Getting manual hubs..

[navajoftw]

I am going to be getting manual hubs instead of my worn out auto hubs. I've never used manual hubs and all I know how to engage it is by getting out of the vehicle and turning the hub myself.

I would like to know what the proper ways to engage and disengage 4wd would be. And if I can leave them locked and just turn 4wd on and off inside the vehicle or would it be best to lock them while I use 4wd and unlock them when I don't.

I'm also getting my whole front end fixed, woot! I took it to the shop, gas line rusted and was leaking so I had to get that replaced and they guy strongly suggested that I get everything fixed because my tires could fly off at anytime. There was about an inch of play every direction on both tires, which isn't a good thing.

As you can tell I know little about cars but I am gradually learning. Changing my front brakes, changing oil and filter, fixing my window that was off the track is about all I can and know how to do.

Thanks for any information guys!

 

[Tony H]

With the Manual hubs, you CAN drive with the hubs locked in. The front axle will turn and so will the front drive shaft. The disconnect happens in the transfer case. Not really recommended, it's a bit tough on the 'U' joints on the Axles. Especially if you turn very sharp.

Not that there is a reason to do this but you CAN lock in your transfer case and leave your manual hubs unlocked. That will make your front driveshaft turn and your front axles but power will not go to your front wheels.

I usually lock my Hubs in before shifting the Transfer case to 4WD. I also am not a big fan of 'Switch on the Fly', I will get out of the way of traffic and slow way down when switching into 4WD.

 

[Maniak]

I will lock my hubs sometimes if I think I may need 4x4 soon. Then when I need 4x4 I just lock in the xfer case (I don't do it while moving).

The other thing you can do with manual hubs is get 2 wheel drive low range. This will give you more torque (more than double) but you aren't in 4x4 so you can still do sharp turns etc (which you shouldn't be doing when in 4x4 on hardpack).

~Mark

 

[navajoftw]

Thanks for your replies guys, I appreciate it.