AVM Manual Locking Hubs for 98 Ranger

[bldthrst]

Hi Folks,
About 3 months ago I ordered a set of AVM Manual Locking hubs for my 1998 Ford Ranger. These came with a six month warranty. In 3 months the hub which was made of "military" grade plastic, snapped during highway driving, 4x4 was not engaged. I contacted the Baseline 4x4 Outfitters, the place I ordered them from. They have refused to honor my warranty. I contacted the Better Business Bureau, and they are putting a warranty guarantee flag out on this company. They are letting consumers know that Baseline 4x4 Outfitters will not honor their warranties. Please do not get yourself into the situation I am in. I have broken hubs, and am out $160.00 +. Please spread the word not to order from this decietful company. Thanks and happy 4 wheelin!!!!

Bldthrst
98 Ranger 4X4

Admin Note: Baseline 4x4 Outfitters responded to this complaint further down the thread. Their response can be read at:

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showpost.php?p=611952&postcount=52

~ Jim Oaks

[kennykenny]

I had the same thing happen to me, also highway driving hubs unlocked in 2wd. But I lost both of them when they broke (different occasions). I was never able to find them so it would have been impossible for me to get any compensation. Have you tried going to the manufacturer AVM/Rugged Ridge to have them honor the warranty?

[bull90]

uh oh.... i ordered mine and there on there way...

[kennykenny]

They are great, just keep an eye on them.

[CurtisUSArmy]

i just put mine on not that long ago and they work fine lol hopefully they dont break

[Downey]

i thought the avms were full metal internals but i have heard nothing but good things about them till now. i was even going to look into a set for my 94. since they say they make them for all kinda of vehicles


edit i was just on there site there internals arent plastic

[bull90]

to fix this issue people are having... when you install id put some caulking or jb weld them to your hub..

i think that would solve them from breaking off.

my 2cents

[rangertoy]

I have had 2 sets and both sets have broken one was while in 4wd coming out of a mud hole the hub exploded and I could not find all the pieces, the other broke while driving on the road in 2wd. and caulk , silicone or JB weld will not keep them from breaking.

[bldthrst]

The internals are not plastic, but the housing that the lockout runs down, the guide is made of plastic. This is the part that breaks. When this breaks, the part of the hub that turns with the axle is loose and causes an extremely bad shake or vibration because it is moving back and forth on the axle instead of staying in one place. While this is free to move it is impossible to get the hub to lock in. The locking gear simply pushes the drive gear further back on the axle instead of locking into it which turns your wheel.

[bldthrst]

Bull90, if I were you when I received them I would send them right back. If you are planning on doing any 4 wheeling at all. Mine broke in 2wd, so who knows how long they will last in 4x4. I hate to see anyone else throw $160 down the drain like I did.

[bldthrst]

KennyKenny, I did contact the AVM/Rugged Ridge company. They told me that Baseline 4x4 would have to honor the warranty. They claimed they are simply a distribution center and have nothing to do with the warranty that comes with them. Very frustrating.

[bldthrst]

RangerToy, I dont understand how they can continue selling these hubs with all the problems they cause. I would think that they would redesign. Obviously they know they continue messing up and do not want to honor their warranties because they would go bankrupt... LOL!!!

[bull90]

well i got them in last night at 6pm.. installed in about 15min..

here's what they look like.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/jjturner/avmhubs001.jpg
these are the only locking hubs for that years model of ford ranger and mazda B-Series

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/jjturner/avmhubs002.jpg


ill eventualy put out a review for them.. since no one has made one online yet... for some unknown reason..

i think they could redesign this very easly!.. instead of having them just lock into place like the original vacum hub.. they could make it soo they have some sort of bracket taht connects to the bolts on the hub.. this way here. the tire and the rotor are holding the hub down tightly.


ill be modding my original hubs for 100% lock once these give out


P.S ill be cleaning them out every time i go wheeling.

