Stage 8's X-Lock
Locking Spindle Nut System

Upgrading the spindle nut is something that most of us don't think about even though we all have complaints about how traditional systems work. Typically, there's an inner spindle nut that you torque to the correct bearing pre-load, some kind of locking washer, and then an outer nut which retains the inner nut. These usually work great, at least for the first few days after you install them. But what usually happens after a while that is that they either loosen off, or when it comes time to service your hubs, you need to use a new lock washer because the other one is bent or just doesn't do its job anymore.

But the Stage 8 system fixes these problems. It's easy to use, easy to remove, and fully re-usable. It consists of five simple pieces:

1. Thrust Washer
   Just like the washer you'd find in your average spindle/hub assembly.
2. Notched Washer
   This washer has an inside tab which fixes its position in relation to the locating groove in the spindle. Its outer edge is lined with tabs that provide a locking surface for the retainer to hook onto.
3. Stage 8 Nut (Spindle Nut)
   There is only one spindle nut per spindle. You apply the torque pre-load to this nut, and don't use any other nut to lock this one in place.
4. Locking Retainer
   The locking retainer ring contains tabs and grooves that lock the spindle nut and the notched washer to each other. Since the notched washer is locked in relation to the spindle, this prevents the spindle nut from loosening off, as well.
5. Snap Ring
   The snap ring holds the locking ring onto the spindle nut.

Like many of the best inventions, its design and concept is so simple, practical, and obvious, that we're left wondering why no one came up with this before. Here's a step-by-step series of photos showing how to install the Stage 8 spindle nut system:

After inserting the thrust washer, slide the notched washer onto the spindle. Notice how the inside tab on the washer fits in the groove cut along the length of the spindle.

Next, the Stage 8 nut goes onto the spindle. Here you can see how it is grooved along its outer surface to allow the fitment of a snap ring.

After tightening the nut to the correct torque, the locking retainer is slid over the Stage 8 nut. Rotate the retainer until its inner tabs and bottom tabs line up with grooves or slots in the Stage 8 nut and the notched washer. The X-Lock system provides enough settings so that the spindle nut can be locked to with 1/2 degree of any position needed.

Finally, install the snap ring around the Stage 8 nut, which locks the locking retainer in place.

I highly recommend this product. It makes it super easy to remove/re-install hub assemblies and keeps the bearing pre-load just right, preserving the life of your bearings and, more importantly, saving you the work of replacing them.

As of November, 2009, they have kits for Dana 30, 35, 44, 60 and 70 spindles. There are some restrictions so check their website for full details: http://www.stage8.com