Question about locking hubs.

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Dec 23, 2012 | 12:05 AM

SVTDriver97

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More Turbo

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 709

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From: MN

Question about locking hubs.

Hey guys, just joined the forum. Glad to be a part of it!

Quick question. Thinking about picking up a 80-86 F250, and wanted to know about locking hubs.

Does anyone know of a kit, or a way to put auto-locking hubs on these older trucks? Will a newer Super Duty auto locking hub work? Is there a way to modify the old hubs to make them automatic? Anyway to change over the spindles and front suspension to work with a newer style auto-locking hub?

Thanks.

Dec 23, 2012 | 12:35 AM

ian's truck

Junior User

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 58

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From: poynette, wi

not positive but i believe some trucks came with auto lock hubs, at least 92-96 did. should be able to swap if you have the same axle. most people replace them with manuals though because the autos are expensive. here is a link to this topic on this site, https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...king-hubs.html

Dec 23, 2012 | 12:54 AM

joshofalltrades

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Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 3,560

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personally, i prefer manual, as they can't screw up. before going into an area where i might need 4x4, i lock the hubs, then only engage the t-case when i want to. you can shift on the fly between 2hi and 4hi

Dec 23, 2012 | 06:28 AM

JayzDaddy

Elder User

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 978

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From: Covington VA

Auto hubs are great for a highway vehicle. They are great for dirt road riding. But most people i know swap to manual because they are stronger. For a 3/4 ton i think manual would be best.

Dec 23, 2012 | 07:35 AM

Archion

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 3,835

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From: Martinsburg, WV

Auto hubs were available on these years as well. You would need all the bits from an auto hub equipped truck. They were not very reliable and were very fragile. I looked into swapping a year ago. It really wasn't worth it. I just lock the hubs in before I leave if I think I'm going to need them. It doesn't hurt anything but a little bit of mileage and heavier steering.

Dec 23, 2012 | 08:21 AM

Franklin2

Moderator

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 56,995

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From: Virginia

I know some people that leave their manual hubs locked in all winter. That would be fine for local driving. It sure would beat auto hubs. Nobody likes the auto hubs that I know of.

Dec 23, 2012 | 08:49 AM

bashby

Post Fiend

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 7,437

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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va

One downfall of auto hubs, when coasting, they can unlock. Some of the newer ones (saw this on an excursion) have an auto setting and a lock setting. Not sure how well they work.