbob]

Not having a 4wd I don't know, but are the factory nuts staked in place? If so, I wouldn't bother with using new ones. Just torque to spec and re-stake.

Ford lists a ridiculous number of fasteners as 'one time use'. A lot of the time it is because of pre-applied tread lock (Which can be easily cleaned and replaced). Very rarely are the fasteners TTY (In which case you would need to replace them).

I wouldn't hesitate re-using an axle nut, and have, just not on my Ranger since I don't have them.

 

[Rp930]

A drop of red Loctite and reuse

 

[Frenchy]

Personally I would just reuse the old axle nuts. It's going to be hard to torque them down so what I do is use an impact gun on them. You should be fine

 

[MarioCart]

I'm not against re-using them if they are doing the job designed, or you alter a task to ensure they do the job as designed.
But, if you sleep better at night, get some on order and change them out down the road when you get them.

 

[Blmpkn]

Reuse em.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

I’ve not heard of any other aftermarket suppliers but our good friend Benny @LevittownFordParts.com might be able to source these.

Re-use them at your discretion…I recall Phil Schilke explaining why these should be tossed and replaced but can’t find his specific post. However, I found this article online…not sure if it applies to our axle nuts but Ford isn’t saying to toss them so they can make money on these inexpensive parts…

Understanding Prevailing Torque Nuts
Unlike your average automotive nuts and bolts, prevailing torque nuts are specialized. They are primarily used on significant components like axle shafts and ball joints – parts where a misplaced or loosened nut could lead to disastrous consequences, ranging from simple mishaps to tragic accidents.

During their manufacturing process, these nuts are intentionally deformed into an elliptical shape while hot. When tightened during installation, the force exerted by the bolt or axle shaft transforms the nut back into a round shape. Despite this transformation, the nut retains a degree of its original elliptical distortion. This design serves a critical purpose: to ensure the nut doesn’t loosen even in high heat conditions, where typical thread-locking compounds might fail.

Different Styles, Same Caution
There are two main types of non-reusable prevailing torque nuts: center locknut and toplock.

1. Center Locknut: This version has its deformed portion situated in the middle, allowing it to be installed from either end.
2. Toplock: This nut can only be placed one way. Its deformed end cannot engage with the threads, restricting its installation direction.

Regardless of the style your vehicle uses, the message remains the same: if you’ve taken one off, get a new one for reinstallation. Here’s why: a previously used nut won’t sustain the necessary torque when reused. The concept of manually “re-deforming” an old nut in a bench vise is futile – it simply isn’t designed for such manipulations.

The Price of Safety
Financially speaking, new axle nuts typically cost around $3, and ball joint nuts are even cheaper, often priced below $1. In the grand scheme of things, this small expenditure is a drop in the ocean, especially when considering the potential risk posed by reusing these fasteners. Safety, especially your family’s safety, is invaluable. When it comes to these specific automotive components, investing a few extra dollars can be the difference between a secure drive and a potential hazard. Remember, some savings just aren’t worth the risk.

— Rick Muscoplat, Automotive Editor

Your call, but make sure you have a torque wrench rated to 250 lb-ft.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

I’ve not heard of any other aftermarket suppliers but our good friend Benny @LevittownFordParts.com might be able to source these.

Re-use them at your discretion…I recall Phil Schilke explaining why these should be tossed and replaced but can’t find his specific post. However, I found this article online…not sure if it applies to our axle nuts but Ford isn’t saying to toss them so they can make money on these inexpensive parts…

Understanding Prevailing Torque Nuts
Unlike your average automotive nuts and bolts, prevailing torque nuts are specialized. They are primarily used on significant components like axle shafts and ball joints – parts where a misplaced or loosened nut could lead to disastrous consequences, ranging from simple mishaps to tragic accidents.

During their manufacturing process, these nuts are intentionally deformed into an elliptical shape while hot. When tightened during installation, the force exerted by the bolt or axle shaft transforms the nut back into a round shape. Despite this transformation, the nut retains a degree of its original elliptical distortion. This design serves a critical purpose: to ensure the nut doesn’t loosen even in high heat conditions, where typical thread-locking compounds might fail.

Different Styles, Same Caution
There are two main types of non-reusable prevailing torque nuts: center locknut and toplock.

1. Center Locknut: This version has its deformed portion situated in the middle, allowing it to be installed from either end.
2. Toplock: This nut can only be placed one way. Its deformed end cannot engage with the threads, restricting its installation direction.

Regardless of the style your vehicle uses, the message remains the same: if you’ve taken one off, get a new one for reinstallation. Here’s why: a previously used nut won’t sustain the necessary torque when reused. The concept of manually “re-deforming” an old nut in a bench vise is futile – it simply isn’t designed for such manipulations.

The Price of Safety
Financially speaking, new axle nuts typically cost around $3, and ball joint nuts are even cheaper, often priced below $1. In the grand scheme of things, this small expenditure is a drop in the ocean, especially when considering the potential risk posed by reusing these fasteners. Safety, especially your family’s safety, is invaluable. When it comes to these specific automotive components, investing a few extra dollars can be the difference between a secure drive and a potential hazard. Remember, some savings just aren’t worth the risk.

— Rick Muscoplat, Automotive Editor

Your call, but make sure you have a torque wrench rated to 250 lb-ft.

Hi Duke,

Unless they changed the requirements, torque prevailing nuts are tested to do the job correctly 5 times. That is off and reinstallation 5 times and still function as required. If an adhesive patch is part of the design, the 5 on and off still applied.... So I would reuse these nuts with a drop of red loctite and torque to spec and happy motoring... I had the entire truck fastener/materials group as part of my department and this was the way it was. Not really sure about now but as they say, JMO...

Best,
Phil

 

[airline tech]

if you choose to replace and go to parts store
Here are the nut specs:

M24x1.5 MM, the only thing that varies here is the socket size 32mm or 36mm.
32 = With Tow Package
36 = W/O Tow Package

The aviation side of me says replace but if just 1-time off and back on, you should be ok.
Torque to 221 Ft Lbs, after driving 50 miles or so recheck the torque.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Hi Duke,

Unless they changed the requirements, torque prevailing nuts are tested to do the job correctly 5 times. That is off and reinstallation 5 times and still function as required. If an adhesive patch is part of the design, the 5 on and off still applied.... So I would reuse these nuts with a drop of red loctite and torque to spec and happy motoring... I had the entire truck fastener/materials group as part of my department and this was the way it was. Not really sure about now but as they say, JMO...

Best,
Phil

Thanks for clarifying Phil - now I have to go learn about these adhesive patches. ?

Sponsored