avm 470 manual hubs??

[cp2295]

hey i got a 99 with the pvh auto hubs, and i'd like to pick up a set of manual hubs. I recently replaced the hub bearing assembly on both sides, so those are aftermarket (might make a difference in the hub lock fit, idk probably not) the autos i have now work, but i just like the idea of manuals better.. better gas mileage, tire life, less wear on the axles and so on. so my question is, does anybody have the avm 470 hubs (or the rugged ridge), and if so how do you like them? are they any good, or will i be better off sticking with my autos?

 

[bmerr98]

I put the Rugged Ridge manual lockers on my 1998 and I love them. With the pvh your mileage will be :about the same since the wheels roll free when the hubs are disengaged anyway, but the reliability of the manuals is unquestionable. When you turn that knob they're locked and you'd better get used to the idea. With the pvh there's the delay while the vacuum activates the locking mechanism in the hub and the hoping they'll freaking work this time cuz you really need the extra traction, and then the frustration and associated cursing when, once again, they fail you when you need them the most.

It's almost like I've lived this scenario, huh?

Yeah, get the manual lockers.

 

[JoshT]

Got them. They work, what else can I say. The only thing I don't like about them is the way they mount, but with the hub/bearing design it's about the only way to do it. IMO if I had good working auto hubs installed I wouldn't replace them. Replace them when/if they break. If you are worried about the stockers leaving you stranded there is a trail fix for them, take note of it for when/if that happens. The trail fix will work to get you home and buy the hubs then. You'll have to look for it yourself though, been so long that I don't remember what it was. That's what I'd do if I had auto hubs still, but I'd go ahead and get the AVMs to have on hand for when it happens.

When my truck eventually needs bearings I'm going to hit the junkyard and swap to a live axle set-up. I'd rather have that than have to deal with auto or manual hubs.

 

[cp2295]

I got those hubs and used them a few times since then.. I definitely noticed the traction improvement.. I bogged in some mud with h/t tires.. Not even close to getting stuck.. I agree with the mounting.. I don't like it, seems kinda sketchy, but they haven't come off so whatever, they work great!