Spindle socket size? 97 F350 4x4

[mamatried01]

Replacing the ball joints on my 97 crew F350 4x4. Disassembling down to the axle shaft nut. Did a search and not finding the size spindle socket I need or where to purchase it. Has automatic lock.
Thanks.

Another question, the threads I have seen said there should be a snap ring inside the hub to remove. I've takin it down to the axle shaft nut already and did not see or remove a snap ring.

[STROKED_NY_023]

I believe the snap ring is ahead of the nut, kind of like a retention ring... Not sure on the nut size, but the last time i did it i was able to rent the entire kit from Autozone.

[Desert Rancher]

The big nut is a 2-3/4 hex, I got Performance Tool W9346 from O-reilly's.
If you install locking hubs, the big hex nut goes away and a spanner socket is used.

DR