I have a 1996 Ford F-150 SuperCab with the push button 4WD. The 4WD doesnt work anymore and makes clicking noises. He wants $523.00 to fix them. I dont understand how the two chrome hickies on the end of the axle cost that much??? The mechanic guy dont the road says he can put WARN hubs on cheaper. What is broke the hubs on the end of is there something inside broke? How does this whole thing work? The WARN hubs you just turn the **** how does that make it go into 4WD?
I search the 4WD discussion but didnt find many ansewers...

 

Don't know for sure on the autohubs, but the manuals on an F250 are a piece of cake to work on, easier than doing a ATF change. I think there are maybe 4 major parts in a manual hub and they are all pretty big and easy to handle.

The Haynes manual shows the autohubs and they don't look a lot more complicated but then that is always the story before you blow something up.

If you are good with a wrench and can read a manual, you might give it a try. $500 sounds like the guy is charging you for what you don't know.

I could be wrong so check the manual.

Jim Henderson

 

My truck had the Auto hubs in it when I bought it and they were bad. The dealer bit the bullet and replaced them at a cost of $565 to them. I have the receipt. Factory auto hubs are expensive, and not very strong. I ran them maybe 3 months then upgraded to Warn Premium internal manual hubs. I have been very happy with mine. The job is simple, but you also need a hub nut conversion kit. I bought it all from 4 wheel parts wholesalers for around $165 delivered. I would suggest you go that route. The job is easy. Good luck. If you decide you just want the auto's, I have a brand new set you can get for way less than they sell new. But like I said, I changed mine.....Good luck.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 21-Dec-01 AT 06:56 PM (EST)]Look at this pic in Tony's site for installation info with many pics:
http://personal.rdu.bellsouth.net/rdu/t/g/tgaunce/bronco/warn_manuals/warn_hubs.html

see the ratchet set-up on a part of the auto hub assy.? visualize the Xfer case engaged, thus turning the front axles thru the diff and then the auto hubs "engaging" via the ratchet feature.

As the prev. guys advised, manual hubs are ez to install with a torque wrench, ford hub wrench (make sure it's for your 96, not an earlier model), wal mart pick set, and instructions (and a conv kit if you have the 3 torx screw cover)

here is an advertisement for milemarker vs. warn
http://www.sabreforce.com/tech21401.htm

Superwinch also makes man. hubs:
http://www.superwinch.com/swhubs.htm

I believe that Warn is the only aftermarket source to offer the conversion kit (they're also the poem for ford hubs)

 

here is more info:
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m3102/n8_v117/21019130/p3/article.jhtml?term=

 

i too had the auto hubs on my 96. i bought warn manual hubs and the conversion kit at napa for around $100-130. it took about 1-2 hrs to replace them in the driveway, just make sure you have new axle grease, a torque wrench, a special socket to turn the lock nut in napa also sells this for $16. any questions, give me a hollar.

 

O.K. I looked at all the other web address you guys gave me and still dont understand?!?!?! The dealer says there are "springs" inside the hub that are weak and FORD only sells the entire kit that includes all the parts, they dont sell the piece I need. So if I put these WARN hubs on do I need to take out these "springs" inside the hub? I still dont understand how either the auto of manuel hubs lock the axle to the wheel.

 

Where are you? There has to be a local shop that would be glad to take a few bucks from you to do the conversion. A few is all they could, or should charge. Like I said earlier, it isn't a hard job, but the auto's are very expensive from ford. Get the Warn's and follow the instructions that come with them. Get five or six buddies, a case of some Anheiser Busch product and ya'll dive into it. It isn't that hard. Hub nut tool,and torque wrench are the only special tools. If you don't see it in the pictures, you will when it is apart. Good Luck.

 

the spring is a part of the auto hub. When you take the hub out it comes out as an assembly. the hub holds the axle in the center and the wheel is connected (splined) to the outside. the hub locks the axle to the wheel. the manual hubs, when you twist, it pushes a gear in to lock everything up, just like a transmission synchro.

 

You might also try cleaning out those auto hubs. A lot of times they get real gummed up with grease and dirt and that can cause them to fail. But in the long run, you'll be better off replacing them with a set of Warn Manual hubs. With manual hubs, when you lock them in, your front axel shafts are locked to the wheels, they spin with the wheels and so will your front drivline. You will still have to hit the 4WD button to be in 4WD. When you hit that button it shifts your transfer case to send power to the front wheels. Hope this helps.

Scott

1995 F150 4X4
5.0 Reg Cab SB
33" BFG MT
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=479&.jpg

 

I need to inspect and lube my auto hubs on a 96 F-150 4x4.
The Haynes books seems to describe a different set-up than I have. When I remove the chrome hub cover what I see is something different. What is the next step? I see no wrench flats or place for a spanner. How does the thing come apart?