Stage 8 Locking Fastener Install on a DNA44
Stage 8 has been making very unique and unfailingly strong fastener solutions for quite a while, over 25 years. The simple design and robust materials belie the engineering that goes into making certain that whatever you tighten stays that way whether it’s an offroad rig, a locomotive, a space shuttle or a military armored vehicle.
Follow along as we help The Hornet get fixed with a Stage 8 X-Lock hub locking spindle nut package.
This rig is a 1973 CJ-5 that gets wheeled fairly hard considering it’s still on leaf springs, a front D30 and drum brakes at all four corners. Running 35? tires, the owner hasn’t ever really had a front axle problem except for the spindle nuts occasionally coming loose. We grabbed a couple of Stage 8 kits and in 35 minutes had the first side done.
The system in an exploded diagram. Simple yet tough materials and a guarantee not to fail.
First step is to take apart what you have. Any D30, D44, D60 using a regular size lockout will work. We have confirmed the D30 hub conversion using the small Bronco II / Ranger hubs are not large enough to work with this kit. Follow as we break this down.
Unbolt and remove your existing lockout.
The drum brakes are a nice antique touch. Next comes the spindle nut.
Missed any maintenance? Now is a good time to re-grease your bearings since it will all be apart. We chose to tear it down further and replace a "soon to be bad" u-joint too.
The first step in putting the Stage 8 X-Lock on the spindle is to install the thrust washer shown in the exploded diagram at the top of this segment. The notched washer shown here is then installed, indexed on the spindle's keyway.
Followed shortly after the notched washer is the new spindle nut. The nut is unique in that it has two circumferential grooves that allow a snap ring that will be installed last. It tightens and loosens with the standard four prong spindle nut socket.
Once the spindle nut is tightened and bearing preload set to spec, the locking retainer is installed over the nut. There are eight inner teeth that engage with the spindle nut. On the outside, there are seven teeth that will only engage the notched washer in one way. You may need to rotate the locking retainer until it seats completely.
Then the snap ring is installed. The secret is finally revealed. The locking retainer is held in place by the snap ring which is mounted on the spindle nut AND is engaged with the interior notched washer. Nothing can move outward or inward.
Here you can see the guts of the Stage 8 X-Lock all together. Nothing can move until you remove the snap ring, the locking retainer and then back off the spindle nut. It's a clever design that eliminates any chance the spindle nut will get loose and leave you stranded.
A simple kit and about 30 minutes work if you're slow.
