on a97 3500 what size socket will i need to remove the axle nut?

bill

 

It takes a 2 9/16" rounded hex thin wall socket.
I bought mine at Napa for $27. It was 1/2" drive.

 

thanks
bill

 

Buy an eight inch piece of 2 1/2" exhaust pipe. Heat one end until it's red and then drive it with a hammer onto the hub nut. It will expand out and form a perfect fit. Cool it off with some water. On the opposite end drill a hole through one side and out the other so as to accomidate some sort of leverage device ( screwdriver ect...) and bada bing!!! Cheap wrench! Total cost, maybe a buck.

Bananas!

 

if you have a hard time getting the drums off adjust the adjusters in all the way. this was the only way i got my drums off. after that i grinded the ridge down the pads cause so it would be easier the next time to get the drums off.

 

that's a great idea! do you have a patent on that?

 

On a 97, the drums will actually slide off without removing the hub.

 

Exactly.

If you still have to take the nut off for some reason, I bought the biggest socket that autozone had. I think it was for a ford 4x4. It just barely doesn't fit, but you can take a hammer and slightly beat it out from the inside and it fits perfect. I didn't have a napa close to me.

 

Great idea Bannana's I have been holding off on that grease seal for a while because of that darn socket! I am going to go out there tomorow and give it heck Thanks!

 

if you are just trying to get the drums off, this is the easy way. put your rear end up on jack stands, put one lug nut on each side loose (so your drums don't roll down the street). then start up your truck, put it in drive with your foot on the brake. give it a little gas. put it in reverse and repeat. in your mirror you should see the drum coming off. put it in neutral and turn it off.

get out and the drums will come right off.
no need for the spindle to come off unless you are changing bearings.