Manual Locking Hubs on my 2000 XLT

[Jagerauto]

Hey guys I have a 2000 ranger XLT 4.0 automatic trans, and auto t case.

Does this truck have locking hubs? I took a wheel off and all I see is the axle nut. Not sure if this truck just puts the tcase into neutral and let's the front axles spin.

Obviously locking hubs would mean better fuel mileage. Just wondering if they can be put on these trucks or not

 

[RonD]

From your description you have Live Axles, so no, there is no lock/unlock hub made for them.

Yes, the front axles and drive line turn with the front wheels, and in 2WD they get no power from the transfer case.

I believe the testing showed .2 to .3 MPG cost of Live Axles, so not nothing but not much either.
The fact it is a truck, and a 4WD to boot, means that MPG was not the primary reason for the purchase, so the Live Axle change was deemed an acceptable trade off from the often failing "auto" hubs of the past, lol.

Skinnier tires and good tune up will more than make up for Live axle loss in MPG

From '98 to '00 many Rangers had the PVH(pulse vacuum hubs) and they could be converted to manual with AVM or Rugged Ridge hubs.
Not sure of the cost for you to convert your front end to PVH setup then install the AVM or Rugged Ridge hubs

 

[Jagerauto]

Mine is a 2000.. That's why it's weird where I read 98-00 have the vac hubs but I don't see that. My main worry was trailering it behind a camper, but I guess my only/better option is to remove driveshaft and get a front wheel dolly.

I guess I'll go to the junk yard and find a yolk end of the drive shaft to stick in while I have the shaft out so it doesn't leak

 

[hondaxr650]

Your truck is a late 2000 if it has live axles. It was a mid-year change which happened around June of 2000 if my memory serves me correctly.

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

From your description you have Live Axles, so no, there is no lock/unlock hub made for them.

Yes, the front axles and drive line turn with the front wheels, and in 2WD they get no power from the transfer case.

I believe the testing showed .2 to .3 MPG cost of Live Axles, so not nothing but not much either.
The fact it is a truck, and a 4WD to boot, means that MPG was not the primary reason for the purchase, so the Live Axle change was deemed an acceptable trade off from the often failing "auto" hubs of the past, lol.

Skinnier tires and good tune up will more than make up for Live axle loss in MPG

From '98 to '00 many Rangers had the PVH(pulse vacuum hubs) and they could be converted to manual with AVM or Rugged Ridge hubs.
Not sure of the cost for you to convert your front end to PVH setup then install the AVM or Rugged Ridge hubs

Other than gaining minimal mpgs , what other benefit will the OP gain with installing manual hubs?

 

[RonD]

Less front differential and transfer case wear.

I have read mid-'99 Rangers were getting live axles, the PVH was a dog right out of the gate, Ford knew it.
'98-'00 could have PVH, '01 and up won't

 

[Jagerauto]

Yea the wearing of the axles is a concern but as a mechanic myself, and lifetime warranty on the axles that came on the truck means they will be free each time. They are already showing wear and the boots are gone

 

[adsm08]

Wear on the front driveline components should be minimal. Yes they are always turning, but unless you are in 4x4 they are unloaded. The lighter the load the less the wear.

 

[Jagerauto]

This is true.