Auto to manual hub conversion on a 2007 Ranger

woodfarmer · Sep 3, 2007

I want to convert my 2007 Ranger supercab short box to manual hubs. I am not finding any kits online for that specific year. Will previous years overlap with the '07? I have not checked with the dealer yet, and I have not talked with Warn, but I have checked their website.

I like the good old fashioned get out in the rain and turn the hubs in method, like the one on my '01 Powerstroke.

Thanks

krugford · Sep 3, 2007

Welcome to TRS!!

You're truck doesn't have hubs, you have a live axle setup. Your front driveline is turning when you are driving whether it's in 4 wheel or not.

If you really, really want manual hubs, you'll have to convert everything to a 98-00 Ranger 4x4 (they had the vacuum hub locks) and then convert that to manuals with the AVM kit. I think you'll only need the hub/bearing assemblies and the axle shafts to do it.

You'll also need wheels with holes in the center....

woodfarmer · Sep 3, 2007

Thanks,

That explains why the reviews on those years of Ranger complain about lousy gas mileage. You are pushing all of that extra hardware.

gw33gp · Sep 4, 2007

Ford engineers estimate only a 0.3 mpg loss due to the live front axle system.

krugford · Sep 4, 2007

Well, advantages would be a slight improvement in mileage and less wear and tear on the front driveline. Not sure if I would do the swap for just those two reasons though.

Natedog · Sep 4, 2007

gw33gp said:
Ford engineers estimate only a 0.3 mpg loss due to the live front axle system.

Bwahahaha, and the extra cost of going to the dealer to replace all those worn out parts...driveshaft, axles, transfer case, etc.

Wicked_Sludge · Sep 4, 2007

the transfer case doesnt spin in 2wd, just the front cv axles and differential.

its not uncommon to get 100k out of cv axles (much more then most u-joints). and i dont believe ive ever seen a ring and pinion "worn out".

not a bad setup really....eliminates a lot of the weak links in the front axles.

Natedog · Sep 6, 2007

The front driveshaft usually rotates some especially on the freeway with this setup. I see em all the time goin down the road and it's spinning a little, but not like if it was in 4x4. Either way I very much dislike this shortcut method that mfrs are using these days.

TireIron · Sep 6, 2007

well theyve been using this setup in jeeps since the YJ and MJ came out in the early 80s so it isn't really a new thing or something that has just recently started being used. and the old 70s dodge ramchargers used a live axle setup too come to think of it as those are the knuckles I'm gonna be using soon.

Natedog · Sep 7, 2007

TireIron said:
well theyve been using this setup in jeeps since the YJ and MJ came out in the early 80s so it isn't really a new thing or something that has just recently started being used. and the old 70s dodge ramchargers used a live axle setup too come to think of it as those are the knuckles I'm gonna be using soon.

True, but not a GOOD setup...a get you by setup. That setup and usually the axle it's connected to is the first things that hardcore wheelers swap out. FYI, Dodge solid front axle parts are usually wimpier and ever so slightly different than the Ford or Chevy versions.

JohnnyO · Sep 10, 2007

As far as I know there is no manual hub kit for 98+ Rangers although I keep hearing rumors.
The 98-00 vacuum setup proved to be troublesome and unreliable which is why Ford dropped it.

krugford · Sep 10, 2007

JohnnyO said:
As far as I know there is no manual hub kit for 98+ Rangers although I keep hearing rumors.
The 98-00 vacuum setup proved to be troublesome and unreliable which is why Ford dropped it.

The kit to convert the 98-00 vacuum hubs manuals is available from AVM as well as many other suppliers. After Ford dropped the PVH system in 2001, they went to a live axle set-up on the rangers. This means there is no locking hub to worry about.

Big Jim M · May 20, 2008

I'm gonna do this to my 2002

But I know not what to purchase. So I need a list of what to buy at the local wrecking yard..
Does anyone here have experience with the change over to locking hubs on a late model front end?
I'm commited to put lockers on my ride. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
Big JIm

Auto to manual hub conversion on a 2007 Ranger

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