I know this sounds like I am going opposite of mainstream, but I had a question reference auto hubs for a 1990 bronco. I currently have manual hubs and would rather have the convenience of auto hubs. I use 4wd mostly in the snow and when I go light 4 wheeling.(mostly like rough dirt roads that I can't quite make it up in 2wd due to very loose soil and rock) Who makes auto hubs for my bronco and how much am I looking at. Also, are they dependable and hold up under these conditions. I would hate to get stuck because the hub won't self engage all the time. Every 4wd I have owned has had manual hubs, so I have no experience with them.

 

Your questions about reliability and toughness are exactly why people recommend replacing the auto hubs with manual ones. I have always had manuals and have never had a problem. My Dad had autos on an '88 Bronco (I think that was the one) that he had to replace when one froze up on him. Yes, the convenience factor is nice. But if you know you are going to be driving in conditions that MIGHT require 4X4, just turn the manuals in and shift into 4X as needed. (I'm sure you know that.)

 

I personally have never really had a problem with the ones on my '92 but too many people have experienced failures when they are least appreciated or needed. I don't know who sells the autos but if you want a set that has never failed me, make me an offer. I've been wanting to swap mine to manuals for a while now.

And yes, I have done some serious off road with them. The ORV park at Tellico NC and the Sunklands in Salem MO. Even spent a week in "front/four" wheel drive while I had the rear drive shaft U-joints replaced.

 

yo,
Ditto on what MrW wrote. Our 96 blew both hubs @ only 30k miles despite maintenance. Ford is the only source that I have ever heard of for new auto hubs @ ~$200.00+ for each side. Warn is prob. the OEM to Ford (from what others have stated here and elsewhere-dealership), but they do not sell the auto hubs to the public.

 

I just bought a '95 Bronco and will replace the auto hubs with Warn manual hubs as soon as I can. Probably the next few weeks. I will save the parts if you want them. I just do not trust the auto hubs. I have always had manual hubs and if I know I am going to need 4wd like in snow or mud or loose dirt I just turn the hubs before it gets messy and if I need 4wd just engage the transfer case. When I do not think I need them any more I unlock the hubs. If you don't use 4wd alot it is good every month or so to lock your hubs and drive a few milles to keep everything lubricated then unlock them again.

 

IMHO, going to auto hubs is a bad idea. Mine crapped out in a silly little storm this winter, and I couldnt get out of a tiny ditch that would have taken me two seconds with 4x4 engaged. Also, it isnt like you have to take 3 minutes with 20 steps to engage 4x4, just lock the hubs, throw the stick in 4H, and be gone. Im lazy, but not lazy enough to risk piece of mind when it comes to my rig.

Rich

 

i just swapped to manuals and i also trashed the double lock nut set up for a late madel ratchet lock nut set up and it is the best move I had made to many problems on the passenger side front wheel for me i can post the part number for the 12 dollar spindle ratchet nut if ya need it................

 

I appreciate all the input. I guess I will stick with the manuals. The big reason I asked is when it snows around here some streets will be cleared and others completely covered. The speed limit on the roads where I live range from 15mph to 55 mph. Keeping the hubs locked really kills my mileage and performance.(12mpg - 8 mpg) So i pop in and out of 4wd a lot when it snows.

 

Jeep,

Look at it this way, even if the autos were a more reliable component, you still have to back up 10-15 feet to disengage them which takes about as much time as climbing out to unlock the manuals. But it requires a lot more empty space to accomplish the same thing. A long enough traffic light will afford enough time to lock/unlock manuals but if you had autos you couldn't do that if you have another car behind you.