Auto hub to Man. Hub Questions from a Newbie

[BigDave]

I keep reading at this site and in the explorer newsgroup about people changing their auto hubs to manual hubs. What are the benefits and downsides to doing this? I am under the assumption that if you have manual hubs you have to get out and lock them every time you want to engage the 4 wheel drive. If this is wrong let me know.
I am just trying to see if it is worth it for me to change the hubs to manuals. I am running a stock 94 XLT right now, but I want to start making some mods to my toy. Any information you can give me would be greatly appreicated. Email it or post it here, whatever is easiest for you.

Thanks

 

[Ray Lobato]

Hi BigDave,
Well let's see here, what are the advantages of manuals as to autos. It really depends on if you are planning to do alot of off roading or not. Manuals when engaged will always be engaged. This is not true for the automatics. The autos will disenagage when you go in the oppsite direction then rengage again. Not good when going up a hill and have to stop, then roll back a bit. When you start, your hubs are not engaged at first in this senerio. The manual hubs are stronger. The only draw back to manual hubs, although I myself don't see it as being one, is you have to get out of your truck and manually engage them. If you are driving in the snow, then you can engage them, but don't put it in 4WD then when you need to go into 4WD just push the button. The only thing that happens is you are turning the axles, but the transferr case is not engaged so you won't hurt anything. you'll just use a little more gas because you have introduced a little more drag, because you are turning the front axles. If you are just going up to the slopes, and don't do much off roading, then maybe you don't really need them. If your auto hubs go out, then that may be the time to think about getting manuals, because the manual hubs are cheaper by a lot. Hope this helps. Dead Link Removed


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Happy Wheelin'
Ray L.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

 

[knightbowhunter]

i have the hubs and the conv kit but the book i have doesnt show good pics. need help on how to change