Auto Vs. Manual!!!

[89rangerboy]

Ok i feel stupid to ask this....

But what is the diffirence between Manual hubs and Auto hubs...

I have a '89 Ranger with auto hubs.

Just curious what the difference is if any at all.

 

[Ranger44]

Strength and reliability.

Manual wins over Auto

The auto's have plastic parts in them. But if they are taken care of properly and well greased they seem to perform on pavement quite well. The autos also allow you to shift on the fly.

Manuals offer strength, etc for off-roading. This kind of abuse usually grenades autos quickly. You can shift on the fly with manuals(with an electric t-case), but that requires you to keep them engaged, causing drag, lowering mileage......

Another cool thing about manuals is that they allow you to have a 2wd low ranger by shifting your t-case into low and leaving the hubs disengaged. Good for moving stuff around the yard, etc.

 

[97ranger4x4]

^^^^ I agree. I had autos in my 97 which quickly left me stranded in the snow...

I switched to a pair of Warn Manuals and they have never let me down. Not to mention using 2low is so helpful. I used to do a lot of manuvering boats around at work and would often use my truck and having the use of low from your transfer case makes it so easy to back up larger boats without having to worry about the front end binding up when doing full lock turns.

but then again if it aint broke dont fix it... in less you plan on going off roading that is...

 

[exbass94]

With manual hubs, you have to get out of the truck and turn a little knob on the center of each front wheel to engage/disengage them. With auto hubs, they, well, automatically engage/disengage when you switch in/out of 4wd.