changing from manual hubs to automatic.

[peterdaniel66]

Ok i my be buying a 94 sport two door and it has the push button 4 wheel drive with MANUAL hubs ( which i thought was strange.... Anyhows could someone tell me the best and easiest way to change them to auto locking hubs... How exactly do those auto hubs work anyways??? Is it easy Please be specific in your answer Thanks and great forum!!!:redexp:

 

[Doug]

Why would you want auto locking hubs? Manual locking hubs are much better.

 

[Alec]

That truck has manual hubs because the Ford auto hubs are crap. Countless a member of this site has lost an auto hub on the trail and had to limp back home, countless more have swapped to manuals. Stay with the manuals. Even though you have to get out to engage them, they'll work much better for you in the longrun.

Welcome to the forum! Hope to see you out on the trails using those hubs!

 

[TPLYNCH]

Ditto, stick to the manuals. You can alway lock them beforehand if you think you'll be driving into something requiring 4x4 - won't harm the X, just a little more drag. Then when you push the button, you're in 4x4, just like if it were a '95+. Besides, the crapomatics are ~$300 per side, and not worth the trouble.

 

[Sir Robin]

Even if that type automatic hub is working perfectly, (correct me if I am wrong) the vehicle has to roll approx 2-3 feet once the t-case engages for the hub to actually engage. What good does that do you if you are already spinning a wheel in 2wd?

 

[Ray Lobato]

Hello to another Bay Area Explorer

Welcome to the site.
I think you are ahead if you buy the truck with manual hubs already on. Most people eventually change to manual hubs, because the auto hubs are not real trust worthy. You would be better off keeping them as opposed to replacing them, plus it will cost you about $350.00 to change them back to auto hubs.
I see that you are from San Jose. There are a few of us from the Bay Area that go to Hollister Hills and other places. If you would like to join us for a day of 4wheeling, I can email you the next time we go out. We usually post in the trails and land issues forum when we go out.

 

[Positive Vibes]

Keep the manuals. They are more reliable and cheaper. Just switch the hubs before you get into any thing serious and when you need the 4wd just hit the auto engage button.

 

[peterdaniel66]

manual hubs

WOW thanks for the reponse i will definitely stay with the manual hubs! i do have some more questions regarding them 1) How long can i leave them locked and NOT in 4WD 2) how long can i leave them locked and IN 4WD 3) what weather conditions can i leave them locked in? for example if i leave in the morning to go on a trip when I am in Denver and it is snowing most of the trip but some parts of the road are clear.... Am i going to hurt the hubs by leaving them locked or do i Have to get out and un lock them..? What maintenence is the BEST for them? ie how often do they need to be lubed greased etc.... Hi ray I am in San Jose/ Campbell I would love to go riding one day Havent got the exlorer yet but if you want ( and anyone else that cares to) go look on EBAY and look for item number 1823154252 Let me know what you think I have already made a deal with the guy so no out bidding me! Give me a ring at vwmeoww@aol.com and we will hook up take care and thanks in advance for your answers to the above questions!

 

[TPLYNCH]

Leaving the hubs locked for extended periods should not cause any damage, just a little extra wear and tear, drag and slight decrease in gas milage. As long as you don't have the 4x4 on while you are on pavement or hardpack surface, you should be fine. Running 4x4 then for extended time WILL CAUSE DAMAGE, especially if you are turning . So in your example, you leave Denver @ 8am. The forcast calls for snow. Before you leave, lock your hubs. Cruising down the hiway, snow starts. When it starts accumulating, and you think things may be getting squirly for RWD, hit the 4x4 button. Presto, instant 4x4 (as long as your transfer case motor is working, which you should check by switching into 4x4 hi and lo and running around a dirt or gravel lot before you consumate your purchase). If the snow should stop and the road is clear, switch off the 4x4. As you continue your trip, you hit another batch of snow, just switch back on. Once you reach the sunny Nevada/Arizona desert (or wherever you get where you don't think it'll snow anymore, just get out and unlock the hubs and continue on your merry way!

Here is a link that you should bookmark and may prove very usefull, especially for an older Ex. Dead Link Removed

Good luck with the Ex!

 

[Ray Lobato]

I took a look at the truck on EBay. Looks nice. I hope you ran the VIN number to see if anything might be wrong. Let us know when you get it, and we'll go 4wheeling.

 

[peterdaniel66]

thanks guys for your advice I think i made a good purchase. I will let you know Ray when i get the Xsport (EXPORT???) It will be fun :frustrate ( gee i love this smileys.. hehehe

 

[88vert]

Thats a nice truck,how are you picking it up?

 

[peterdaniel66]

i am having it shipped it's going to cost 925.00 but i got the truck for 3500.00 good deal?? I kinda think so lets ask the smileys.... boys? whadya think.... ( I think they agree..)

 

[flyguy]

Not to defend auto hubs or anything, but I have auto hubs on my ride, and being a street dweller, the only time I could possibly use my 4x4 is if it was push button. Ive been on a road trip, hit some pretty bad snow.... hit my little 4x4 button... and boom... no flying off the road in a fireball of doom. Also, never had my hubs fail.. probably cuz I use them so seldom. Also... on another note.. I think the newer auto hubs are supposed to be alot better than the stock ones I got on my 94.

I guess my point is... if your a street truck that just has to deal with bad weather... get auto hubs....

If you plan on doing alot of 4x4 rock action... get some manuals.

make sense?

nick