F-250 4x4 Front HuB Removal help

[jkcrewsn]

I am new to this board, but I am out of ideas so I need some help. I am trying to ultimately replace the ball joints on my '91 f-250. I figured I would replace the bearings and seals along the way since the truck has 160k + miles on it.
I am stuck at trying to get the hub apart. I have a "spindle nut" socket, and have been assured (after two 30 min one way trips to the auto parts store), that this tool should take the lock nut off to pull the hub off. All the sockets that I have been shown (just in case I had the wrong one) were the same size. The problem is that the socket wont fit around the outside of the part that holds the hex head screws that holds the locking hub cap on. Is that part supposed to come out before the socket goes on? I can't imagine that is true, since what would be holding the whole cap on, if the screws go into a piece that would just slip off? That part has play in it, but wont come out. I have a "Chiltons", but it doesn't seem to address this. It does say there is a locknut that needs to be removed, but I am not sure what they are talking about.
I have done a search on this forum, but couldn't find anything about removing the hub. I am sure it is easy and straightforward, but I'm just not seeing it. Any help would be appreciated for this mechanically challenged DIY wannabe.
And just for clarity it has manual locking hubs, and I am not sure what the axles are, but the door tags says the GAWR of the front is 3559 lb. and the rear is 4012. Yes, it's a 6 cylinder, and it has a leafspring suspension.
Thanks.

Jeff

[highboy73]

there is a expansion ring about 1/4 " from the lip of the hub that holds that piece it.
might have to get a rag and wipe it out good to see it.some are round and some are square.sometimes it's a PIA to get off too.

[jkcrewsn]

okay thanks, I will be tearing it apart (or at least trying to) tomorrow. I will try wiping it out to get a better look in there. Thanks again for the reply.
Jeff