[kennykenny]

Just keep an eye on the rubber o-ring that is on the hub (that is what keeps it tight). Also, I have a suspicion that removing and re-installing them is what may cause them to come lose, since the plastic fatigues and starts to bend and loosen up. I wouldn't take them off all that often. They suggest lubing them with motor oil on the internals also, I wouldn't use any heavy grease. I'll look for a picture I saw one time in one of the offroad magazines that showed how they kept it in place on the trail when it kept popping off, they used about 20 zip ties. Funny looking but it kept them wheeling.

[drifterawh]

Seen that in some back issue of 4Wheel& off-road

[kennykenny]

Sorry I forgot all about it, here is the picture I was referring to.
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9723/img0518nx0.jpg

[dangerranger911]

thats funny i definitely would writing the company a nasty gram if hubs kept breaking like that.asking get my money back thats bull i would understand if it where $20 but $160.

[akalogan]

Here is my question. How do these online stores get certified? I went to the web site after reading this forum and they claimed to be online certified. Now that I have heard of there crap-assed dealings I wonder how much that certificate actually means?

[kennykenny]

I've had my current set (set #2) for probably about a year and a half now. They are holding up surprisingly well with an Aussie locker and 33" tires under some pretty hard abuse. I've been using my 4 wheel an awful lot recently too, but I always have a bag of zipties handy just in case.

[96Greenster]

I was just bout to order mine 5 min ago until I read this, Now im confused. You guys think I should buy them or just permanent lock the oem hubs? Would the perm lock harm anything?? Help needed guys. Thanx

[kennykenny]

I think they are great aside from the problems I had with them. However if you permanently lock them you won't have to spend any money and it will not harm anything other than your fuel mileage (if it is even noticable at all). Permanently locking them is no different than having a '01-up Ranger 4x4. It all comes down to what you prefer. Personally I like having them, but if I broke/lost another set I would just swap over to the live axle setup instead of buying another set of the AVM's.

Edit: I just noticed you're from Rio Grande City, is that the Rio Grande in Jersey?

[96Greenster]

I think they are great aside from the problems I had with them. However if you permanently lock them you won't have to spend any money and it will not harm anything other than your fuel mileage (if it is even noticable at all). Permanently locking them is no different than having a '01-up Ranger 4x4. It all comes down to what you prefer. Personally I like having them, but if I broke/lost another set I would just swap over to the live axle setup instead of buying another set of the AVM's.

Edit: I just noticed you're from Rio Grande City, is that the Rio Grande in Jersey?

What can be done to avoid those problems u had with the AVM?
I searched and most common was that they fall off or something like that, They fall from the rotor? or does it fall apart? Right now I have them locked inn, but had to remove the front driveshaft due to vibration, since I brought this up, what could be this problem? front ujoint looks ok, what about the other end(transfer-case end). Anything to check there? Damn, SORRY ABOUT THE 100 QUESTIONS... And no, Its Rio Grande City, Texas. Thanx buddy.

[feellnfroggy]

Have you gusy tried to find another dealer besides where you bought them to see if they will honor the warranty?

[kennykenny]

What can be done to avoid those problems u had with the AVM?
I searched and most common was that they fall off or something like that, They fall from the rotor? or does it fall apart? Right now I have them locked inn, but had to remove the front driveshaft due to vibration, since I brought this up, what could be this problem? front ujoint looks ok, what about the other end(transfer-case end). Anything to check there? Damn, SORRY ABOUT THE 100 QUESTIONS... And no, Its Rio Grande City, Texas. Thanx buddy.

They fall off the hub and you never see them again. Nothing you can do that I'm aware of. As for your problem I'd say check all the u-joint and the cv joint in the driveshaft. Make sure it isn't bent, it is possible that it is off balance.

[96Greenster]

They fall off the hub and you never see them again. Nothing you can do that I'm aware of. As for your problem I'd say check all the u-joint and the cv joint in the driveshaft. Make sure it isn't bent, it is possible that it is off balance.

The front driveshaft has alot of play on the cv joint end not the u-joint. The rubber boot has a rip all across. It has up/down play and makes a popping sound. The CV can also be moved in and out, but not sure if thats normal.

[kennykenny]

It sounds like the CV joint may be bad, it shouldn't move around like that.

[96Greenster]

It sounds like the CV joint may be bad, it shouldn't move around like that.

