Dumb question that I used to know the answer too...

[CobraSix]

Why is it that in the first gen explorer I should disengage the hubs as soon as possible? Is it because it will cause the transfer case to keep spinning without fluid being pumped? Just curious.

I know on my old 75 chebby 2500, which was converted to full time 4wd to part time using manual hubs, I didn't have to worry about it.

Slade

 

[MrShorty]

gas mileage, mainly. It takes some energy to spin the front drivetrain. Parts are also wearing while it's spinning (though they should last a long time, so I don't know how important this really is). Beyond that, there's no harm in running in 2H with the hubs locked. Some people with manual hubs in snowier climates will leave them locked all winter so they can shift from 2H to 4H whenever they need to. Basically, you need to judge for yourself how best to balance the inconvenience of locking/unlocking hubs and the extra gas you burn leaving them locked.

 

[Maniak]

Your old chevy was designed to be full time 4wd.. the explorer was designed as part time.. Part time meaning that the front driveline parts shouldn't be spinning all the time...

You don't "need" to worry that much about them spinning but it will cost some mpg/hp and will put added wear on the front u-joints, spindle bearings etc...

As MrShorty said.. many people lock them in the winter and unlock them in spring..

~Mark

 

[Forder]

Your old chevy was designed to be full time 4wd.. the explorer was designed as part time.. Part time meaning that the front driveline parts shouldn't be spinning all the time...

You don't "need" to worry that much about them spinning but it will cost some mpg/hp and will put added wear on the front u-joints, spindle bearings etc...

As MrShorty said.. many people lock them in the winter and unlock them in spring..

~Mark

Yup, I've had mine locked in the last couple months. It's no biggie as long as you don't drive very fast (60+) much. When my fronts are locked and I get on the highway, there's a decent bit of vibration in the wheel and front end from the front axle spinning. Not horrible, but very noticeable.

 

[CobraSix]

Okay...that answers my question.

I keep toying with manual hubs, but I end up driving on a combination of back roads and state routes that vary in road condition with snow. It was the only thing keeping me from putting manual hubs on because I didn't want to have to worry about locking and unlocking every 5 miles.

My auto hubs need to be replaced anyways...so I was looking for options but didn't want to get rid of the ease of shift on the fly. Thanks, I'll probably go manual now.

 

[mikeinri]

Begs the question, which is worse for u-joints? Running them all winter, or never using them?

Mike

 

[Maniak]

Never Ever is bad.. I believe that someplace in the owners manual it even says to put it in 4x4 once in a while (only drive in a straight line if your on hardpack)

~Mark

 

[rustbucketMI]

Go manual, go Warn. I was hesitant when i did this because i too liked the shift on the fly into 4x4 but if i know there is a possibility of snow i switch em into locked. Better safe than sorry. Whats worse having to replace a drive train component cause you used to too often or hit ice or snow, spin out and crash? that being said that whole drivetrain, not including the trans, is pretty tough and you can put it thru hell before things start to break.