Boy, there sure isn't much info on D70 axles online, in terms of the nut retainer setup. Catalogs are of little help, since there are seemingly 3 different size nuts for D70s and 2 different retainer types!
Some have 2 nuts with a washer with tabs in between, and some have a single nut with a wedge that digs into the nut. There are 3-4 different thread sizes too, based on RockAuto's info.
USA STANDARD GEAR USA33477
Rear; Dana 70; 1.830 in. I.D.; 10 Outer Tabs
DANA 36635
Fits Rear; 2.065 in. Spindle Nut, Six Slots; with Dana Model 60 Axle
Or Rear; 2.065 in. Spindle Nut, Six Slots; with Dana Model 70 Axle
USA STANDARD GEAR USA33486
Rear; Dana 70; 1.940 in. I.D.; w/Plastic Ring (Only 2 Remaining)
DORMAN 615139 16; Thread; 2"-16; Hex Size: 2-9/16"; Height: 5/8"
Rear; Floating Rear Axle
Dorman "AutoGrade" 615139 is the same thing as Dorman "Help!" 81035. Why they sell 2 identical things like that, I dunno.
My Econoline Chilton manual shows the wedge, and that's what O'Reilly and AutoZone shows for an 85 E350 retainer. I might have to replace that single type of nut, if that's what it has. It's not cheap, $20 each retail/$16 each online.
It has a plastic ring within the metal nut:
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...81035/4530868/1985/ford/e-350-econoline?pos=3
This picture is from a Dodge Dana 70 thread, showing the wedge and single Dorman 615139/81035 nut setup. If you look close, you can see a cut into the nut, which is how it's supposed to work. It digs into the nut and holds it there. They're meant for one use, I guess. I might be able swap the nuts around from either side to get a second use from them, but there's no guarantee.
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I cant decide if I should pull an axle shaft and look/measure before I start working, so I can have all parts on hand before I start. Knowing how things usually go, I'll end up having to run to O'Reilly for something mid-way through anyway, so pulling it apart early to try to be prepared is probably a dumb idea.
What sucks is I can't even LOOK until I get the jack, saddle, and stands because of the decorative wheel cover hiding the axle flange. So I'm gonna have to jack it up, get the wheels off of one side, pull a shaft, then run out and get a socket, nuts, retainers, etc.
I can either buy a spindle nut socket outright for $20-30, or get the AutoZone loaner set for $100 up front, then return it within 90 days when I'm done. (That's so much better than O'Reilly's 48 hour rental policy!) I'll probably do the loaner.. since it costs me nothing in the end. I can stick it on a credit card so it doesn't hurt my actual spending budget, and return it within a week or two.
https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-too...earing-locknut-remover-kit-7-piece/536901_0_0
It's still probably gonna cost me an extra $35-45 more than I expected due to the spindle nuts. On the plus side, I guess buying them retail at AutoZone is a nice gesture for the use of loaner tool, even if it costs me around $8 more than buying them online. That is... assuming they have the tool at either of the two locations here. If not, I'll be buying the socket AND I'll be paying retail prices.
I might have to drag things out through the end of the month by first checking the spindle nut setup, then ordering parts online to save a crap-load of money, then waiting 7+ days for the parts to come, then wait for a clear day to actually work on it.... hoping I have everything and don't have to wait a day or two for a parts house to get something additional for me.
I can either do all that, or spend about $100 more vs online prices.. which is kind of a big fat NO! I have way more time than I do money.
I suppose I might not even need brake shoes, if they aren't worn down. I might get away with cleaning them off and running rough sand paper over them. I did that on my F250 after it's wheel seal went bad on one side and I replaced it. Drove it around the country, across mountains in 2017 and then towing on mostly flat lands in 2018 with it after that, and it did fine. But, there's no telling what I'm gonna find inside those drums. I guess that tells me that I need to see what's inside before I buy any parts.
So, I guess trying to be in a rush is out of the question, unless I wanna spend the extra $100 by being in a hurry.
I just feel a bit stressed about sitting in my mom's driveway so long. There's always the possibility that code enforcement will come complaining eventually. It being parked here is ok, but me being inside isn't. Yeah I can drive it like it is, but it's not a great idea with oily brake shoes on one side. I haven't driven it any since I discovered the leak, except to move it from the grassy area back to the pavement before it rained. The ground was already a bit soft before but just dry enough I didn't create ruts (much), so there's no way I can park there now.