self locking hubs
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: junction city or
self locking hubs
im thinking of changing my auto locking hubs on my 74 f100 to manual locking hubs my question is will this help my fuel millage and also what do i need to get to do so.
paul
paul
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Joined: Jul 2006
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More than likely you do not have auto locking hubs. Auto locking would imply that the hub mechanism itself engages and dis-engages automatically when 4wd is called.
This was not available in the 70's era truck. What you have is a "full time" front end and a full time 4wd transfer case (Np203). This means that the front hubs are locked, or enaged all of the time. No exceptions.
If you install manual locking hubs with a Np203 (full time transfer case) and unlock the hubs, the vehicle will no longer move without engaging the front hubs or selecting one of the "Loc" positions on the transfer case.
IN order to save some gas (minimal really) you will have to convert this full time 4wd transfer case to a part time unit. A few companies make such a kit, and this was a common upgrade.
Currently more and more folks move away from this transfer case and install a Np205. This case is a simple case that is gear driven, and offers the part time conevenience and a little better mileage.
Believe that the drag associated with the front end turning and poor mileage is minor. Dont expect to see increased mileages that is incredibly noticeable.
Without a part time kit for the transfer case, installing manual locking hubs will do nothing for you. You would have to engage the front hubs all of the time in order to obtain any type of forward motion.
This was not available in the 70's era truck. What you have is a "full time" front end and a full time 4wd transfer case (Np203). This means that the front hubs are locked, or enaged all of the time. No exceptions.
If you install manual locking hubs with a Np203 (full time transfer case) and unlock the hubs, the vehicle will no longer move without engaging the front hubs or selecting one of the "Loc" positions on the transfer case.
IN order to save some gas (minimal really) you will have to convert this full time 4wd transfer case to a part time unit. A few companies make such a kit, and this was a common upgrade.
Currently more and more folks move away from this transfer case and install a Np205. This case is a simple case that is gear driven, and offers the part time conevenience and a little better mileage.
Believe that the drag associated with the front end turning and poor mileage is minor. Dont expect to see increased mileages that is incredibly noticeable.
Without a part time kit for the transfer case, installing manual locking hubs will do nothing for you. You would have to engage the front hubs all of the time in order to obtain any type of forward motion.
