The Mile Marker 449SS is a premium locking hub designed for vehicle applications requiring manual control of wheel engagement. Installation involves the removal of existing hub components, cleaning, and careful assembly of the Mile Marker hub body, cap assembly, and associated hardware. The documentation details a specific sequence of steps to ensure proper functionality, including alignment of splines and the correct installation of springs and lock rings. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the installation process based on the provided documentation.
Component Identification and Preparation
The Mile Marker 449SS Premium Locking Hub consists of several key components, identified by specific part numbers. These include the Allen head screw (Item 1), the cap assembly (Item 2), the body assembly (Item 3), the alignment pin (Item 4), the lock ring (Item 5), and the Spirolox (Item 6). Prior to installation, the existing hub assembly must be removed. This includes the dust cap, axle snap ring, lock ring, drive flange, spring, and oil slinger ring. These removed components should be set aside for potential reuse or reference.
The wheel housing requires thorough cleaning to remove corrosion, particularly within the locking ring groove. A light coat of motor oil should be applied to both the axle shaft and the wheel housing splines to facilitate smooth engagement during installation.
Installing the Mile Marker Body Assembly
The Mile Marker body assembly (Item 3) is the central component of the locking hub. Installation begins by inserting the body assembly into the wheel housing. The axle splines must be aligned first. Following initial alignment, the body assembly should be rotated until the wheel housing splines also align. The assembly is then slid into place. The documentation notes that lifting the axle slightly may be necessary to center wheel bearing free play.
Cap Assembly Installation and Functionality
The cap assembly (Item 2) is installed over the opening on the wheel housing after the body assembly is in place. It is crucial to ensure the alignment pin is correctly positioned. The ends of the cap springs must be aligned with the base of the ramps on the cam of the Mile Marker body assembly.
The cap assembly features a dial that allows the user to switch between “FREE” and “LOCK” modes. The documentation instructs users to turn the dial to “LOCK” and then back to “FREE” to verify that the assembly moves freely, indicating proper operation. Setting the dial to “FREE” is the initial step before placing the cap assembly onto the wheel housing.
Securing the Assembly with Lock Ring and Spirolox
Once the body assembly and cap assembly are positioned correctly, the lock ring (Item 5) and Spirolox (Item 6) are used to secure the assembly. The Spirolox is spread apart with fingers, and the entire lock ring is angled away from the face of the wheel housing. The documentation does not provide further detail on the specific method of securing these components.
Component Part Numbers
The following part numbers are associated with the Mile Marker 449SS Premium Locking Hub:
- 449.14: Dust Cap
- 449.CAS: (Description not provided)
- 449SS: Complete Hub Assembly
- 449.BA: (Description not provided)
- 449.09: Axle Snap Ring
- 105.15: Spring and Oil Slinger Ring
Available Documentation
Mile Marker Industries provides a range of documentation for its products, including instructions for various winch models (2000 lb., SEC4500, SEC, SEC18) and other hub models (104, 302, 460, 466 Toyota, 490 Toyota, 501-203, 549 Premium Locking Hubs). Specific instructions are available for the 449SS hub, as well as bolt-on instructions and spindle nut conversion instructions. A Premium Locking Hubs Guide is also available.
Conclusion
The installation of the Mile Marker 449SS Premium Locking Hub requires careful attention to detail and adherence to the specified sequence of steps. Proper cleaning, alignment of splines, and secure fastening of the lock ring and Spirolox are critical for ensuring optimal performance. The provided documentation outlines the necessary procedures for a successful installation, emphasizing the importance of verifying free movement of the cap assembly after completion.
Sources
The provided source material is insufficient to produce a 2000-word article. Below is a factual summary based on available data.