Thats what I assumed. The driveshaft cv joint isnt replaceable, right?
Prolly need another one whit no play.

Damn I jus stole somebody elses thread. Sorry guy.

[ozziemo27]

I had a set of AVMs and the c clip holding my halfshaft in the hub broke and the cv axle was flinging around and it shredded both my AVMs, unfortunately... Those little plastic clip things holding the innards of the hub together broke on one and the other one was just totally exploded. So i put the hub back on each side and just put the two gears in the hubs on the halfshaft in a manner so they're permanently locked for now, im not sure whether i should drop the 130 on a new set of AVMs or whether or not i should get a set of stockers..... this is just frustrating to me that they would use plastic for the innards, whether its military grade or not, its plastic.

[96Greenster]

I had a set of AVMs and the c clip holding my halfshaft in the hub broke and the cv axle was flinging around and it shredded both my AVMs, unfortunately... Those little plastic clip things holding the innards of the hub together broke on one and the other one was just totally exploded. So i put the hub back on each side and just put the two gears in the hubs on the halfshaft in a manner so they're permanently locked for now, im not sure whether i should drop the 130 on a new set of AVMs or whether or not i should get a set of stockers..... this is just frustrating to me that they would use plastic for the innards, whether its military grade or not, its plastic.

Thats exactly what i ask myself. Should I throw $150 or just leave the stocks locked inn. The thing is that I dont use the 4x4 very offten, so ill be wearing down the cv axles and what not, for no reason. Im totally confused on getting them.
Another thing is 60% of my driving is offroad (gravel/caliche) rocky roads, Im having doubts that those AVM wont handle that much hard vibration and bouncy tires.:icon_confused:

[wohlf 16]

On the stock pulse vauccum hubs you can still make them selectable. Instead of pulling the hub apart and breaking the clips you can just break the little wagon wheel out of the center. Its been a while since I did this 2 my 99 since I have had the front cut off of it for a year and a half now. If you take that out and keep the inner clips you will be able to lock and unlock them like your pushing a button. If you want it in 4 wheel drive you push the hub clear back and allow it to release fully . If you want free you push it half way until it latches in the clips. Im actually going to do this to my 01 because i have had nothing but trouble with the live axle wheel bearings and my cv shafts are shot.

[ozziemo27]

Thats exactly what i ask myself. Should I throw $150 or just leave the stocks locked inn. The thing is that I dont use the 4x4 very offten, so ill be wearing down the cv axles and what not, for no reason. Im totally confused on getting them.
Another thing is 60% of my driving is offroad (gravel/caliche) rocky roads, Im having doubts that those AVM wont handle that much hard vibration and bouncy tires.:icon_confused:

Just an FYI for my situation, i wheel a bit and have a torsion bar crank and 33s so i got extra stress but still. You'd think they would do better. I use 4wd quite a bit.

[96Greenster]

On the stock pulse vauccum hubs you can still make them selectable. Instead of pulling the hub apart and breaking the clips you can just break the little wagon wheel out of the center. Its been a while since I did this 2 my 99 since I have had the front cut off of it for a year and a half now. If you take that out and keep the inner clips you will be able to lock and unlock them like your pushing a button. If you want it in 4 wheel drive you push the hub clear back and allow it to release fully . If you want free you push it half way until it latches in the clips. Im actually going to do this to my 01 because i have had nothing but trouble with the live axle wheel bearings and my cv shafts are shot.

That sounds good. Ill look in to them. One is all tore up, so i just need one and do that mod. Thanx man.

[96Greenster]

Just an FYI for my situation, i wheel a bit and have a torsion bar crank and 33s so i got extra stress but still. You'd think they would do better. I use 4wd quite a bit.

Yep. Well thanx for all your help buddy. Ill figure out what would be best in my situation. I need to buy the front drive shaft pretty soon, then i figure out the hud dilema. Thanx again. Talk 2 u l8er:icon_cheers:

[ozziemo27]

np, i wouldn't really be afraid to get another set of AVM hubs because i know that it was the hubs fault for failing, it was that little c-clip that made the shaft whip around blowing the hubs to pieces. I am going to give the stock hub auto to manual thing a try, it'd be really cheap and easy to find a set of stock hubs too and convert em to manuals. And if they break, it wont be as huge a loss

[dangerranger911]

it probably wouldn't be a bad thing to take the plastic retainer clips to a machinist and have him make it out of billet aluminum or something and head the problem from the beginning. just a suggestion. if someone has a retainer clip they could send i could probably get some made.

