I haven't seen anything posted about this, so here is a way to avoid paying $80 for a socket that you will probably only use a few times in your life, if that (I used this tool on my '72).
You need the following:
- An old socket, I used a 1.25-inch (not sure if other Panteras have different axle nut sizes; if so then use a socket that is about the same diameter as the axle nut)
- 4 pieces of 3/16 inch (thickness) x 1 inch (length) steel keyway (available at Lowe's in the hardware section). 3/16 is the size of the axle not grooves on a '72 (I used a 3/16 drill bit to determine this; again you can use the same technique on different model years).
- Ability to weld
Basically you weld the 4 pieces of key onto the outside of the socket, and you now have your tool to remove the axle nut. To make sure the alignment is correct, have the axle assembly on a bench, axle nut facing up. Lay the socket on top of the axle nut. The socket diameter should be the same as, or slightly smaller than the axle nut diameter. Lay a piece of steel key into each axle nut socket groove (for all 4 grooves). Tack-weld the pieces of key to the socket, then of course weld the pieces of key solidly to the outside of the socket.
Credit goes to my brother, who used this trick to quickly work on his dirt race car axles w/o paying some obscene amount for a manufactured socket.
If anyone is interested I can post some pics.
Cory
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