Is it difficult to replace the automatic hubs with manual ones? Also, is this recommended or are the automatic ones reliable?

 

Autos are known to be weak, and can give out any time no matter how hard or easy the truck is driven. The swap to manuals is easy, and only requires the conversion kit and a spanner socket if you have 3 cover screws. If you have 5 or 6 screws, you don't need the "kit" or the socket, unless you plan on repacking your wheel bearings at the same time (always a good idea).

 

I did mine recently. Here is a website I found with great pictures and all the pointers I needed. Just remember that you can push "outward" on the spindle to release some of the stuff.


http://www.tx4x4bayarea.org/bronco_hub.html