Hi guys,
I am trying to change my ball joints on my 96 F-150 XLT, and I am having an issue with taking apart the manual locking hub assembly. The previous owner clearly changed the OE hubs, as the driver and passenger side locking hubs are different. The passenger side literally came out in less than a minute from removing the cap through the hub assembly removal. The driver's side is different, however. Aside from removing the outer snap ring I can not do a damn thing. There are notches in the assembly that keep from removing the gears. I can find no inner lock rings, unless they are behind the gears and I can not see them. I will attach pictures, hopefully someone has experience with whatever freaking type locking hubs this person put in.

 

I am desperate, guys. Hope someone has an answer, even if it is obvious and makes me look like a moron.

 

You have the outer wire ring removed? I'm referring to the one thats about 3" in diameter and goes inside the wheel hub That and the 1" snap ring on the axle is all that holds it. If both rings are out, it must have a rust ring hanging it up. I can't imagine what else it would be.

-- Try pulling on the screws as you tap around the outside of the hub with a hammer. If its a rust/corrosion issue you should get some movement out of pulling and tapping. At least you should be able to determine whether its rust or you're up against a hard stop like another snap ring. I sure think it has to be a rust ring /ridge.

 

On the axle, behind the hub and rotor or in the assembly shown in the picture? Would it be behind anything or no. There is definitely nothing (no snap rings or such) on the outside left. Could be rust, the whole assemble slides out until it reaches the outer edge (shown in pic #1).

 

On my truck when I replaced the bearings there were 2 snap rings on on the outside that is touching the hub and one on the inside on the outer most part of the axel. It looks like you have the inner snap ring off but i can't tell if you have the outer snap ring. it is a little difficult to get at it and see it but if you have a couple small screw drivers you should get it. It could be corrosion like he said tho too.

 

Yeah I definitely have the outer ring off. I never found an inner ring, but I really don't see it and as you said it looks like the inner ring is off. I played with a mallet and pulling the other day, to no avail. Maybe I need to give it more gusto. I sure hope so, as I really don't want to pay hundreds of dollars in labor for a part that costs less than $10.