Manuel Hubs. Need some advice on this.

[FarmageddonNRO]

So I have had it with these stock ford pile of crap auto locking hubs. It's obviously a poor design, and I'm not interested in wasting a couple hundred bucks on a new set. The cams suck, they sound like SH%T, and it's worthless to think about keeping them. I have decided to switch over to manuel hubs but I have a few questions, first off, do I need to do anything special to instal them can I remove the auto lockers and it's good to go?? Am I giving up my low range option, I'm assuming yes. Recommended brands?? I hear the Warn brand ones are decent, but I would be happy to hear opinions from other folks. Why can't they just make quality stuff anymore, it's all plastic junk, they need to use more metal in vehicles! :thumbdwn:

 

[MrQ]

There is a thread about converting auto to manual hubs. Search for it. It also has the part numbers for the nuts and rings you need to convert. Also low range has to do with the transfer case not the hubs. Jeep manual hubs are supposedly stronger than the manuals that came with the explorer. I'n either case they will be a vast improvement over your current autos.

 

[MrQ]

Here is the thread http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=232754

 

[FarmageddonNRO]

Thanks much for the advice.

 

[DeRocha]

All good info.. Swapping to manuals is a piece of cake and shouldn't take more than a 1/2 hour. You are not giving up low range. HUBS just physically connect a front axle shaft to it's wheel allowing it to be powered. Auto Hubs just automatically lock whereas manuals lock when you engage the lock cam on the hub.