Auto Lock hub - replace or do manual?

[Onin96]

Cracked my auto lock hub flange. Can't find new replacement hub (yet). Any thoughts on where to get an OEM replacement or whether it's a good time to switch to manual? Never had issue with lockers. I'm a bit uneasy getting used parts off of eBay AND forum threads don't speak highly of lockers.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Personally I trust manual hubs far more than auto. I’ve had auto fail a couple times when I really needed it. Resulting in being pulled out by a
Chevy once and by my mom once in her Explorer.

Lockers are entirely different than hubs.

 

[19Walt93]

Unless you're plowing snow the auto hubs are OK, just take them apart and lube them once in a while. Sudden direction changes under power like plowing tears them up fast. If you decide to go with manual hubs they need periodic lubrication, too.

 

[RangerNumber3]

Auto lock hub are junk. Manual lock hubs will never let you down.

 

[bobbywalter]

Auto lock hub are junk. Manual lock hubs will never let you down.

as long as you maintain them.

 

[Onin96]

Recommentdations for lubricating the new manual hubs I'll be installing?

 

[RangerNumber3]

Recommentdations for lubricating the new manual hubs I'll be installing?

Motorcraft High Temp 4X4 Front Axle & Wheel Bearing Grease

 

[Shran]

Pretty sure I have several D35 auto locking hubs in my stash if you want to just replace them...

Motorcraft High Temp 4X4 Front Axle & Wheel Bearing Grease

IIRC the recommended lube for manual hubs is just a bit of ATF or light oil. NOT grease.

 

[bobbywalter]

i use lubriplate....caliper grease or just bearing grease.


specifically for d35 hat lockouts, caliper grease.

lubriplate on my ranger because it has fat bastard dana 60 lockouts and giant hubs


the bronco 2 i just use whatever because its dana standard garf 44 stuff. really tolerant compared to the 35. but for sure i have been known to load them up with trans fluid and work them till they wee and dump em out and put em back.... replacing snapped shafts out in the goo and ick....quick and easy.

i found caliper grease to be the best though.

 

[19Walt93]

Pretty sure I have several D35 auto locking hubs in my stash if you want to just replace them...



IIRC the recommended lube for manual hubs is just a bit of ATF or light oil. NOT grease.

We used the same gray Motorcraft grease that we lubed front ends, U joints, and wheel bearings with. Hubs need a thin coat of grease, don't pack them like wheel bearings.