I had a leaking rear axle seal ( Y'all already know where this story is heading ), anyway, got what I was sure was the right seal ( famous last words! ), and proceeded with the teardown. As soon as I got to the wheel to remove it, I knew this wasn't going to be my night, about 3/16" of movement back and forth on the wheel...... Anyway, get the tire off, get the axle out, and since this is the first later model full floater I had worked on ( 1960's before....), I am unaware of what this locking wedge is supposed to look like, but I am certain it isn't the folded over thing that I pulled out. Anyway, whoever had been in there last evidently just pounded it over, and over time, the nut had backed off. Of course, seal was the wrong one, so phone a friend to the rescue was employed, and I put her back together with a dab of loctite on the nut.

My question is, where can I get a new locking wedge? I don't see them on any auto parts stores, etc.

Surely I can't be the only one who has ever had to buy one?

 

NAPA has them.......usually on the little merry-go-round thing with misc parts.

 

The left side wheel will come off without the wedge installed rotation of wheel tends to loosen the left side nut. I wouldn't re-use the nut if it goes on easily just a word to the wise. dealer usually stocks the nut for around $50 and lock clips are around $5, wheel coming off during rush hour, priceless.

 

Dodge part number for the lock wedge is 4797126.

 

Quad4x4 is good for all that stuff, if you can wait a few days. I got express shipping on u joint straps and pinion nut for around $15 but got it in 2 days. Good luck.

 

It's a nylock nut. If it turns real easy, it's worn out. It's not supposed to be re-used for that reason.

Dorman, usually 15 - 20 bucks for the nut, coupla bucks for a 2 pack of the wedges.

 

Thanks guys, Quad sure is proud of theirs, found it at Napa though, Nut part number is 635-1102 something like 16 bucks, wedge is 635-1103 and 3 bucks. I am somewhat confused as to how the wedge works, mine isn't as boogered as I thought, I tapped it back in last night, but it didn't look materially different than the picture on the Napa website, don't know just how well the stupid thing holds.

Anyway, my problem was on the pass side, so the rotation is trying to keep it tight, and the nylock still made it hard to get back tight, that plus the lock and a dab of loctite will make it interesting the next time I have to get it apart. I think I will get a couple of nuts, seals, and wedges though, just in case, what a PITA to find stuff in a pinch.

Oh yea, my nuts were 2-9/16" as well........ Of course, the only size axle socket anyone had in stock was 2-1/2....... In a pinch, you can clearance it a wee bit and tap it on enough to work.