Auto to manual hub swap

[ianyboy]

So I got a 2011 Sport 4x4 and im onto looking at swapping out my OEM front hub for a set of manual lockers.

I know for sure it can be done in the older models, can it be done just the same way on a 2011?

 

[OldRanger2]

So I got a 2011 Sport 4x4 and im onto looking at swapping out my OEM front hub for a set of manual lockers.

I know for sure it can be done in the older models, can it be done just the same way on a 2011?

I don't think so, later models (mine is a '04) have a "live" front axle -always engaged with no locking hubs installed.

I looked into this same question and that's what I determined.

 

[bigmark303]

You would have to find a 1998-2000 4x4 and swap over the CV setup and wheel bearings, maybe even more. There is only one option for manual hubs for the 1998-2000 year and they are horrible. they just clip on and can fall right off pretty easy.

The live axle setup you have is much better strenght wise. Im one for manual hubs and would never run auto hubs but thats for the reason of needing to disengage the front end because something breaks, the transfercase gets stuck in 4wd, or the front differential is locked. For the average person having the live setup is not an issue for regular use. You would very rarely get stuck in a situation where you need to disengage the front end to keep driving when something goes wrong.

 

[ianyboy]

You would have to find a 1998-2000 4x4 and swap over the CV setup and wheel bearings, maybe even more. There is only one option for manual hubs for the 1998-2000 year and they are horrible. they just clip on and can fall right off pretty easy.

The live axle setup you have is much better strenght wise. Im one for manual hubs and would never run auto hubs but thats for the reason of needing to disengage the front end because something breaks, the transfercase gets stuck in 4wd, or the front differential is locked. For the average person having the live setup is not an issue for regular use. You would very rarely get stuck in a situation where you need to disengage the front end to keep driving when something goes wrong.

Thanks much BigMark, now, I'll try not to break anything up front when wheeling off-road http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/images/smilies/icon_hornsup.gif

 

[AllanD]

a 1990-1997 Ranger or 1991-94 Explorer Transfer case is a "Bolt-in" with the earlier halfmoon flange on the front output.

HOWEVER you've also got to get a 1995-96 Explorer front driveshaft these used the Torsion bar front suspension but didn't switch over to the six ball CV joint until rather late in the 1996 model year.

Just avoid getting a driveshaft from a 5.0 Explorer, these are the wrong length
because the auto trans used in the 5.0 Explorers is longer.

AD