Exploding Warn Manual Hubs

[badazzfool22]

Been looking for info on Warn manual hubs exploding, especially, drivers side. I have 93 ex xlt with 4" suspension and 3" body with 33x12.50 15, with auto lockers in both and 4.56 gears. First nin e months no problen, then on a trip, while in 4 low climbing rocks, "BANG" granaded the drivers side hub. Two weeks later, after Warn replace hub with no question asked, on the same trail, again! No i had run this run with this set up, without the lockers and gears, (3.73), had to work at it but made it. Both times while turning, once left, once right. If i can figure out how to add pics i will. Any help will be appreciated. Warn said that the hub is the weak link, i understand that, but I'm concerned it is something in the auto locker.

Thank you

 

[FR-425]

Auto lockers are a bit violent on a front end. :thumbdwn:

As you steer they unlock and there is a difference in wheel speed.

Then you get some wheel slip and bang it locks.

Since the left axle is shorter it will twist less than the right killing the left hub instead of the right almost every time.

Had this same repeat failure on a '80 toyota but it was the birfield I kept smash'n.

Old school Warn's were bullet proof.

Solution: Detroit Soft-Locker. They work like the quick lock type but have a clutch like a limited slip. These clutches however only give when it really hits hard providing just enough give to save the breaky bits.

Solution 2: Detriot true-track - "Worm gear torque proportioning limited slip" That's a mouth full! True track is smoother than a soft locker especially when turning but when you get one wheel in the air it will eventually transfer over to the planted wheel but there is a "wind up delay"

Solution 3: Air locker-- You lock it at low throttle and then you can stomp on it.

No sudden engagement.

"Quick lock" type lockers are generally discouraged for front axles, and this failure problem is why.

Most retailers will come right out and tell you "You don't want to put one in your front axle" But if you insist they will let you into the school of hard knocks.

I did it and it cost me in the long run.

Hope this helps.

Pull it and sell it to the "JEEP" guy down the street!!!

 

[RangerX]

Solution 4. Learn to drive with a locker in the front axle!
Seriously, after I blew up the first one or two, I figured out the situations that put them in danger. Heavy on the gas, and/or wheels fully turned left or right. Factor in if you're at any kind of angle (side to side or front to back, or both) and BOOM!

 

[Combat_Medic]

I'm saving for the True Trac

This is why I'm saving up for the True Trac in my D35. Easier on the hubs(and everything else), no clutches to wear out, traction when and where it's needed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uwpNpvsshQ

 

[jd4242]

Solution 4. Learn to drive with a locker in the front axle!
Seriously, after I blew up the first one or two, I figured out the situations that put them in danger. Heavy on the gas, and/or wheels fully turned left or right. Factor in if you're at any kind of angle (side to side or front to back, or both) and BOOM!

X2


OP...what model warn hubs are you running??I run stock ones just so they break first, keep spares in the truck also only run the driverside hub locked till i think ill need both but i have an aussie, drivers axle can be pulled out easy if i break the shaft...but your learn what breaks them eventually

 

[FR-425]

True that RangerX,

I have to admit every time I blew it up I deserved it!

Sometimes I get angry at the skinny pedal...

:fire:Some obstacles require sacrificial aggression!:fire:

 

[Flip4ford]

manual hubs are the way to go-- auto hubs break easy

 

[FR-425]

Yep True-trac's are sweet for the trial truck.

Only not so much for hard core creepy crawl'n.

If your going to be wheels in the air a lot, full lock is the way to go.

 

[4x4junkie]

Stock (or stock-type) hubs are definitely on the weak side.

Solution #4 does help no doubt, though there is also solution #5 too...
http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/May04/offroad.htm

 

[Flip4ford]

#5 is what I run!

 

[FR-425]

Nice!

Adding to part # sheet now.

 

[jd4242]

[URL=http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=5]#5 [/URL] is what I run!

What exactly is #5 ???

 

[RangerX]

What exactly is # 5 ???

See the full link in 4x4junkie's post above. It's stronger Warn hubs.
For some reason, when you type "#" and a number together on this board, it creates a hyperlink back to this board.

 

[jd4242]

See the full link in 4x4junkie's post above. It's stronger Warn hubs.
For some reason, when you type "#" and a number together on this board, it creates a hyperlink back to this board.

I did, really only saw three things talked about in the link.... I assumed #4 was the stronger hubs.figured #5 was new shafts but really haven't seen direct links for that and seems you need 44 knuckles for that

 

[RangerX]

Solution 4. Learn to drive with a locker in the front axle!
Seriously, after I blew up the first one or two, I figured out the situations that put them in danger. Heavy on the gas, and/or wheels fully turned left or right. Factor in if you're at any kind of angle (side to side or front to back, or both) and BOOM!

Here's # 4!

5 is the stronger hubs...

 

[jd4242]

Here's # 4!

5 is the stronger hubs...

Oooo hahah sorry..I see it now!! hey never claimed to be the smartest out lol oppss

 

[FR-425]

I'm keep'n the weak hubs!

Chick's dig it when I break stuff!