An alternative to the original Vanagon crimp nut for the front spindle is
the Porsche clamp nut (Porsche P/N 911 341 673 00, ~$35/each) for '70 to '86
Porsche 911s.  This clamp nut can be repeatedly loosened and re-tightened to
adjust wheel bearing preload.  It has the same M18x1.0 threads as the
Vanagon spindle nut and fits neatly under the Vanagon dust cap.  This is
also available used on ebay or from after market suppliers for $10+/each.  I
am using this with the SmallCar Big Brake kit.  I imagine it also fits in
the original Vanagon hub but since I have just one Vanagon I haven't tried
it on an unmodified hub.  This must, of course, be installed with the
original keyed thrust washer.

The 914 Porsche, late 356A, 356B, 356C, some early 911Ts and 912s use a
similar nut (P/N 914 341 671 00) but it has M16x1.0 threads and will not fit
so be careful.  This is also listed as NLA.

Please note that I am not suggesting this clamp nut is appropriate for
anyone to use on the Vanagon front spindles or that anyone use this clamp
nut on their Vanagon.  If your front wheels fall off because you use this
clamp nut it is not my fault!

On Sat, 16 Jun 2012 18:56:59 -0400, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
wrote in the thread Re: "PEX front bearings WARNING-big brake kits!":

>
>As for the PEX bearing kits, for most suppliers the OEM shouldered crimp
>nuts are very hard to get cheaply. So to do this job right either order the
>crimp nuts from the dealer or one of our suppliers or get "jam" nuts and
>install two back to back. Make sure the thrust washer is not worn and that
>the tab is in place. Of course the spindle has to be checked for wear also.
>The inner race should not spin with the bearing loaded. I have seen many
>bearings haves short lives due to improper installation.
>
>Dennis
>
>