What is the difference between manual hubs & auto hubs

[Joshua]

Just wanted to know the difference because my 4 wheel drive seems to stick a lot and someone told me to change to manual hubs to fix the problem. I ask him what the difference was and he could not tell me. Just would like to know because I like not having to get out and locking them, but if that is better for some reason I would change to manual. If not then I was just going to try to fix the problem with the auto hubs. And would anyone know what the problem would be. Its a 91' Explorer XLT. Thanks for the help.

 

[Explorer_2196]

Good to see another michiganian! Manual hubs you do have to get out and lock. They aren't weak like the stock auto hubs (the stock auto hubs are prone to breaking when you need them most). So yes they are better.

 

[leebo]

the manuals also use metal parts inside of the hub. The stock auto's are mostly plastic. That's what often breaks. The auto's also may slip out of 4x4 and into 2wd when backing up. The manuals will stay locked when you turn them. Great to have on the trails. If they're broke, go manual. If they're not broke, go manual now and sell the autos.

I'd also like to welcome you to the site. You'll find anything and everything all right here.

 

[JDraper]

The biggest difference?? Manual hubs won't leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere 'cause the crappy plastic pieces in the auto hubs broke.

 

[Blue Steel]

how hard is it to convert from automatic to manual hubs? i think i blew my auto's the other day. does it require new wheels too?

 

[JDraper]

It took me 30 minutes a wheel. You need a special socket to remove the locknuts on the hub, but it's a pretty easy job. You use the same wheels. The only thing you replace is the outer hub and the locknuts

 

[Blue Steel]

how much did that all cost you? thanks for your help.

 

[awc75442]

manual hubs

yeah im interested in switchin my autos to manual hubs and if anyone could tell me the average price they paid it would help me out , since im a college student without a lot of money- i own a 93 xlt with 156k and need to get my 4 wheelin going again

 

[JDraper]

If I remember correctly, it cost me about $150-175 for everything. You need the hubs, a lock nut kit, and a hub lock nut removal tool to do the job.

 

[Joshua]

New auto hubs by Ford

I found some new ford auto hubs. They say they are stronger and have the metal part in them. I was just wondering if any one has these or do you think I should trust ford and go and get them. Thanks Joshua.

 

[KEbert]

Originally posted by Blue Steel
how hard is it to convert from automatic to manual hubs? i think i blew my auto's the other day. does it require new wheels too?

Look here: http://www.explorer4x4.com/tips2.html#hub

That should help. I think www.4wheelparts.com has them for about 130 plus th conversion kit which is about another 50.


Cool! I finally got that 3rd Explorer next to my name!