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4X4 hub converson
- Thread starter JSpence
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Josh
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- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1991 4 Door Explorer XLT
Why would you do that? I'm not even sure that is possible. Why not just get manual hubs if you are looking to get rid of the auto hubs. If you convert to hubless, you will be dragging your front end around all the time giving you even worse gas mileage than you already have.
JSpence
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- 1991 Explorer XLT
Maybe I'm mistaken how would I drag my front end? I am looking at converting my 91 to the same 4X4 system used on 95+. Is it worth converting to the 95+ system or just getting msnual hubs?
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- '93 XLT 4x4
There are no HUB less versions. As mentioned by Josh 2nd gens+ have Full time hubs (they are permanently locked). As such the front wheels are ALWAYS connected to the axle shafts causing them to rotate (this additional movement is a small drag on your drive train costing a 1mpg or so in fuel). For 1st gens (91-94) you have a choice of either automatic (most Explores came with these) or manual hubs.
Check out the Ranger Stations Converting to manual HUB thread for info and pics on doing this job..
This job is VERY easy to do, but does require you to have a torq wrench 35ft/lbs-150ft/lbs as well as the large hub socket for the manual hub locknuts.
MrShorty
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Perhaps if you explained exactly what you hope to accomplish, we could make better recommendations. Are you trying to swap in the control trac 4wd system from a 2nd gen Explorer?? What aspect of the 2nd gen system do you want? The only real difference between the 1st and 2nd gen systems is the 4auto setting, and I don't know that I'd go to great lengths for that.
I don't think I've heard of anyone swapping out the TTB for an IFS system. Most people who get rid of the TTB want a solid axle. I don't know what differences there are between the 2nd gen frame and the 1st gen frame, but I expect there would be quite a bit of work to get the 2nd gen IFS system into the 1st gen. Essentially you need to completely replace the entire front suspension and steering.
If you just want to get rid of the selectability, get a set of manual hubs, put them in lock, and never touch them again.
Scratching at the back of my brain, it seems that someone here once welded (or otherwise modified) his auto hubs so that they were permanently locked. Did I dream that?? Does anyone know how that turned out?
Because the only reason I can see for this question is the 4A setting, here's what I would suggest. Leave the front drivetrain alone (except for putting manual hubs on). The 4A stuff all occurs in the transfer case anyway, so just worry about getting the transfer case in there. The hardest part of putting the t-case in is probably electrical, anyway (such as, does the t-case have it's own speed sensors or does it use the ABS sensors, which your '91 won't have). Basically, once you figure out the transfer case part of the swap, it shouldn't be hard to make the front drivetrain work with it as is.
I don't think I've heard of anyone swapping out the TTB for an IFS system. Most people who get rid of the TTB want a solid axle. I don't know what differences there are between the 2nd gen frame and the 1st gen frame, but I expect there would be quite a bit of work to get the 2nd gen IFS system into the 1st gen. Essentially you need to completely replace the entire front suspension and steering.
If you just want to get rid of the selectability, get a set of manual hubs, put them in lock, and never touch them again.
Scratching at the back of my brain, it seems that someone here once welded (or otherwise modified) his auto hubs so that they were permanently locked. Did I dream that?? Does anyone know how that turned out?
Because the only reason I can see for this question is the 4A setting, here's what I would suggest. Leave the front drivetrain alone (except for putting manual hubs on). The 4A stuff all occurs in the transfer case anyway, so just worry about getting the transfer case in there. The hardest part of putting the t-case in is probably electrical, anyway (such as, does the t-case have it's own speed sensors or does it use the ABS sensors, which your '91 won't have). Basically, once you figure out the transfer case part of the swap, it shouldn't be hard to make the front drivetrain work with it as is.
JSpence
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LOL I see your point I wasn't very clear. Yeah basically MrShorty had the idea. But after reading the posts It looks like it may be better to leave the existing 4X4 hubs in place or swap it for a manual option.I was mainly wanting to upgrade to newer 02+ wheels W/O my hub showing through the center.
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