Auto 4x4 hubs clicking II

[F14CRAZY]

Howdy folks. After I posted my message a few hours ago about my hub clicking, I read some old threads about auto hubs that click. But I read my manual and refreshed myself of how the hubs engage and disengage with direction change. Well, out playing in the snow, I got my Ex stuck in a mud hole. I resorted to the rocking technique until I gave up and had my neighbor bring out with Surburban (ewwwww) to pull me out. Then BANG, it clicked in my head! While I was rocking the beast and flipping my column gearshift and stepping on the gas, the hubs were doing their thing, killing themselves. While I was doing this, I forgot that they did this and fried them! Sweet! But ok, I took off the hub and couldn't find the c clip I heard of that could shear. It only clicks on the driver's side. The right side was in the mud while the the left was on the ground, so I would conclude that only the driver's side is bad. (sorry if I have any of the you confused by now) I have heard of the Warns, but I would like to try to keep my Ex original as much as I can. I'll just be careful next time. Is it possible to only replace the bad hub and leave the other alone? If yes, is it worth trying to be cheap? I know that for example, if one or a few bearings is bad in an old transmission, it's better to replace them all instead of just the one's that NEED to be replaced. Is it a tough thing to do? I am only 15 (driver's ed coming soon) but I do a lot of work on farm equipment, so I know my mechanics pretty good. Is it something I could tackle? Thanks again. One more thing; what is this going to cost?

 

[X24]

It would be cheaper to put 2 brand new warn manuals on there than it would be to replace one with a ford automatic. The manuals are so much better. I had a 93 that had the clicking hubs. The piece inside that makes it engage is made of nylon and starts to get chipped and could actually melt if your rotors got hot enough (Thank You Ford!). Get yourself a set of the warn manuals. You cant go wrong. As for putting them in... I tried to do it and then got a little confused so I called up my ford mechanic buddy and he came over and helped me finish the job. I think the set of manuals cost me about $230 or so.

 

[Muskrat]

yeah, get the Manual hubs, it's hard to hurt them, but you also need a conversion kit, which is basically is 4 spindle nuts, and 2 locking rings, well worth it, I did the converision for 200, just look around for the best price

 

[Robb]

I have heard of the Warns, but I would like to try to keep my Ex original as much as I can.

You won't be taking away much from the originality of the truck, since many 91-94 Explorers came stock with manual hubs. I would definately go for the Warns. To quote my dad, "the other side has gone round just as many times as that side." Meaning, your driver side hub probably isn't far from failing itself. Putting hard earned money into auto hubs, which will eventually fail again, just isn't worth it IMO.

Good Luck!

Robb