Cheap a$$ autohubs!

[Darrman]

It is icy today, which is a rare ocasion around here, was using 4x4 on side streets because of roads. Anyways, went home for lunch and left and went back to work, got out and noticed my front wheel was oddly solid black, instead of black with a silver autohub sticking out. Can anyone guess? The whole f'n hub was broken off! I went home and found it in my driveway, mangled to crap. I think when I backed out in 4x4 and then went forward, that was the last straw.
So it looks like a upgrade to manuals is needed, but can I safely drive the truck in 2wd with the hub missing? It will take a few days to get the new ones. Also can the manuals unlock/lock when reversing directions in 4x4, or do they even need to?
I will post a pic of the carnage later on tonite.

 

[IZwack]

Yes you can drive your vehicle without the lockouts, as long as the bearing nuts are in place and tight.

 

[Darrman]

Ok, thats a relief. Is the whole hub breaking off normal, or am I the first? I would think it would rather strip the cams out before cracking the housing.
Is there a preferred brand between Warn, Superwinch, and Mile Marker? I can get the Mile Markers for about $ less than Warn, but if they are crap I dont want em.
Also do I need a different socket for the manual hub, I have one for the autohub.
Heres the pics.....

 

[IZwack]

You shouldnt need a different socket as the socket interfaces with the bearing nut -- not the lockouts.

 

[LBarr2002]

The bearing nuts are different on autos and manuals, so yes you need a new socket.

I've got Milemarkers, 4 of them, have broken 2 since June. Last week I took them apart and found out what failed. I've "rebuilt" them and it should be an improvement. If it works out I'll explain the modifications next week.

 

[Darrman]

Well I just got done ordering a set of Milemarkers and conversion kit, so hopefully they will hold up. I dont use 4x4 much, as long as it works when I need it, I will be happy.

 

[LBarr2002]

What I've learned so far is lock them and start gently. Don't get stuck, lock them, get back in and stand on it, because they don't fully engage and shear the teeth off the engagement gear.

 

[Tony H]

To answer the one question about the Manuals. No they do not disengage and reengae from Reverse to forward.

Lock the Hubs, and IF the inner workings do not Mesh and line up right away it take the slightest movement for them to click in. Yes, on almost any Manual hub, if you lock them in and Stomp on the gas pedal before they fully engage you risk rounding off the Gears.
It sounds like for your use, the Milemarkers will last forever.

I have Milemarkers but my 'X' is a street vehicle and Snowy days are the only time 4WD is used.

 

[Darrman]

Ok, hubs came in, got em installed, locking up great. However, do you still have to back up a bit to fully unlock the hubs after unlocking them? The passenger side will unlock and free wheel immediatly, while the driver side has to be spun backward a few inches before it will unlock. Is this right, or did I screw something up?

 

[MisterCMK]

Someone this not right there. My Warns click into the unlock position right away.

 

[Darrman]

Someone this not right there. My Warns click into the unlock position right away.

Ok, thanks, I will take it back apart and try again. I am driving the truck today, but have not tried the 4x4 yet, hopefully it will not mess anything up in freewheel.
And also, the instructions for the install mention some "tennerman clips" that hold the hub to the rotor, I do not have these, they were not on the truck when I bought it. Do I need these or is it ok to go without?

 

[LBarr2002]

its fine without. you just have to be careful when you pull the wheel off that the hub doesn't come with it.

 

[Positive Vibes]

Ok, hubs came in, got em installed, locking up great. However, do you still have to back up a bit to fully unlock the hubs after unlocking them? The passenger side will unlock and free wheel immediatly, while the driver side has to be spun backward a few inches before it will unlock. Is this right, or did I screw something up?

They are either locked or unlocked with a nice click, nothing imbetween. And no you don't have to back up anymore.