Why Manual Hubs?

[FlyAU]

Okay, I'm lost...I see many of the people on this board have "upgraded" their auto hubs to manual (by Warn). To me, this seems backwards...wouldn't auto hubs be better? Call me a "yuppie in full-court Eddie Bauer," but I'd rather sit in the comfort of my car and punch a button for 4x4, not get out, lock the hubs, and yank a lever. Am I missing something here?

 

[Brian1]

The reason I upgraded mine is because my autos broke. It is cheaper to replace them (the autos) with Warn manuals. Also, the manuals are alot stronger of a hub because there are no moving pieces like the auto hub. And finally the manuals stay locked all the time when engaged. The autos disengage when you back up and/or move foward from a stop. (Correct me if I am wrong on any of my points)

 

[Ru Dawg]

manual hubs

well i don't think that all auto 4x4 hubs unlock when you back up...some were designed that way...especially the first designs of auto hubs..And also, you can find this in that "4x4 Offroading With Ford" book which comes with your owner's manual that if you need a 4x4 for heavy duty work or serious off-roading, then you MUST HAVE manual hubs..it's very true that manual hubs are much tougher than the auto type...it just depends what you are using them for!

 

[leebo]

The manual hubs are less likely to break on you in the middle of a trail, thats the main reason I upgraded. The auto hubs are locked in by a little spring that when you hit the button or flip the switch gets turned thus locking the hubs. If that spring breaks you're now stuck without 4x4. On manual hubs the part that locks it in is a solid metal bolt that when you turn the dial on the hubs turns the upgraded key on the inside to lock you in 4x4. To break these you're going to have to really bang a rock or really put some pressure on them.

To install them is a snap and to lock them in is a snap too. All you need to do is to get out of the truck(which you should do anyways if off-highwaying and need 4x4 to see what you're getting into) and turn a dial on the hubs. Then just push the button or flip the switch and you're in 4x4. They really are a must if you break your auto hubs or are really into off-highway driving. But if you only go on the trail once in a while and your auto hubs work fine I'd save the money and stick with them.....but for the best in performance and the most solid hub I'd go manual.