what changes from auto hubs to manual

[joemamaugly]

about to put the 3rd hub in 2 years on my 97 so i was thinking if it doesn't screw the truck up i would put manual hubs on my 95 with control trac. then i would have 2 extras for the 97. did a search and everything i read seamed good but how does it effect the way the whole control trac work? what happens with the switch in the truck?
thanks
everyone

 

[MrShorty]

You can't switch to manual hubs on the '95+. '95 and '96 have a vacuum disconnect mechanism in the differential, and, from what I understand, '97 and later are "live axle" in that the front axles can't be disengaged from the wheel.
I think the "hub" in 2nd gen Explorers is used to refer to the sealed wheel bearing assembly.

 

[joemamaugly]

ok then what are my options? i'm going to 33" and my dad said i'm going to go through hubs faster. at $200 a pop i can't afford this truck.

 

[sk1er17]

dads talk a lot of crap.. according to my dad- its a miracle my trucks still on the street

you will go through hubs "faster" than stock... just make sure after you go wheeling you clean everything really good. i have 145K miles... been wheeling my truck hard for over 60K miles...ran 32's, 33's, and now 35's and have only replaced 1 hub assembly.