Fixing up front end hubs and rotors..help!!!

[SANDSURFER'98]

Hey everyone,
Im planning on geting new rotors and brakes for my truck and I figured I might as well convert the hubs also. I found some Warn hubs on ebay for a good deal, but how do I know which hubs to get. I have 4.10 gears if that helps determine which model # would be right for me. I searched but only found threads about spline count and im not sure how many splines I have. As you can tell Im a little confused. Thanks to any one that helps me out. Also if you have any suggestions about maintenence that could done while all my wheels, hubs and rotors are off the truck (bearings, seals,ect..) that would be great too.

 

[SteveVB]

Save your money... you dont have hubs

If you have a 98 you dont have hubs so save your money.

First thing to do is get a manual and study the front end that you have, it will give you an idea of what you should check also.

Check everything while you are w3orking on the front end- you have unit bearings so any slop replace them, check the axle universal joints(CV joints), sway bar end links, brake hose and fittings, etc.

Good Luck

 

[SANDSURFER'98]

I thought if I had auto 4x4 on my truck that I also have automatic locking hubs which can be replaced by manual hubs once they ware out, so your telling me that im wrong about this. Damm, so what do I do to get rid of these crappy hubs or what every it is that I have.

 

[SteveVB]

you dont have crappy hubs- you are confusing the early model hubs with your front axle- different animal. YOur hubs are fine- they are constantly connected so no problems from them.

One problem with this site is that you really have to pay attention to what everyone is speaking about- The Explorer is in its third generation and each generation is a little different so you need to pay attention to things that relate to the specific generation rather than general information. You are a 2nd gen Ex BTW.

Why exactly do YOU think you have crappy hubs???? I believe you should do a little homework about your drive system, or someoen with the late model front can fill you in, Im no expert on the specifics.

 

[SANDSURFER'98]

Thanks for the info, I guess my hubs arent crap, but they always make this racheting noise when I put the transfer case in low gear, I thought the hubs could be causeing the noise, thats all. BTW I know I have a 2nd Gen. This is my 3rd explorer and I have been reading everything on this site for a year now. Its just seems to that the 98 year was designed totaly different then any other year and it makes it dificult to decifer which is which when reading a ton of different threads a day. got me. thanks for helping me out Steve, you saved me money. Im leaving work now and wont be able to reply again untill monday. Have a good week end.

 

[SANDSURFER'98]

Well, how about this, if my hubs can not be changed to manuals, what can be done to make them brand new? Does anyone have a part # or is there something I can upgrade to to make my front drive train stronger? Im doing a lot of moding because I plan on moveing to cali within the next year, I just want my truck to be rock solid for the drive out there and I dont want to have to replace anything when I get out there. I have a good understanding of most of the trucks drive train, engine, and suspension, but this hub stuff is realy throwing me for a loop. I read my chiltons, but that dosent give me alternitives to make it stronger. I have performed all the oil/fluid changes,new A/C and will be working on sensors/ intake/exhaust/suspension and interier over the next few months. I just want my truck to be perfect again.