is it recommended to change from auto to manual hubs? 1994 Ranger

[frankyb]

I see the thread on to change from auto to manual hubs and the process seems pretty straightforward.

I am wondering if it is a recommended swap. Will the transfer case still be operable from the automatic motor after I change the hubs to manual?

Is it recommended that I also change the transfer case to one with a manual shifter if I change the hubs to manual Warn ones?

Advice greatly welcomed!

1994 4x4 Ranger, 4.0, automatic

 

[Curious Hound]

It is purely personal preference. Many of us prefer to have direct control over locking the hubs. The swap is easy. You will need a special socket that is available form most auto parts stores. There is a tech article with the procedure.

The hubs are independent of the transfer case. You can run manual hubs with electrically operated transfer case. That's how my truck is. I found a pair of milemarker hubs at the junkyard for real cheap and got all the hardware with them.

There is another easy mod in the tech articles that you might want to do if you're handy with a drill and tap. It is a mod to keep the hub attached to the brake rotor so it doesn't accidentally come off when you take a wheel off. Originally, there are little clips on the wheel studs to do that. But they get lost and missing over the years.