automatic hub failure 94 3.0 4x4

[orygun]

finally it happened, last hunting season I pushed my luck got buried and detonated the famously weak automatic hubs. fortunately, in reverse, I was able to free the old beater and limp home. anyway, does anyone have knowledge of the superwinch 400565 (summit) locking hubs? jeep hubs still the go to for manual conversion?

 

[4x4junkie]

I'm not familiar with the Superwinch hubs, however I've yet to see a credible report of someone actually breaking a Warn Jeep hub in use (and there's plenty of people using them w/big tires), so I would say the Jeep hubs (#37780) are a pretty safe bet.

 

[orygun]

upon further inspection i'm afraid the ol' girl sports a hybrid

 

[4x4junkie]

Bummer. Hybrids aren't super common on 3.0L trucks, but they do exist (seems when you do see them, it's on trucks with an automatic trans).

Fortunately it's an easy swap to an actual D35...

Details about the hybrid and the real thing about halfway down the page here:
http://therangerstation.com/tech_library/dana_28_35.shtml

It's just a matter of swapping the diff chunk and the two inner shafts, everything else about the two axles is the same (meaning the locking hubs will also fit the same on either one).

 

[orygun]

yes, that sucks! auto trans equipped. planning on twin piston brakes. might find low mileage front end as truck just rolled over 120k. just to verify "hybrid axle" is 27 spline manual lock hub direct install?

 

[4x4junkie]

Correct. Hubs are 27 spline for ANY 1991 & later TTB truck.

(the older D28 (1983-1989) had 23 spline hubs)

 

[orygun]

just ordered the superwinch hubs from summit. saved some coin will see how they hold up. premium style construction. going to upgrade front brakes while disassembled.

4x4junkie; nice write up on the hub conversion

see if I can figure out how to post pics

 

[orygun]

I tried to switch the hubs this afternoon. couldn't get the lock key out magnet no go should I try to punch through?

 

[orygun]

just went out and tried a nail (soft) cracked key when hit with hammer

 

[Curious Hound]

Have you tried turning the nuts side to side to make sure the key isn't binding on them?

This message composed solely of recycled electrons. Go green!

 

[orygun]

yes i tried moving things around and cleaning all excess grease. also, some fine point picks w/ the magnet.