Automatic Hubs
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,978
Likes: 0
From: Central PA
Its a loaded question. After many a walk needing towed out because they didn't work. Like anything else when they work they work. The only time I was glad I hadn't swaped them yet was when I ended up in water filled ditch after being ran off road . I didn't get wet. But still switched them. My latest truck had new ford auto hubs installed 4 months before I bought it. ( Have receipt boy thoses things are $$$) The first time I used 4x4 with load on went to back up and hubs poped out and I slid into tree. Never happened with manual. After that on way home hub decided to self destruct hence a new spindle. Bottom line is if you don't go off blacktop need hubs for slippery roads or wet grass. You'll be fine.
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94 F150 XLT 4x4 SC LB Maf 302 E4od
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94 F150 XLT 4x4 SC LB Maf 302 E4od
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,833
Likes: 0
From: Honkytonkville
Auto hubs are nice when you like the convenience of not having to leave your dry/warm cab. In that aspect you cannot beat them. I personally prefer the solid hubs(common on Fulltime 4x4 vehicles) that are ALWAYS engaged. On my old wood truck I wouldnt trade them for their weight in gold. They kill MPGs but have the advantages of both manual and auto locking hubs. The only thing is you will see increased drivetrain wear.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 59
Likes: 1
From: North Royalton, Ohio
I changed my hubs to Warn manuals. I went threw to sets of auto hubs. They selfdestructed. both pairs. Seemed odd to me but talk to a mechanic and he said they are known for it. So I have no trouble at all with these beside getting out of the truck to lock em.
