1998 ranger automatic hubs

[kdcarter]

New the forum, greetings. I have never had my hubs off on my 98 b3000 with vacuum hubs, but I understand a special tool is necessary to lift the tabs. Others say you can do it with a screwdriver. Is it worth it to buy the tool or is it easy to lift the tabs?

 

[green_duck42]

Covert to manual hubs. I did about 4 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did.

One suggestion. I did use Mile Markers at first because they were cheaper and I ended up blowing one of them shortly after putting them on. This is not from any major 4x4ing I was doing. I then switched to Warn Hubs and have been happy since.

This conversion can be done VERY simple

What is a good replacement hub i used the manual hubs that press on just like the vaccuum hubs, but they broke too. I have heard you can get the warn but they say they only work up to 1997.

 

[Beef52751]

so its the "outer hub seal" that you need when converting to manual hubs??? or whats it called so i can ask the dealership for it when i get my hubs?!?!?
Thanks
Beef

 

[Pro_Marinero]

I did the "freebie" manual hub conversion today. Instead of leaving a thumb-size hole for engagemet, I used a 2" clevis, fender washer, crib bumper spring, washer, and rubber spacer in that order inside the center cap, and a small clevis pin on the outside. Once I did the conversion, I drilled through the center cap and inserted a rubber grommet in the hole. I now have a small pin sticking out the middle of the center cap which will keep 99% of the dirt and moisture out, and I can easily lock/unlock the hubs. Total cost... $10.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

so its the "outer hub seal" that you need when converting to manual hubs??? or whats it called so i can ask the dealership for it when i get my hubs?!?!?
Thanks
Beef

You don't technically NEED anything when installing the AVM manual locking hubs. I just suggest replacing the inner knuckle/axle seal to ensure that contaminants don't find their way into the insides of the AVM lockouts. Ford calls it an axle seal I believe, but it actually presses into the knuckle.

 

[Beef52751]

cool, thanks
Beef