Can you still drive with 4wd Hubs busted??

[JoeC5]

Hey whats up fellas. I am leaving on a short vacation with my buddies at the end of december. We are going to for some skiing. Anyway I am a little bit worried about my hubs breaking since they are the originals and have 113,x.. miles on em. If they happen to break while I am up there, is the X still drivable in 2wd??

 

[mdrut]

It's not a good idea..When it goes, the poly usually bust into pieces, which in turn can work it's way into the bearing.

 

[JoeC5]

Thanks for the info mdrut. One thing right after the next with this explorer . I have a feeling that the X is getting back at me for putting it in storage for half of the summer. Now which hubs to choose....automatic or manual. I think that I am going to go for the new upgraded version of the automatic hubs that the ford parts network is offering. I remember awhile back that this was brought up....and info on what was upgraded on these babies???

 

[Brian1]

My auto hubs busted on me in the middle of a moderate rated trail (im stock) and I kept going with 1 broken hub. It did not affect anything on the Explorer, it only made an annoying noise. I also drove home on the highway with the broken hubs for about 6 hours with no problems. Do what you are comfortable with. As for replacing them there should be no question to go manual hubs. Cheaper and stronger.

 

[JoeC5]

I am probably going to get the upgraded autos because I dont want to get in and out of my truck just to lock the hubs. Call me lazy, if I need it right away I dont feel like pulling over to the road to lock em up.

 

[Bionc Marsh.]

Like Brian1 said, my autos broke on a light trail. It made a loud banging noise while in 4x4. I drove it home from Los Coyote to Palm Springs and had no problems. The truck had 150,000 miles on it at the time. I installed Warn manuals, still not great but seem to be fine.

 

[CADDYBILL]

I drove mine for over a year with the pass side hub broken. That was before I knew about you guy's and this place.

 

[RFR2212]

When mine busted, the only way they didn't grind was by driving in 4x4. Joe, save future fusteration, get the Warn manual hubs! Plus, i don't know of any "upgraded auto hubs"
Pete

 

[JoeC5]

Originally posted by RFR2212
When mine busted, the only way they didn't grind was by driving in 4x4. Joe, save future fusteration, get the Warn manual hubs! Plus, i don't know of any "upgraded auto hubs"
Pete

Here they are, redesigned/stronger auto hubs.

http://www.fordpartsnetwork.com/catalog/Explorer/4x4_Components/

 

[CADDYBILL]

244.99:frustrate

 

[JoeC5]

Originally posted by CADDYBILL
244.99:frustrate

I dont know to much about hubs and pricing...how much for a set of warn manuals??

 

[Positive Vibes]

Joec5: You should go with the manuals. More reliable and stronger. As for the lasyness all you have to do BEFORE you start 4 wheeling just switch the hubs and drive around till you need 4 wheel drive then hit the auto 4x4 engage button. This way you wont have to get out and get muddy etc. Hope this makes sense.

 

[JoeC5]

Originally posted by Positive Vibes
Joec5: You should go with the manuals. More reliable and stronger. As for the lasyness all you have to do BEFORE you start 4 wheeling just switch the hubs and drive around till you need 4 wheel drive then hit the auto 4x4 engage button. This way you wont have to get out and get muddy etc. Hope this makes sense.

Good point. Maybe I will go with the warn's after all. I better start searching for the best prices. Know of any places or websites??

 

[Positive Vibes]

Oh and Joe they are also cheaper than the autos should be around $125 a pair, but I bought mine around 4 years ago so I may be off . Call 4x4Wholesalers they will usually match or beat anyones price.

 

[JoeC5]

Ok, some more questions. When the hub breaks, what exactly needs replacing? Just the hub, what about interal components such as the cam and so on?? With the manuals is there a conversion kit so it bolts up?? Meaning the hub assembly needs to be torn apart?? thanks again fellas

 

[mdrut]

When mine popped, it was the metal retaining springs on the cam.
Go with the Warn, I have been running them for about 6 months now and love them.
Do a search, there have been several write-ups on the conversion...

 

[Bionc Marsh.]

The plastic retainer broke, I think, it was a long time ago. I been running the Warn manuals for over 100,000 miles, with no problems.