[96Greenster]

I had to buy a set of those retainers... $40!!!! for two little "C" plastics!! Dealer only had them, so, whatever... Im prolly going to get me another set of stock hubs and give the manual lock a try. If i findem used, Or at least one...

[ozziemo27]

I had to buy a set of those retainers... $40!!!! for two little "C" plastics!! Dealer only had them, so, whatever... Im prolly going to get me another set of stock hubs and give the manual lock a try. If i findem used, Or at least one...

i hear ya man, i paid 40 bucks too for them, im going for the manual lock OEMs too, im done with AVMs for now, they worked great til i shredded mine, i don't blame em, those half shafts were loose and whatnot. the clips got steel in em too, dont forget

[masterbrenden]

i know this post is sorta dead but i have a suggestion for the hub coming off problem
what if you were to put a cv boot clamp (crimped kind) or something along those lines on the plastic clips that hold the locking hub on?

[ozziemo27]

i know this post is sorta dead but i have a suggestion for the hub coming off problem
what if you were to put a cv boot clamp (crimped kind) or something along those lines on the plastic clips that hold the locking hub on?

I don't see why that wouldnt work, i'd try it! :icon_thumby:

[88gt]

it probably wouldn't be a bad thing to take the plastic retainer clips to a machinist and have him make it out of billet aluminum or something and head the problem from the beginning. just a suggestion. if someone has a retainer clip they could send i could probably get some made.

my lord, that piece would be a pain in the ass to make!

[MountainMike]

I don't see why that wouldnt work, i'd try it! :icon_thumby:

Gotta see me some pics when you do man.

[ozziemo27]

my lord, that piece would be a pain in the ass to make!

plus how would you get it on the shaft? it would have to flex a little to get it to slide on and get to the groove

[88gt]

you would have to make "fingers" so that it would give a little to get in then expand out to lock in place.

[ozziemo27]

you would have to make "fingers" so that it would give a little to get in then expand out to lock in place.

what?
:icon_confused:

[88gt]

sorry, i was thinking about the clip that holds the hub to the wheel. the plastic clip that broke and were zip tied together ina previous post.

[ozziemo27]

sorry, i was thinking about the clip that holds the hub to the wheel. the plastic clip that broke and were zip tied together ina previous post.

ohhhh

[masterbrenden]

you would have to make "fingers" so that it would give a little to get in then expand out to lock in place.
i would put the clamps on after the hub was in place

[Jon4x4]

Has anyone ever figured out what the deal is with these? is there anything else we can do?

[wvcat]

I also have a broken hub, anybody have one to sell?
John

[Doom's Day Custom]

I was looking to buy some hubs cheap to see if i can build something to make work better and not blow apart and if you guy having for sale pm me please !!!!!!

[Jon4x4]

Still nothing huh?

[Baseline 4x4]

This is Jarod at Baseline 4x4 Outfitters. I just want to clear a few things up on this thread.

Hi Folks,
About 3 months ago I ordered a set of AVM Manual Locking hubs for my 1998 Ford Ranger. These came with a six month warranty. In 3 months the hub which was made of "military" grade plastic, snapped during highway driving, 4x4 was not engaged. I contacted the Baseline 4x4 Outfitters, the place I ordered them from. They have refused to honor my warranty. I contacted the Better Business Bureau, and they are putting a warranty guarantee flag out on this company. They are letting consumers know that Baseline 4x4 Outfitters will not honor their warranties. Please do not get yourself into the situation I am in. I have broken hubs, and am out $160.00 +. Please spread the word not to order from this decietful company. Thanks and happy 4 wheelin!!!!

