locking hubs
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2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2022
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locking hubs
Hello to all, new member here, thnaks in advance for all replies. I have a ealry 77 highboy with dana 44 original axle with Warn manual locking hubs, they are the large hub style. I would like to replace them with automatic locking hubs, is there such a locking hub for the large hub style danna 44?
Grumpy goat
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,058
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I'm not aware of any. And frankly, what you have is far superior to auto locking hubs, which frequently failed. My '86 Bronco had "auto locking" hubs, and they were a pain in the axe!
I don't know of any current vehicles that come with auto locking hubs. A lot of people think they have them, but what they really have are hubs that are always locked. I've personally had issues with Dodge trucks and jeeps, wearing out axle shaft universal joints and driveshaft universal joints, because they're always under a load. If I was making a change, I'd convert those to manual hubs. And I do plan to convert my 2001 Dodge 3/4 ton.
Jeep and Dodge tried another hokey "remedy" a few years ago. They installed a center axle disconnect, that was vacuum actuated. As long as the front end had an open differential, the CAD kept the front driveshaft and axle shafts from turning while in 2WD. That silly gadget frequently fails also. My 2001 Dodge has it, and it's currently inoperable, and I have no 4WD function because of it.
I don't know of any current vehicles that come with auto locking hubs. A lot of people think they have them, but what they really have are hubs that are always locked. I've personally had issues with Dodge trucks and jeeps, wearing out axle shaft universal joints and driveshaft universal joints, because they're always under a load. If I was making a change, I'd convert those to manual hubs. And I do plan to convert my 2001 Dodge 3/4 ton.
Jeep and Dodge tried another hokey "remedy" a few years ago. They installed a center axle disconnect, that was vacuum actuated. As long as the front end had an open differential, the CAD kept the front driveshaft and axle shafts from turning while in 2WD. That silly gadget frequently fails also. My 2001 Dodge has it, and it's currently inoperable, and I have no 4WD function because of it.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2022
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thanks for reply, I was hoping too find a locking hub like the old scout ll had, Lok O matic, Ive had and still do run a scout ll with them and they have been flawless for me, especially with the maual engage for heavy use. Its a very simliar hub face like the highboys just a size smaller .......was and still hoping for a similar option.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 333
Likes: 219
From: British Columbia
You probably already know this but you can run your truck in 2WD and leave the hubs locked in.
The only downside is some increased vibration in some cases and of course reduced fuel mileage because you are turning all that extra mass. That being said, it doesn’t do any harm and in fact is good to do once in a while anyway just to keep the front axle bearings and u-joints etc working and freed up.
Some people just leave the front hubs locked in all winter. You need 4WD, shift the transfer case and you are good to go. I previously owned a 77 Highboy with the big Dana front hubs. Bullet proof but very limited in terms of aftermarket parts.
The only downside is some increased vibration in some cases and of course reduced fuel mileage because you are turning all that extra mass. That being said, it doesn’t do any harm and in fact is good to do once in a while anyway just to keep the front axle bearings and u-joints etc working and freed up.
Some people just leave the front hubs locked in all winter. You need 4WD, shift the transfer case and you are good to go. I previously owned a 77 Highboy with the big Dana front hubs. Bullet proof but very limited in terms of aftermarket parts.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,837
Likes: 2,612
From: The Shenandoah Valley
Yeah, gonna lock them anyway before getting in the cab ... and even out on the road one can wait until on the slick stuff, lift throttle, ease back into 4H, then when good road is in view while still on slick road, let off and nudge bacvk forward into 2H. No driving in 4H on good road ... no fast shifts either, just nudging so that when teeth are alligned, it'll slip in or out easy enough..
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