Auto Locking Hubs
New User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville USA
Auto Locking Hubs
I have (excuse me, my wife has) a '95 F150 with automatic hubs. After she got stuck with her horse trailer it was discovered the 4wd was not working. The transfer case engages and the front axles turn so I suspect the hubs. She wants to keep the auto hubs but the Ford dealer wants $147.00 each just for a rebuild kit. I believe that the plastic cams are wore out. Any ideas out there for either other sources for parts or any other causes for the problem.
Thanks
Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
Auto Locking Hubs
Sorry...but your out of luck. I would try to talk her into the warn premium manual hubs..by far one of the best investments i've made to my truck. The auto hubs are plagued by weakness and unreliablity. Warn makes by far the best hub you can buy.
Ryan
Ryan
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
Auto Locking Hubs
Convert to manual hubs. It took me less than half an hour for both sides. Warn and Superwinch have excellent all-metal ones.
Leave them in the "locked" position at all times. This will allow "shift on the fly" for her convenience. There is no great harm in leaving them engaged all of the time. On the new trucks, the front axles are always turning.
Jim
Leave them in the "locked" position at all times. This will allow "shift on the fly" for her convenience. There is no great harm in leaving them engaged all of the time. On the new trucks, the front axles are always turning.
Jim
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
Auto Locking Hubs
correction....the fronts are not always spinning. By unlocking your hubs your unlocking the axles allowing them not to spin. You can leave them locked, but thats not what they were designed to do. It will kill gas milage, burn out u-joints faster, and you'll notice it. But i'd still say convert.
Ryan
Ryan
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
Auto Locking Hubs
By newer trucks, I mean '97 and newer F150-250, Ranger and Explorer. Since they do not have hubs, how do they disconnect? As far as I know, the axle shafts do turn with the front wheels at all times. While there may be a little extra drag and noise, there is no real stress on these parts when the transfer case is disengaged.
Jim
Jim
New User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville USA
Auto Locking Hubs
Hey, Thanks for the help. I think I have her convinced to go with the manual. I saw some Warn hubs at Advance Auto for $60.00. Does Warn make different grades of hubs? If so, which do you recommend and do you know a good source?
Thanks again
Thanks again
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 714
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From: Georgia
Auto Locking Hubs
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 15-May-02 AT 11:26 PM (EST)]Warn makes standard hubs (fairly strong) and they produce premium hubs(which are more heavy duty--stronger metal construction, more positive engagement, dual seals to keep stuff out etc...)
I use Warn premium manual hubs on both of my trucks.
Another selling point for me was that they have a lifetime warranty. I had a hub break one day so I contacted Warn and they replaced the hub no questions asked. All I had to do was sent them the broken one.
You may be able to find a pair for a good price online, but by the time you pay shipping and all you might as well go to Napa, Advance, Pep Boys or whatever is in your area. I bought both sets from an Advance Auto.
Jon
1989 F-150 XL- 4x4, 302, M50D
1995 Bronco Eddie Bauer- 351W, E40D
Finally got around to creating a gallery...check it out
I use Warn premium manual hubs on both of my trucks.
Another selling point for me was that they have a lifetime warranty. I had a hub break one day so I contacted Warn and they replaced the hub no questions asked. All I had to do was sent them the broken one.
You may be able to find a pair for a good price online, but by the time you pay shipping and all you might as well go to Napa, Advance, Pep Boys or whatever is in your area. I bought both sets from an Advance Auto.
Jon
1989 F-150 XL- 4x4, 302, M50D
1995 Bronco Eddie Bauer- 351W, E40D
Finally got around to creating a gallery...check it out
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: MN
Auto Locking Hubs
I don't quite understand why everybody hates auto locking hubs. If they are so terrible, why does every new 4x4 come with them on it? And, if they are so terrible, why doesn't someone make ones that work good and last. It can't be that complicated and they would make a killing. I don't want to have to get out of my vehicle to lock hubs. That sucks. If I have to pay more and replace more often, then so be it. That's the cost for convenience. I will say that I'm not a hardcore offroader, just use 4x4 in bad weather situations. Manual locking hubs just seem like old school to me. I'm not trying to offend anyone, just don't quite understand it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Auto Locking Hubs
I think one of the main reasons is for simplicity of design that people swap them out. I would put them in because they are stronger, and more reliable. Just my luck that the auto hubs would stop working when i needed it the most.
Primary rig is NOW TOTALLED :-X23 :
95' F-150 EB 300/6 5 spd with 4" Superlift, MSD, Ram Air, Gibson Exhaust, 32" BFG Muds
Some pictures in my gallery.
Then theres:
88' F-250 Superduty 351 + c6
95' Mercury Cougar 4.6L V-8
80' E-350 300/6 and a
3 spd column shifter. Top speed, 65mph, Go Baby Go!
The newest addition to the Ford family is a 99' Mustang GT 4.6L
Primary rig is NOW TOTALLED :-X23 :
95' F-150 EB 300/6 5 spd with 4" Superlift, MSD, Ram Air, Gibson Exhaust, 32" BFG Muds
Some pictures in my gallery.
Then theres:
88' F-250 Superduty 351 + c6
95' Mercury Cougar 4.6L V-8
80' E-350 300/6 and a
3 spd column shifter. Top speed, 65mph, Go Baby Go!
The newest addition to the Ford family is a 99' Mustang GT 4.6L
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
Auto Locking Hubs
Ok...the newer trucks don't use u-joints in the axles, they use cv's and they are designed to run all the time,,,as for the warns, they do make two different grades and spend the extra twenty bucks and get the premiums. People upgrade to the manual hubs because the autos are so weak. The Auto hubs have a bunch of plastic crap in them. The manuals that warn makes have all metal...
RYan
RYan
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