Auto-locking Hubs

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Mar 14, 2013 | 09:08 PM

T-Bird Stu

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From: Miami, FL

Auto-locking Hubs

I am trying to locate repair parts for the auto-locking hub assembly on my '95 F 150. There is an aluminum sprag clutch that is cracked. (It may not be called a "sprag clutch". That is the best name I could come up with. The Ford Manual does not show a breakdown of the assembly).
It is located near the wheel bearing and is the most inner part of the auto-locking hub assembly.
If anybody has any ideas or suggestions as to where I might obtain a replacement for one of these, I'd be most appreciative.
Thanks! Stuart

Mar 14, 2013 | 10:44 PM

garthneddy

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From: Franklin, IN

You should look into purchasing some manual hub, rather then repairing the problematic automatic hubs. Manual lock outs are cheap enough that you might even come out ahead if you decide to replace your current hubs with some aftermarket units.

Mar 14, 2013 | 11:17 PM

Evan_P

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From: Oregon

The auto hubs are not bad if properly maintained, but if they go bad, replace with some manual locking ones. My auto's still work flawlessly so they get to hang around a little longer.

Mar 15, 2013 | 10:52 AM

92 Black Nite

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From: Coatesville ,PA.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evan_P

The auto hubs are not bad if properly maintained, but if they go bad, replace with some manual locking ones. My auto's still work flawlessly so they get to hang around a little longer.

What Evan_P said is great advice . My 92 auto hubs work well and if kept maintained & greased " just lightly,don't jam them up with too much grease" they will work well. But if you do need to repair them, it would be better to replace with manuals. I don't do a lot off off roading so my Auto Hubs Work great for me . But I understand that guy's that do go off road, are much better off with Manual hubs. It is your choice of course to do either one. I know my local Ford dealer can not get parts for them (obsolete part) . I did pick up a good extra set of Auto Hubs from a friend " before you ask, their not for sale " that wanted to switch because he camps & go's off road. He just wanted to get new Warn manual hubs. If you really want to keep you Auto Hubs you can check around for some used ones, This may be worth looking at . Some people will ship. Hope this help's "92

4x4 Automatic Hubs - Wellington, MO - $10

Mar 15, 2013 | 11:15 AM

dixie460

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From: SW Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Bird Stu

I am trying to locate repair parts for the auto-locking hub assembly on my '95 F 150. There is an aluminum sprag clutch that is cracked.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evan_P

The auto hubs are not bad if properly maintained, but if they go bad, replace with some manual locking ones. My auto's still work flawlessly so they get to hang around a little longer.

Well, my problem with even having them around in the first place is that you don't know when their gonna fail, even if you do take care of them. Usually it's when you need them most that they'll fail to lock up.

Same can be said for manual hubs but at least those don't fail as often IF they are used properly and not abused.

Mar 15, 2013 | 11:19 AM

Evan_P

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From: Oregon

Quote:

Originally Posted by dixie460

I can understand that. If I did more off-roading I would invest in a set of manual hubs. As it is right now, I have only used 4WD once in a year and a half, and that's due to thick mud. Anything else my tires do the work for me. I simply don't need them very much.

Mar 16, 2013 | 03:16 PM

T-Bird Stu

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From: Miami, FL

Thank you!

Thanks, all, for your advice. I was hoping I could just get the one internal part I need to fix the automatic hub (the innermost ring on the hub).
If I can't come up with that part, I'll switch to manual.
Appreciate your suggestions!