I recently had the same problems that many of you have written about with my Ford Automatic Lockout Hubs, i.e. unexplained lock in, lock out, grinding, etc. So, I decided to replace them with manual ones, since it seems the automatic ones will probably never work right.

I chose the SuperWinch type, and wanted to comment on how well they work, and how EAAAAASY there were to install. They were $75/set out the door at Trails West in Reynoldsburg, OH. I was lucky enough to have the five-bolt hubs, so I didn't need to use the conversion kit necessary with the three bolt hubs, so that helped. When I first read the instructions, I was concerned because there were only four steps ...remove the old hub, separate the new hub/clutch assembly, insert the hub assembly and 2 snap rings, and install the clutch assembly. I figured it had to be more complicated, or at least require some special tools. However, it really was that easy. Getting the old snap rings off would have been easier with a good set of snap ring pliers, but I did fine with a small screwdriver. I had more trouble with mosquitoes attacking me .....

The job was done in forty-five minutes, no kidding. Now, no more grinding, and no more pulling over and backing up in traffic. I haven't tried any of the other brands, but I certainly am impressed with these. Impressed enough to take the time to write this for anyone else considering this conversion ...

 

Superwinch are a less-popular brand, but I have them too. They look even stronger than Warn because the guts are cast iron instead of die-cast. I got a deal because PepBoys was closing them out at $40 a set.

It really is that easy to install them.

Jim