82 720 4wd Front Spindle question

[unitrak750]

Hello fellow enthusiasts,

 

I have been tackling a bushing, ball joints, and axle rebuild on my 82 720 4wd project. I have taken apart the spindles to regrease the bearings and change seals but have no clue how to separate the hub from the disc. I have removed the disc mounting bolts and the hub won't slide off. Most videos and write ups are for 85+ 720's and the hub just slides off with the disc. On this 82 model does the hub need to be pressed out? I want to inspect the seal on the disc side and regrease everything before putting it back together.    

 

Thank you

 

 

 

[Charlie69]

Rust and road grime are holding them together.  Spray liberrally with your favorite flavor of luricant/rust desolver and let sit over night,  take a hammer and a BRASS punch/drift and tap around the base of the hub on the rotor to separate from the hub.  This takes a little time.  Remember these are Japenese designed so they are not sloppy like a Ford!

[unitrak750]

Thanks!

[unitrak750]

Any tips on removing the inner bearing to replace the seal without destroying the bearing? I did one hub and applied heat but damaged the bearing. I have new one ordered just want avoid destroying it if I can.

[unitrak750]

Anyone know what spindle nut replacement can be used? The one on one of the spindles has seen better days.

 

[datzenmike]

 

 

The part number for the pre '83 is 40241-41W01 and only used on the pre '83 720. Try for a match on line. Take it into a fastener shop and see if they can match it or identify the thread pitch.

[Charlie69]

What you have is better than nothing.  Used worse ones on logging trucks with no problems, just be sure to file off any burrs on the side of the locking nut.

[unitrak750]

Thanks guys, nut isn't so bad but threads in too tight for my liking. The passenger side nut is worse but threads on nicely on either hub. Hubs we're clearly put together the wrong way. 

[Charlie69]

Put an ad for one in the Ratsun Classifieds.

 

The thread is most likely metric as all other threads on a 720 are metric.

Edited April 11, 2021 by Charlie69

[720_Jeff]

I think I'd also check Row52.com.  There are a couple of Datsun 4x4 720's out there.  Couple in WA.  You might be able to guy someone nearby to see if the part is still on the truck.

Row52 also seems to have a 'puller notification' service.  Maybe by putting out a request, someone might do it for ya.

[butter fingers]

hey , there is an '84 here in san diego . i will look for you . butter fingers 

[datzenmike]

'83 and up are different I think.

[butter fingers]

good point Mike . i was wondering about the placement of rear shocks . my 80 4x4 which was stolen had the rear shocks mounted on the back side of the rear axle . my '86 has one in front and one in back . what can someone teach me about that . 

[datzenmike]

Leaf springs do strange things when subjected to acceleration/deceleration with the axle twisting the pinion down and up. IIFC the first year ('67) Camaro had really bad wheel hop on hard acceleration. The next year the shocks were staggered one front and one behind.

[butter fingers]

Boy , you are  killing it Mike . did the california 84 truck have the 6 wire carb or just 85 and 86 ? 

[datzenmike]

'83 and up California 720 used the ECC electronic controlled carburetor with the 6 wire plug.

[butter fingers]

in 1983 i started working in the warehouse of  a janitorial company . Gary the owner joined dick barber and purchased performance datsun in san diego . we had a fleet of ragged 620's for our floor crews . we were buying the first 720's for our managers to drive . Gary was a co- sponsor with the infamous JDavid  and together with John Fitzpatrick racing team raced a  Porsche 935 and 956 then 962 cars to many wins and championships . i was in the right place at the right time and got to pick up the new 720's and drive them brand new !! i went to my fair share of endurance races too . i even went with Gary to indy in 1989  . lucky me , butter fingers 

[unitrak750]

Thanks everyone for the input. Got access to a press today and after some elbow grease got the hubs assembled. They're looking way better than before.