i got a 1996 f150 4x4 XLT i wanna swap my auto hubs to manuals. will i have to buy new hub spindles and backing plates? I see some hub on ebay like this http://cgi.ebay.com/Warn-4WD-Premium...QQcmdZViewItem

can i just pop those in ?

 

There are many, many threads and posts about this. The Warn hubs should fit without a hitch. Just replace the hubs per instructions. You will need to use a couple of o-ring picks to get the retaining ring out.
Have fun with the 1000x better hubs!

 

1000x better ! lol thanks

 

Manual hubs are a direct swap from the auto hubs, you don't need to replace your spindles and I'm not sure what you mean by backing plates, but you have to buy a conversion kit. If you're going to go with Warn hubs you might as well just buy the warn conversion kit (although I'm not sure it matters), you can find the part number on their website. I did this swap several months back, went very smoothly. Post back here if you have any questions.

 

the reason i wann go manual is that i need to replace my bearings since one side is making noise.... the wheel seals are 50+ at autozone !! WTF ... is there a different hub / spidle swap that i can do to avoid the expensive wheel seal ??

 

Well if you're current seals are good you can reuse them so long as you don't damage them when you take them out. I reused mine when I did my wheel bearings. I'm assuming your replacing both inners and outers; if you replace just the outers you won't need to remove the seal nor the rotors. If you ARE replacing inners then you'll have to remove the rotors and the seals, just be careful and you should be able to reuse them if they're in good shape.

 

go some where else I work on theses trucks all time and just sold a 96 .I repacked the bearings before sold and seal was like $14,00.(But they may have changed for the late 96 ) I can get new bearings races and seals for about $50 any where . If have 3 bolt in hub you will need the conversion kit with them . Good luck on the swap .