So I posted a couple days ago about looking into a sra swap and I'm doing more research on it. I know I'm going to want the manual 4x4 shifter just because I think it's more reliable but the concept of manual locking hubs is new to me because I've always used the electric style 4x4. I understand how they work as far as locking them in when I need 4x4 so 90% of the time they'll be unlocked, just wondering if others engage them when you think you'll need it in preparation or if you wait till you actually need it and get our and lock in the hubs then.

 

I daily drive my truck in the winter, but hardly put any miles on, as I don't need to go far much. I usually lock them during the first good snowfall and leave them locked until the roads clear up well. If I take the truck in some questionable off-road terrain I lock them when I leave the pavement.

If I waiting until I was stuck to lock the hubs, I'd have to dig the hubs out first.

 

That's about what I figured. I have a short drive to work.

 

You can use automatic locking hubs with a manual shift transfer case. Personally I wouldn't. In fact, I replaced the automatic hubs with manuals on my '95 F-150 with the electronic (push buttom) shift transfer case. But basically automatic hubs and push-button shift transfer cases are simpler to use if you don't want to think about anything but they're more complex, somewhat less reliable, and in the case of the hubs at least, easier to break. Manual hubs and lever shift transfer cases require you to think a little (but are arguably simpler to use if you do think about them) and are simpler and more reliable.

Here are links to a couple of recent threads where a few different opinionins were expressed.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ifter-4x4.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...king-hubs.html

 

I'd rather have the manual stuff just to avoid wiring in a way. I want something that I can count on to work when I need it to.

 

No wiring or vacuum lines for the OBS auto hubs, they are purely mechanical.
I replaced my ESOF (electric) t-case with a manual awhile ago and just recently went to manual hubs also. Much better. The way the autos work is that they require the axle to start turning in order to lock up, and when you reverse directions they unlock and then re-lock... if they work at all. I've had them fail and seen other people's fail, usually when you need them most.

Another benefit of manual hubs is that if you shift to 4L and don't lock the hubs in, you can have 2L. Good for when you just want a low gear like pushing other vehicles around the yard or whatever.

If I think I'll need the 4x4 then I lock them in first.

 

Thanks for the info. I definitely think the manual locking hubs will be more up my alley. My only real need for having 4x4 is getting to some of the good fishing holes away from the road. I just hope my tired old 4.9 can keep up.

 

Now my biggest issue is deciding if I want to do the simple ttb swap because parts are everywhere or if I want to keep digging for a d44 solid axle from a 78-79 truck. I'd go d60 but I like my wheels a lot on my truck and want front and rear to match.

 

4.9s are the chuck norris of motors, i have seen an old company truck with a 4.9 go to 600,xxx thousand miles and they still kept it as a backup, hauled some crazy loads too.

 

That's what I've heard. I need to trace this air leak and get my idle back down. May end up camming it too at some point.

 

Jarryd, check the Front End Rebuild link in my signature, I have this covered in detail there.

Here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post11243835

 

I'd go with the straight axle, but it's your truck, do whatever you want.

I replaced a laid out D50 with a D44HD in my truck, and I definitely don't regret it. The ride is way smoother, it isn't chewing off the insides of the tire tread like the 50 was, and the front end I found to put in had a L/S unit in it, so I have true 4 wheel drive when I need it.

 

I'd prefer the straight axle over the other but finding a proper donor is hard for the right price. The truck I was going to get is a 74 so that isn't an option.

 

I'd hold out for the straight axle still, even if it's harder to find for cheap.

 

Probably for the best, it's more or less the same swap if not a little easier for the solid axle.