Automatic Locking Hubs

[HH1]

Hi,

Since you were all so helpfull with my tire selection. I need some help with my hubs. Winter is almost here and its snowing outside as I type this (err...winter is here) There is a ratcheting sound comming out of my hubs and the front wheels are not turning when engaged...just allot of clicking. I really like the idea of being able to turn on and off the hubs from inside the truck so i have to stick with the auto hubs. Any ideas on what kind of hubs to get, or what ales mine? They were working great...then i replaced the wheel bearings, rotors and brakes after my right front wheel fell off at speed (remember that one!) anyway thanks for all your help.

 

[PekingMan]

Your hubs are toast. Welcome to the club! I would really recommend getting Warn manual hubs. Getting out and locking them is simple and I have yet been in a situation where I where I would have liked the convenience of the automatic hub. If automatic is still the way you want to go, I don't know if there are aftermarket hubs for the Explorer. You are going to have to go the dealer to get them and I could only guess how much that will cost. Manual hubs will cost you between 100-200 dollars depending on how you obtain parts.

 

[JDraper]

Yep, time for new hubs. I'd go with manuals. Warn and Pro-Comp both make aftermarket hubs for the X for under $200 and installation is a snap. You will have to buy a special socket to do the job, but it's about $15.

You can get new auto hubs, but they will probably cost a lot more $$ (Like $500-$600) and you will probably have to get them from the dealer. The auto hubs are also much less reliable.

 

[HH1]

So if I pick up some Warn manual hubs...how hard to put on? Is is as easy as Just pull the tire off and throw the auto hub into the river and put the manual hub in its place?

 

[TravisC]

It's not as easy as you think it is. Me and my brother just replaced mine auto hubs with some Warn manual ones. We took pictures and he's doing a write up on it, I'll let him know about this thread and have him give a link to the write up if you want.

Good luck

 

[JDraper]

That's pretty close to it . You also have to pull all the junk off the spindle down to the wheel bearing nut, and replace the wheel bearing locknuts with a new set. There is a hub installation kit you buy to do the install that consists of new bearing locknuts and washers. The instructions are quite good with the kits. I took me a grand total of about 30 minutes a wheel when I changed the hubs on my '92. Since I've done a couple, it now takes me about 15 minutes a wheel.

Just make sure you have a good strong pencil magnet to pull the woodruff keys out. They can be a SOB if they are jammed. Getting the keys out was a lot easier when I sprayed them with degreaser.

 

[TravisC]

The only hard part was getting the key out. My brother had a write up that someone had done and they said it would easily come out with magnet but of course it didn't. That was the roughest part, other than that it really wasn't bad at all.

 

[HH1]

Kick azz!
I have the axle socket $25 vip. Is that $145 per side and $40 for the conversion kit per side!! yikes!
Warn

 

[JDraper]

Originally posted by HH1
Kick azz!
I have the axle socket $25 vip. Is that $145 per side and $40 for the conversion kit per side!! yikes!
Warn

That's about what I paid for the whole set, not each side!! Find a Warn dealer. The price will be better.

 

[TravisC]

That's not a bad price, it was freaking expensive for me. My cousin even gave me a discount from Advanced Auto and it cost me about $220 for everything!! Rip off but it's better than auto or no 4x4. I had to get them on right way for they ECX run this weekend!

 

[JDraper]

Try Dead Link Removed . Mucho cheaper. You will also need Dead Link Removed . Total bill under $200

AAAAANNNNDDDD. They have free shipping today

 

[HH1]

Thanks guys.

 

[TravisC]

No problem, if you want the write up with picutres just let me know and I'll give you a link (no sure if he's got it up anywhere yet).

Good luck

 

[PekingMan]

Also try www.truckperformance.com. I did my manual about a month ago and it cost me $180.

 

[EliteConcept]

getting my manual hubs put on tomorrow.
with school and work i just simply don't have time to do it myself
so i figured i'd just have it done for me

i'm paying $220 for the manuals and the conversion kit.
i'm also getting new u joints *greaseable* while they are at it that set me back another $50
and to install they are chargin me 150

total with tax is 433.50

i know i could save lots by doing it myself
but i have this sound emiitting from the passenger side wheel when i turn the wheel to the left while driving....so i am having it professionally done cause i figure if they see something really really wrong then they won't pass up the chance to ring me for some more money.

~Ryan

 

[ahhjaws]

Check my website for write-up and pics. Go to Repairs/Mods section.
I was able to complete both wheels in about a half hour.
www.4x4ord.com