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I am installing the right rear hub and drum after working on axle, etc. The hub is new. I am trying to get the key to go in, but it is going in very hard. As you can see from the picture below, it took a couple good blows from a hammer to get it that far, but I stopped as it seems like it is going in way to hard. Any suggestions on this?

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looks to me you have the wrong key, is it tapered, the taper goes down and towards the axle buzzzz

It is the same key that came out when I took everything apart. I inserted it the way it shows in the parts manual. All I can think is the new hub has something to do with it.

Before risking a cracked hub by forcing the same key that I took out back into a new hub I would buy a new key and lay them side by side and see what the problem is. Anyone before you could have filed the old hub out and made that key fit. I assume you have thoroughly cleaned the key and the grooves and have put some anti-seize on the key or grooves.

I will have to try a new key. I have thoroughly cleaned everything and have used anti seize on the key and grooves...

Try to keep in mind that the key does not hold the drum on. It simply prevents the drum from rotating on the axle. The tapered axle's angle and the drum angle do the interference and stick that is needed to keep the hub on and the nut backs that up. The key should not need anything more than a light tap to insert it.

Anyone have measurements of the proper key I can use to compare?

Never mind on dimensions, found that they should be .3175x .250x 2 7/8"

Where did you find the dimensions? How do they compare to your key?

I will measure and compare tonight when I get home from work. Surplus City had the measurements for the key #636374

aforests wrote:Never mind on dimensions, found that they should be .3175x .250x 2 7/8"

AAron, did you mean .3125 (5/16) not .3175?

The dimensions in the M38 ORD 9 page 233 are 0.3175 x 0.250 x 2 7/8" long also.

wesk wrote:The dimensions in the M38 ORD 9 page 233 are 0.3175 x 0.250 x 2 7/8" long also.

That is an odd dimension isn't it..

Key goes in with the tapered portion in and down so as to fit in the tapered portion of the axle...

Also I have found you put the key in first then slide the hub over the key and tighten with the nut and washer till snug and tighten to proper torque and insert the cotter pin...

I just completed my M-38A1 rear Dana 44 and that is how it went together...

Hope this helps...

If you research a little more on the torque on the axle nut, it is a bit more than snug. It calls for 150 Foot Pounds.