Lock out hubs
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
From: Sabin, Mn
Lock out hubs
Hello all. I have 2006 f250 king ranch and I have to into the front axle to replace u-joints in the axles. While i’m in there I was thinking of getting new lock out hubs but I’d like to get rid of the AUTO feature and run a true lock/free style hub. Is this possible? I’ve never had much faith in automatic locking hubs for 4x4’s.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,085
Likes: 1,627
Yes you can do it. Lots of threads on here on how, but the basics of it are to block off the vacuum lines going to the hubs (and plug the hole in the hub housing to prevent water/debris intrusion), then replace with your choice of full-manual hubs. Warn and Mile Marker are popular and hold up well.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 17,456
Likes: 2,767
From: Northern Ontario
Ive done both ways. Warn premium and just used the original. If your in a cold climate, the brass Warn locks can be a bear to turn in the cold, regardless of grease. The oem are easier to turn, Ive not seen one break my self (with the exception of the earlier style plastic cap dials, and I’ve abused them badly in the bush, and hauling through mud roads). For earlier OEM locks, you almost need to pop the dial cap off annually and clean / lube the oring so it'll turn as well, silicone grease seems to work well and keep water out. My '06 I just lock them in the fall, and unlock in the spring. Summer i just use it as a manual lock as needed, I never use the auto.
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 661
Likes: 186
From: Lakeland, MN
Plugging the knuckle is pretty easy, remove the hose if it hasn't already removed itself, turn the hose barbs out, and install a allen head, flat style, pipe plug. its 1/8 npt thread. Makes it nice and clean. The hose follow back into the engine compartment and all the way back to where it starts and plug the source off for the 2 hubs, or into the engine bay and plug the hose with a bolt and tywrap it up so it doesn't fall down.
Aftermarket hubs are alot stronger than the autos which if you spin on ice then get grip your going to grenade. Mile markers for yours (part # 549) are around 200
Aftermarket hubs are alot stronger than the autos which if you spin on ice then get grip your going to grenade. Mile markers for yours (part # 549) are around 200
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