manuel or automatic locking hub which are better?

[MARTY196]

automatic hubs went out but don't know weather to put new automatics hubs back on or just to switch to manuel hubs if i could get pros and cons of both. manuel will cost me $210.00 me installing don't know how much replacement autos will cost
on manuels can you leave them locked all the time while in 2wd?

 

[Byrd91]

Manuals are better, more reliable, and about half the cost. No you shouldn't leave them in all the time, its hard on your drivetrain and will kill gas mileage, but you can leave them locked if you anticipate you might need 4x4. Autos also don't work in reverse.

 

[SWLathrop]

It's actually a personal preference. I had AUTO-LOCK hubs on my 88 Ranger S/C 4X4. Bought it new and just sold it last year. Still had the original hubs in excellent working order(with plenty of use). The problem with AUTO-LOCK hubs is that they are abused and not used for the purpose they were designed for. Thus they get a bad rap as being JUNK. The AUTO-LOCKs were designed for convienence and light OFF-ROAD use. Not for hard OFF-ROADing or plowing. And AUTO-LOCKs "DO" lock in forward and reverse direction of travel. The problem is that people don't relize that they always unlock when changing directions before re-locking. They also need special attention in the maintainence area. They love to be serviced every 25,000 miles or 2 years. Repack the wheel bearings, apply a very light film of grease to the splines and cam/clutch pack assembly. Then pay close attention to proper torque. Torque to 25 foot pounds while rotating the rotor to seat the bearings, back off 1/4 turn, then re-torque to 16 inch pounds. If engaging the T-case on the move, it's easier on the hubs if you just let off the gas before mashing the 4X4 button.

 

[BigOne]

After 27 years of owning and operating various 4x4's the answer is....MANUAL, MANUAL, MANUAL.

This X is the first 4x4 vehicle I've ever owned with automatic hubs/trans/electronic shift transfercase.

I would never consider this unit to be a true, rough use 4x4.

It will be great for running around town in snow, up the ski hill (if I skied *LL*) and into many of my favorite fishing holes.

Main reason this was purchased was as a second vehicle mainly used by my wife.

My current truck is a '00 F-350 4x4, 6sp, manual hubs and stick transfer case. They sure looked at me funny at the dealer when I ordered this Dually, crewcab, Lariet, Diesel, with the manual goodies

If you want to save some money and not have to replace them again, go manual. They'll work fine with your automatic and electric transfer (if that's what you have).

 

[MARTY196]

YA I THINK I'M JUST GOING TO SWITCH THEM OVER TO MANUEL ALOT CHEAPER TO. WELL THANKS GUYS FOR THE ADVICE