manual to automatic hubs

[ford1386]

alot of guys will think this is a dumb idea but i had a 96 ranger on 33's and never had a problem with my automatic hubs and the 94 ranger on 35's i have now has manual hubs on it. i was thinking about converting it to automatic because i find myself using four wheel drive alot and its a pita to keep getting in and out of the truck especially in the winter i had picked up a brand new set of hubs for $50 off ebay but they didnt come with anything else. so what am i gonna need to change this over or is it just a matter of swapping the hubs and replacing the wheels. thanks

 

[Hahnsb2]

You're right, it is a dumb idea. If you don't want to get out and engage the hubs, leave them engaged, it won't hurt anything if it's in 2wd on dry pavement.

 

[mjonesjr]

I agree with Hahns.

 

[martin]

I agree with the other guy's, just leave them locked in. It does not however answer your question. Y will also need the auto hub locknuts with the lock pin and the cams, which are really a two part thingy and the most common part that fails on the system.

 

[Todd]

The convenience factor goes right out the window when they don’t work, and they will fail.

 

[ford1386]

yeah but i called the dealer to get the cams and they are sold with the automatic hubs so can i buy them new anywhere else, and another thing i was also reading that in 94 the automatic hubs were a job 1 change to the warn m350c automatic hubs for a better design i guess and i picked a set up for only $50 brand new i just need to know what to do to get them to work?

 

[hitech_hick]

Aside from what everyone has already said about it being a bad idea, in my personal experience, the auto hubs don't always function like they are supposed to when they are really cold. It helps to keep the bearing grease out of them, but they are still prone to letting you down when you really need them.


hick

 

[BlackBII]

I've got a about 3 or 4 auto hubs if you want 'em...catch is, they're all in about 72 peices!

Once you granade a few on the trail, you may be wishing you had manuals..

Here is an exploded view, you will basically need most of this, after the outer wheel bearing, so starting with the wheel bearing nut
Someone may want to verify this as well

 

[4x4.Ranger]

i think you should keep the manuals on, i had them on my truck to but it sucks when you have to rip it apart on the side of the trail in -30 celcius lol i just keep them locked in over the winter and once the dry pavement comes around you just unlock them.

 

[jdc215]

i have also found that the auto hubs dont always function as they are supposed to. about two weeks ago i broke a front axle shaft because i thought the hubs unlockes when i whent in reverse but they didnt and when i got on dry pavement the shaft didnt stand a chance. i do have a dana 28 but in the same situation i think a dana 35 would have blown the hub. a friend had a spare d28 and we canibolized the manual hubs and the other necesary hardware. lucky. i have since had no problems with the manual hubs and the inconvienience is well worth the peace of mind. i would reccomend sticking with the manuals so long as they are warn.

 

[SinnTax]

so you selling the locking ones then?