Hey...I have a 1985 F150 351W-C6 Auto-4x4...
I dont like the manual hubs it has cause its a pain in the ##### to get out of the truck and lock them.
Is there a kit I can buy to convert my manual hubs to automatic hubs? If not, how do I convert manual hubs to automatic?

 

The problem is, that I don't think anyone makes aftermarket auto hubs. Ford's are basically junk, and if you can actually get them, are probably extremely expensive. You might be able to find some good ones off of a wrecked truck.

 

warn made them for a reaally short time. there are some floating around out there.

 

I know you don't want to hear this, but I think that's a bad idea. For one, if you are really in a pinch and can't move the truck at all, more than likely autos won't engage. Two, most all auto set ups require the entire front end to be in motion at all times. That is un-due wear and tear on parts you probably don't use all that often. And we all know 4 wheel drive parts aren't cheap. And third, most of all, if you ain't got to get out in the mud to lock the hubs or look at something that went POP! You ain't havin' enough fun! Autos are out there, but they are no where near as tough as manuals, and manuals ALWAYS engage, unless they are broken. By the way, what kind of hubs do you have? If you have the big fat spicer hubs, I might tell you how wonderful autos can be, and work a deal with ya. Ha Ha. Hope this helps.

P.S. I've never done the swap, but it might be a pain.

RubberDuck

 

lol thanks

 

yes its not a difficule swap on the hub but you will have to play around with the electrical system for the switch
if you take your truck off road leave the manual hubs alone they wont break
auto hubs are for grocery getters when it starts to snow

 

I Totally agree with Rubberduck DON'T DO IT YOU'LL BE SORRY YOU DID. I have NEVER seen a set of AUTO hubs that have lasted. I have had the same manuals in my truck since new....

1988 Ford F250 4x4, 5.0 liter (soon to be Roller 5.0), AOD tranny, 2.5 Dual exhaust, Headman Shortyheaders, 33" BFG's Mud Terrain

1980 Ford F100, with 1988 5.0L Roller (carburated), T-5 five speed Borg Warner World Class Transmission, 31 spline 9" 3.73 posi , and a bunch more!! 13.78 quarter mile.

 

Thanks guys...I just figured since newer 4x4 had auto hubs that they were reliable...guess not....
-Rob

 

 

I have had automatics work with no maintenance for 20+ years! they are not as bad as people think! Also there is a clutch style that I would go with if you can! With these there is no vacuum or electric hook ups!

 

Tim you have been lucky!
I have also seen auto hubs go bad where every time you backed up they unlocked.

What is so bad to getting out and locking the hubs at first snow fall and leaving them locked till end of season?
I did this on a new truck I bought in 86 and sold it in 2002 with 230k on the clock and the hubs were fine.
Dave ----