I bought a 95 EB Bronco last june. I finaly needed the 4wheel drive last week when I got stuck in my back yard. I checked them out when i bought them and they locked then. But now they won't lock in at all. I have even drove around with it in high range to see if they will free up. Is this a common problem for bronco's or auto hubs. Would it be better to change to manual hubs. I don't use 4 wheel drive much so I'm not going to take it up the side of a mountain or anything like that. Thanks so much for any advise you can give me.

Pondo :-X11

 

If you are having trouble with your auto hubs, I recommend replacing them with manuals. My autos caused me to have to get towed once, and that was enough for me to switch. There has been a lot of discussion about brands, but any hub should work fine. I have the Superwinch hubs and they work great. Other brands are Warn and Mile Maker.

 

Thanks Jbronco for replying so quick. I really appreciate that. I am going to check prices on them tomorrow at a couple of part stores in town. |owned a 1990 geo traker before this bronco. I tore the front end down on it and it was not to bad except that the special tools for the front end was over $2,000 so i used a hammer and chisel. I really hate to admit that but for 2,000 what are going to do. so is the front end pretty simple or is it complecated. thanks so much for your last responce

Pondo:-X11

 

-I have a set of Mile Markers and they are now 1 year old. But 6 months after I got 'em the chrome plating oxidized and flaked off. They work just like when I got 'em but look a little trashy now. Just though I'd mention that.

-Dan

 

It's really easy to convert to manual hubs. I'd recomend Warn's Premium Manual Locking Hubs. They've got a lifetime warranty. I use them on both of my trucks.

If the caps on your Bronco's auto hubs are held on by 3 screws, you'll need a conversion kit made by Warn. If the caops are held on with 5 screws, then it's a straight conversion.

If I can remember correctly, you'll need:
- a cheap set of small picks(found at parts store/wally world)
- snap ring pliers
- hex head driver to remove/install the screws that hold the cap on

If you need the conversion kit, you'll also need:
- a special 4 pronged socket to fit a dana 44 of your year
- a torque wrench(i rented one all day for about $15)

The instructions that come with the Warn hubs are clear and have good illustrations.

On the first side, it'll take you about 30 minutes, on the second, about 5.

Jon
1989 F-150 XL- 4x4, 302, M50D
1995 Bronco Eddie Bauer- 351W, E40D

 

Here is Tony's diy on the Warn install:
http://personal.rdu.bellsouth.net/rdu/t/g/tgaunce/bronco/warn_manuals/warn_hubs.html

as Oldblue advised, there are some tools needed; Tony shows them in his pics.

 

Hey AIM, your link for Tony's DIY is dead. Do you have a good link? I'd like to read his instructions and see his photos. Thanks.

 

yo Michael,

Sorry. Tony will e mail me his files on his terrific Warn hub conversion.

Here are 3 other links including Steve's nice article:
http://www.mechanicmatt.com/index.php?ServicePage=HubConversion

:
http://patricksnorton.com/bronco/hubs.html
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=66946

also;
Some use the dental pick tool sold at wally mart for $5; some use jeweler's screwdrivers or even finishing nails to get the ring out; or the snap ring plier set (reversible).

Plus the torque wrench and hub socket (rental avail @ some autozones, etc. - get the correct socket for your year).

 

Why do you need a conversion kit for the three bolt hubs? I bought a set of Superwinch(i think) ubs from autozone with a lifetime warranty for like $55 and installed them with no problem, or conversion kit. I have tore them apart again a few times doing brakes, and everything seems fine.

 

i put a set of milemarker hubs from autozone.they carry a lifetime warranty also.i had the brass insert ones on,the brass siezed up on the aluminum housing.put the plastic insert ones on.they were put on in 99,the center snapped last weekend,no problem,took them off and returned them to autozone,free replacement.the price was $60 last week when i called looking for them,if they had them in stock.part # 302.

the only problem i see is the allen bolts sieze in the housings and you have to drill them off.even with all the neversieze on them,they still siezed up.i converted from auto lock to manual at 36,000 miles on my 95.wont own another set of auto hubs.

 

Aim,
Did you ever get the files from Tony? I'd be interested in another view of the problem.