91 explorer hub problems....

[rrrrr_explorer]

ARGGG!! 91 auto hubs... It started 2 winters ago. I had the explorer in 4hi, driving @ 55 it would kinda jerk. It progressivly got worse. Until the point where all I heard was the ratcheting clicking noise coming from the front left side.got a hub from LKQ.... I put it on and it did not work... I came on this site and found that I should clean the hubs thouroughly. The noise (and no 4x4 engaugemnet) continued. I went back on this site. found some threads on bad bushings and joints could be the problem. So I replaced all 4 ball joints. Also replaced the SHocks. Also the Axel pivot bushings. Same problem continued..
After months of tinkering with this thing... (and yes pushing the 4x4 button so many times in testing that the bushing in the motor broke off). Thanks for the EASY fix Guys!!! Anyways, I pulled the hubs back off and cleaned them with super hot diesel. STILL THE SAME THING!

I put the LKQ hub back on after I swapped the hubs from left to right and found that there was no engaugement and no clicking/ ratcheting...

Ohh.. I also found that the LKQ hub VS. my hubs are different. Just a bit on the inside. The hub from LKQ has a 2 gear teeth rings then one larger. Mine just have 2 rings. I do not know if it matters..

I think I have 2 blown hubs. my origional and the one from LKQ.
I have pulled the hubs apart. (removed the snap rings and removed the 2 geard parts. There is no noticeable damage to any of the gear teeth...


I think I am ready for manual hubs.... Is there anything else I am missing?

 

[rhauf]

manual hubs + manual hub wheel bearing nut kit (yeah) and you'll be good

 

[Reejerey]

at this point I'd just go to the manual hubs and be happy that you don't have to deal with the auto's anymore.