Hubs for 4X4 vs. AWD

[V8-X]

I am in need of replacing my hubs, but have a question before purchasing any.

Ford states that the 4X4 X's should not be driven on dry pavement while engaged.

I have AWD, which of course is engaged all the time, and is okay to drive on dry pavement.

What makes the AWD okay to drive on dry pavement while the 4X4 is not?

When replacing the hubs, would I need to purchase the basic Warn auto hub or is there a specific hub design for the AWD models?

Any advice would be great and any websites or stores to check for price would be benefitial as well.

 

[snocross1985]

The reason AWD is ok ondry pavement is because the front and rear wheels don't try to spin at the same speed due to the differtial in the transfer case. 4x4 is locked so thefront and rear try to spin at the same speed causing stress to the drivetrain when the front wheels are turned and cannot slip. To answer your other question, you cannot buy auto hubs or manual hubs for your Explorer. I believe your hubs are built in. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong. Hope I help you out.

 

[V8-X]

snocross1985: Thanks for the reply. Sounds logical as why AWD is ok on dry pavement but not the 4X4.

Well, if the hubs are built in then they still need replaced. The X was at a local Ford Service Center and they determined that the Right Front Hub was bad, while it looks like the Left Front Hub is on it's way out.

Ford wanted $1200 to replace both hubs and seals, which I thought sounded a little steep for just replacing hubs. At $200 for each hub & about $30 for each seal, the cost of parts comes to about $600. So Ford is trying to get $600 worth of labor charges in there. Not going to happen

Other thoughts would be helpful. Just want to make sure I don't get screwed and I get the right hubs for the AWD model.

 

[IAmTodd]

There's been a lil communication gap There are two types of hubs. Ones that connect the wheel to the differential(locking type hubs). You do not have these. 91-94s were the only ones. Now, every wheel has a hub on which it rotates on. Which has the bearings and such. I'm thinking that is what needs to be replaced. I'm not 100% sure about the second part. But you cannot use the Warn type "locking" hubs.