Locking hub?

[BlueLighting1999]

What are these for and what do they help with? I know what they are but im not sure why people get them and just wanted to know.

 

[Hopman]

Okay, there are three main types of locking hubs: Auto-lock, manual lock, and perminnt.

Perminant is exacly what it is. Your hubs are locked all the time. Think of it as a differentail spool in the hub world. Mostly on used on full-time trail trucks

Auto-lock hubs are the hubs that lock automatically when you put the truck in 4WD. Usually is a vacum mechanism. Pretty much idiot-proof. They work OKAY, but after so many cycles or under hard abuse, they tend to self-destruct.

Manual hubs are by far the choice for a street-trail rig. The hubs aren't locked until you turn a knob on the hub. They're simple and the choice for those upgrading their hubs OR replacing dead auto-locks.

I hope this helps.

 

[srteach]

In addition to what hopman said, a locking hub is a type of 4wd disconnect between the front axle and the front wheel, usually at the hub of the front wheel. It allows better articulation and less wear on the tires, u-joints, and axles when 4wd isn't needed.
It makes it easier to turn on the street (freewheeling), and, when locked in, allows power to be applied to the front wheels for traction.

Basically, it allows a 4wd truck to behave as if it is a 2wd on the streets, and a 4wd on the trails.