Manual Hub Question

[Jeckles]

My automatic hubs are beginning to act up... I don't think they are disengaging properly or completely.

Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about switching to manual hubs? I am reluctant because of the extra step for shifting into 4x4 mode (locking the hubs).

My only other option I guess is to buy use auto hubs from a junk yard and see how long they last...

What has your experience been with locking/unlocking manual hubs? Is it a real pain in the @$!! ? Is it worth the hassle to keep the auto hubs or should I switch to manual?

 

[Scott B.]

Jon,

Manual hubs are the only way to go. All you need to do, is, when you are still on a good driving surface (ie, at the edge of the pavement), hop out, and lock your hubs. Done. That's it. Leave them locked all day, until you reach pavement again. It's that simple.

Once the hubs are locked, you can shift between 2WD and 4WD-high without stopping.

You never have to worry about if your hubs are locked, will unlock and relock as you crest a hill and descend down the other side, or backing up to unlock them.

 

[Anime]

yeow

well, you can also buy a pair of Upgraded Ford Autolocking hubs from fordpartsnetwork.com for $244.99 each ($500 plus shipping for both hubs)

I'm working on scraping together the moolah to test these out and let everyone know how they do...(donations accepted)

 

[Dre]

I've switched to manuals as soon as my auto ones started acting up. The only difference is that you have to hop out of the cab to lock them. No problem here since you can leave them locked and just use the switch. The only noticable change here you'll see higher fuel consumption. And that's probably only in winter, of course if you live in the area that gets snow at all. I've been driving with locked front all the way through all the snow falls we got here in the Midwest. For now it's off. I only lock it when I go off road. Then it doesn't matter anyway. Another thing, switching to manuals is so much cheaper. Anywhere between $150.00 and $175.00 for the whole setup, both sides and you also need to buy ar rent a wrench to tighten the nuts on the hub. lol, nuts.


Hope this helps,

 

[DOGMAN]

Do it right the first time. Go with the Warn manual hubs. You'll NEVER regret it.

 

[fox]

A MUST

Yes it is a must, auto locking hubs SUCK!!!! i messed around with mine for ever and was never able to fix or get them to work right- that was MUCH MORE of as hassle than hopping out and locking them in every once-in-a-while. they were very simple to install and you will be recomending them to everyone after you buy them.you will also see why the stock ones suck so mutch when you take them apart. make sure to go with warn, i don't know where you live but i live in POrtland OR and they cost me 185 from baxters. good luck!!