Locking hubs

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Mar 26, 2023 | 09:29 AM

NM76F150

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Aug 2016

Posts: 842

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From: Albuquerque and Colorado

Locking hubs

Both 95 XLTs. Why the difference? Supply or aftermarket? Is one better that the other?
Thanks

Mar 26, 2023 | 10:39 AM

farmert

Lead Driver

Joined: Mar 2006

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From: western SD

The first picture is a Warn locking hub, an after market hub. The second pick is the Ford factory hub.

Mar 26, 2023 | 11:08 AM

NM76F150

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Aug 2016

Posts: 842

Likes: 461

From: Albuquerque and Colorado

Thanks. I know the Warn have a good name but what’s the reason to switch? Just replacement if the factory ones are worn?

Mar 26, 2023 | 11:25 AM

farmert

Lead Driver

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 5,098

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From: western SD

The hubs probably went bad. The Warn hub you pictured is the premium style. If I'm not mistaken, the Ford hubs were the regular model Warn hub.

Mar 26, 2023 | 11:34 AM

NM76F150

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Aug 2016

Posts: 842

Likes: 461

From: Albuquerque and Colorado

The above truck had one previous owner who obviously didn’t pinch pennies and took very good care of the truck.
The lower one was also well maintained but was a ranch truck with several owners.
I don’t really notice any difference when using 4x4 in either.
Thanks for explaining the difference.

Mar 28, 2023 | 07:56 AM

dclack

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jan 2011

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From: Richland, WA

The standard Warn and OEM hubs are only a quarter turn to engage, whereas the Warn premium are a near full turn. It's personal preference, but I've heard some people say they like the full turn better for peace of mind that the hub is engaged and will stay locked. However, the most likely reason is that the first truck originally had the mechanical auto locking hubs that have been known to fail to engage just when you need them.