Manual or Automatic Hubs?
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New User
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Manual or Automatic Hubs?
Hello. I have a 95 F250 4x4 w351 engine. I'm about to install 4.10 gears from factory 3.55. My question is should I install a Warn manual conversion kit from the stock automatic hubs. Some guys say the factory autos are junk. If it's best to change them to manual, I was wondering the why's behind it.
Thanks.
Thanks.
New User
Joined: Feb 2007
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Manual hubs are the only way to go. With auto hubs you never know when they are actually engaged, and this could be very detrimental on the trail; or anywhere for that matter. Also, the auto hubs are easily damaged by the elements: water, mud, etc.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 893
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From: Lincoln, Nebraska
i wish i would have changed for some reason mine will lock in once in a while after being parked and they where redone 15,000 miles ago. the reason i stayed to auto is so the wife wouldnt get in a hit the button needing the 4wd for some reason and not get out and lock it in
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: BC, Canada
Go with the manuals. For the same reason as everybody else peace of mind that they are engaged.
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Senior User
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From: SoCal, at the beach.
Originally Posted by Fordman_Evs
Go with the manuals. For the same reason as everybody else peace of mind that they are engaged.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,310
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From: E.Lincoln County, NC
Also with manual hubs you can slide into 4L and have a heck of a gear reduction for pulling heavy stuff out of places like steep driveways. With auto hubs you can do the same but when turning on dry surfaces it can "bind" up. Works great for pulling BIG boats out of the water without smoking your clutch or your auto trans.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 12,281
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From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Yeah it would be a good idea lots of people like manual for piece of mind and sometimes auto can really crap out on you when you need them and not engage what if this happens when your 4x4ing or trying to get through snow will make things difficult i would go manual to be safe cause they are probably more relaible but its your choice
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 423
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
I have auto hubs abd love them, keep them clean/lubed and they work great....I don't offroad with my truck other than hauling out heavy loads of firewood but having the auto hubs and auto t-case in snowy weather is great. No frozen manual hubs to fight with....They can be hard to steer on dry packed ground though.
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Yeah but w/ manuals, you can lock them and keep em that way till you engage 4x4 lever into 4 hi or 4 lo. You would'nt have to get out and you would know for sure you were in 4wd. No second guessing!