I am looking at buying a 1988-1995 f150 or 250 and am wondering what 4x4 setup to buy. I currently have manual hubs and like them. Is it true that the automatic hubs don't work in reverse? I would say that 75% of the times I have got my truck stuck in the snow the last month would involve backing out of drifts and ditches. Also, did the pushbutton 4x use the same auto hubs as the manual shift auto hubs? Are there any reliability problems?
Also, how much $$ and how hard is it to convert from auto to man hubs?
-Thanks

 

Im sure its pretty much the consensus here that auto hubs are not the way to go . As far as I know the auto hubs for the manual & electric shift transfer cases are the same . If you want reliable manual hubs go with Warn , Mile Marker or any aftermarket hubs that you like . The switch is usually a straight forward , no hassle job .

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 01-Jan-01 AT 09:28 AM (EST)[/font][p]my 96 bronco (bought new in June 96 and maintained!...(w/manual xfer case shifter)) blew the auto hubs @ 30K miles....others have lasted longer for folks here..soooooo...i would buy a 4x4 w/man hubs next time if one was available...
you can search here for how to do the tranfer from auto to manual (warn, etc. as Paul has said)
the warn prem's go for about $120.00 (USA) for the hubs and a needed conversion kit (for the years you cited)
The Superlifts go for about $100.00 total and folks seem to like them too.

If you do the conversion, you may want to buy a Ford Hub wrench from napa to serv. the bearings while you're at it .. $40.00..or down to $20.00 here in NJ at a local auto store .. (I am asking for one here)
also, you will need wal mart "dental type picks" .. $5.00..for lock ring removal..some use lengths of metal coat hangars..ends hammered flat..and a small flat bladed screw driver to remove those rings.
and
brake cleaner..may as well clean them up while you're at it
takes about a 1/2 hour per wheel..incl jacking it up