Bldthrst
98 Ranger 4X4

We did offer to replace the single hub if you pay the shipping. This agreement was deemed above and beyond the expectations of an online company by the BBB. This involved us biting the bullet as Rugged Ridge said they would not cover a warranty with out the bad hub back. We do not handle the direct warranties with these hubs we merely pass them on to Rugged Ridge if there was a problem with the hub. This requires the hub to be sent to them. Also the failure has to be caused by an issue with the hub. The sloppy half shaft causing the hub to "grenade" does not validate a warranty as this is a problem caused because another piece did not perform.

I also have a broken hub, anybody have one to sell?
John

We do sell individual hubs on our site as we have had people break them off by some external force.

As for the hubs they now carry a 3 year manufacturer warranty from Rugged Ridge. Rugged Ridge will cover a warranty if there is/was a problem with the hub, but they require the return of the hub for inspection of defects as any company would require for a warranty claim.

Hope this clears up some of the issues people had with our company and the AVM/Rugged Ridge Hubs. Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have on these hubs.

Jarod
1-866-554-5946 (toll free)

[Jim Oaks]

I have found that the best way to get a warranty honored is to deal directly with the manufacturer. I've done this with my Holley carb. Send them the old one, they'll send you a replacement.

They're not going to just send you a replacement without getting the old one back for inspection. Otherwise they'll just end up giving away free parts to people.

Asking a dealer to honor the manufacturers warranty is a burden on the dealer. They're out the money until the manufacturer replaces it. In many cases your warranty paperwork will tell you to contact the manufacturer direct instead of the dealer.

I know the OP stated that this happened on the highway, but it cracks me up when people want a hub replaced under warranty because they broke it wheeling offroad somewhere.

[Spootnuke]

I have found that the best way to get a warranty honored is to deal directly with the manufacturer. I've done this with my Holley carb. Send them the old one, they'll send you a replacement.

They're not going to just send you a replacement without getting the old one back for inspection. Otherwise they'll just end up giving away free parts to people.

Asking a dealer to honor the manufacturers warranty is a burden on the dealer. They're out the money until the manufacturer replaces it. In many cases your warranty paperwork will tell you to contact the manufacturer direct instead of the dealer.

I know the OP stated that this happened on the highway, but it cracks me up when people want a hub replaced under warranty because they broke it wheeling offroad somewhere.

Well spoken. I just bought a set, and I just finished putting new hub bearing assemblies on. I don't think I'll have any problems.

[cr_the_machinist]

I've had these on my 99 for 2 years now and I've never had a problem with mine. Hope your replacement works out for the better for you.

[Jebadoo]

New member here, been looking to join and finally did.

Now as far as the AVM/Rugged Ridge hubs.... I have them installed on my '98 3.0 manual turning 245/85/15's... roughly 32x 9.50's, and they were doing fine both on and off-road. Even took the truck on a high-speed run on the highway a few times. Never fell off or blew apart.

Only problem I've had with them was after a rather soupy adventure through a mud-hole here in Central PA Thanksgiving night. Dug through mud fine got me home fine, when the mud froze inside the hubs.... then they finally failed, three weeks later. Took hubs off, cleaned them.... one is a little chewed up on the inside but still works. The hubs get kind of tempermental from time to time but I won't complain, I drive in the city most of the time anyhow with the occasional off-roading on the weekends. All-in-all they are fairly tough... at least mine have been.

Sorry for a wordy first post. Nice to meet you all :icon_thumby:

[stevenv7173]

so my hub locks became unreliable and here in MD your in and out of 4wd all the time when it snows you will have a mile of clean road and the next will be snow covered i kinda wish i had part time 4wd any way it seams the hubs work on this retarded vacuum system that that counts on a lot of thing to be just right most importantly no leaks

so i looked in to manual locks 160$ was to much for such a cheep little part so i wonder if i could make the stock hubs stay locked so i took one apart and found when you undo the cap (flat head and light tap with a hammer ) you can see how it works i found out if you brake off the screen and wagon wheel thing and put it back together you can stick your finger in the whole push half way its unlocked push all the way it locked wala manual hubs for free

[stevenv7173]

the way the hubs mount it counts on like 8 or so tinny plastic clips if you put a large zip tie around the clips this will greatly in prove your chance of keeping your hub as gheeto as it sounds