Warn M2 Hubs

I removed the Warn M2 hubs in preparation of a front disc conversion and the drivers side came off as one unit after I removed the six bolts. The passenger side clutch assembly came off leaving the locking assembly attached to the axle with a c clip. Am I missing a c clip on the drivers side or is this the way you would expect it?
The grease looks about 50 years old. I have read to wash the parts in solvent. What solvent? I have an ultrasonic cleaner if that helps.
What type of grease do you recommend when I reassemble the hubs?
Thanks.

 

Ayuh,..... I'd think yer missin' a c-clip,.....

Kerosine, or fuel oil is a good reasonably safe solvent,.....

You'd use the same wheel bearing grease in the hubs, as the bearings,.....

 

The M2s usually have circlips on the axle stub. Kerosene or paint thinner (even lacquer thinner) is good for soaking /cleaning decades of grease.
-Donny

 

I don't think you want to put those back together with heavy wheel bearing grease. It makes operation really stiff at low temps. I just use Lubriplate 105 on them. Make sure the o-rings on the dials are in good shape. I found some from McMaster-Carr for replacements. Bad o-rings kill those hubs.

 

Torque King 4x4 has a service kit that comes with gaskets, new O-rings, and circlips: https://torqueking.com/product/4036/tk4036-hub-service-kit-for-warn-m1-and-m2-hubs-for-jeep-and-ihc/

 

I just restored a set of M2's I purchased from Mike Starck a couple of months ago: http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/131117/page-3#post-1742797

If you have or can get one, I'd highly recommend using a deburring wheel on a bench grinder to polish up the hubs. It worked extremely well, and took very little time.

 

Yes. I believe the OEM spec was a light wipe of oil, IIRC. Although that may have been for the automatic type I have on my '56.

 

Remember that O ring is not a standard O ring. It is beveled. Tork King made to correct ones a few years back.