Hey guys, I'm new to the forum. I own a 2004 F250 XLT. 8 foot bed. I'm looking to get new 4 wheel locking hubs. The passenger side hub is tough to turn without a pair of pliers. Warn has a set of premium hubs model # 38826, I've been looking at. The truck is used for flat beach driving. Nothing crazy, no mountains on Long Island ,NY. What's your take on the Warn compared to mile marker? Also is this a DIY job? I can do basic maintainence but I'm not pulling engines apart. Thanks!

 

Warn makes a very good hub. The install is very easy.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...king-hubs.html

 

Go with the Warn standard hubs. They turn nice and easy and look stock.



They also make a premium hub but I have found they are tougher to turn when its really cold.

Very easy install. Be prepared to get super greasy

MM also makes a good product.

 

I installed AVM's on my truck, and they have worked well while costing a good bit less than Warns. I wanted Milemarkers, but they were not available from any vendor, at that time (back in Sept.).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AVM-439-locking-hubs-Ford-Chevy-Dodge-Dana-60-F-250-F-350-1-ton-warn-38826-/201036701587?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2eceb89f93&vxp=mtr

 

Take a look at this post. Factory manual hubs can be serviced. I had the exact same problem, I needed channel locks to engage my driver's side hub. You can completely pull the hubs apart, clean, and grease them. Takes some time, but will save you $200 or so.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-04-hubs.html#

 

I've had the WARN premiums for about 5 years and they always work fine, Haven't had cold weather issues as mentioned above. I didn't install myself but the shop that I bought them from gave me a special price because I bought the hubs from them.

 

how often should a guy service the hubs? Mine still turn fairly easy, but the truck is 2yrs old.

 

I am not sure about the newer style hubs. This thread is more for the 99-04 hubs.

As service interval, definitely when you feel they are getting harder to turn. It's hard to put a time interval on it though... I'll probably do mine every other year or so. It would really depend on how much dirt, mud, grime, rock salt, and snow they see.

 

Every other year, or every time you submerge the axles.