Locking Hubs
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New User
Joined: May 1999
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From: Florida
Locking Hubs
I need to change out my front axles so that I can use after market hubs. Does anyone know what is involved? I have been told that I have to change everything from the short axle out to the hub. Does anyone know if there is an aftermarket kit for this? Help, the hubs I have now are the slip on type and they break after about 5 times when pulling something heavy. they are also about $200 for each side. I'm going broke.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 265
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From: Greenville USA
Locking Hubs
I checked my 4x4 catalogs, and unfortunately, Warn hubs fit all ford F-150's except early 87-88 models, which use a flange mount hub, instead of the normal splined version used on every other Dana 44: Jeep, Chevy, and Ford. It sounds like the advice you got was dead on, you vill have to replace the parts you mentioned above to get a real set of Hubs.
I think Ford in this era made the hub the weak link in the drivetrain, I've heard of people getting stronger hubs under waranty after they break the first set, because 90% of people don't use the truck off-road, and thus never break the original hubs, so they can put on the cheaper ones for most people, but put on stronger ones once the person has demonstrated need.
As a recommendation, once you break a part twice in a short period of time, it needs to be upgraded; if it breaks once in 120k miles and then lasts another long period it is fine. You could have used the $600 from the last three sets of hubs to completely upgrade your hubs
I think Ford in this era made the hub the weak link in the drivetrain, I've heard of people getting stronger hubs under waranty after they break the first set, because 90% of people don't use the truck off-road, and thus never break the original hubs, so they can put on the cheaper ones for most people, but put on stronger ones once the person has demonstrated need.
As a recommendation, once you break a part twice in a short period of time, it needs to be upgraded; if it breaks once in 120k miles and then lasts another long period it is fine. You could have used the $600 from the last three sets of hubs to completely upgrade your hubs
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Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 265
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From: Greenville USA
Locking Hubs
Sorry, I must have misread, you didn't say you broke five sets, you said they break after 5 heavy tows. The advice about replacing a part still applies, but it seems you are attempting to do that. Way to go, and my fault for being obtuse.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 39
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Locking Hubs
I have an '88 F-150 4X4 that had the same hubs that you are talking about. I converted mine to tha standard hubs with replaceable lockouts. All you need is the spindles and hubs off of a '89 or so F-150 4X4. Any Ford with the 44 axle between '80 to '96 will work but I used the '89 just to make sure. After you replace these items then invest in some Warn Premium Lockouts and never replace again.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 780
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Locking Hubs
Hey, Mark, photo, pleeeeez! I'm shopping for a front TTB setup to do a 2wd to 4wd changeover, and I sure would like to see a picture of what NOT to buy (no offense). THANX! Ed
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 1999
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Locking Hubs
I got a Dana TTB axle you can buy...ill make you a good deal on it. I am
looking to get a mono beam under mine.....but its out of an '86 f 150 with
the good type of spline hubs. It should work well.....might need a little
work on the axle to get it in perfect shape....other than that....its a good
one. Give me a jingle.....as long as i can get the TIB's out of your rig so
i can put tires back on the front of mine...haha
Dan
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New User
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 20
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Locking Hubs
I have a 95 F-150 with automatic locking hubs and when I engage the 4-wheel drive it sounds like the splines are not fully engaging in the hubs,,it makes a sound like gears grinding.Is there a fix for this or would I be wiser to install manual locking hubs???
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