Hi all...
Overhauled my axle a little while ago (ford-sterling 10.5) Everything went together OK as far as I know. Only question I had was one of the last steps. I didn't tighten up the end-bolts that hold the axle caps into the hubs because I couldn't
do the BIG torque on the stand- wanted to wait till it was under the truck and on the ground again. I considered looking
for drilled-head bolts so I could sue safety wire on them. Most people -it appeared- just used Loctite on them before torqueing.
I was noticing that the fit of the bolt threads into the hub threads seemed a little looser than I would have expected for a bolt
having a pretty big torque on it. Would have expected a closer fit......
(changed these once on a 42 ford jeep- they were stretched -big time- you could see them get skinny with your necked eye..! )
These bolts have a nose section -about 3/8 long- that has no threads- just smooth shank- do these NEED to be there for
some functional purpose ? Can I just replace them with grade 8 normal bolts ? OR- are they "special-stealership" bolts.....
(may be metric- havnt measured yet)
If I use Loctite is blue OK in case I need to get in there one day ? This is not a part I want to heat to get Loctite loose one day....
Got to deal with them little puppies soon as I will be driving it soon. (on the road)
Opinions welcome !
Tim
PS-- my non-ford repair manual kind of implies that you should use silicone sealant on the threads.....
I have Loctite in red, blue and also #277 that I used inside the pumpkin.....