Rugged Ridge hubs not working...

[arlsranger]

I just purchased a new set of Rugged Ridge manual hubs to replace my stuck stockers. My truck is a 1998 and I think the hubs are all same spline..?.. I installed the hubs exactly like the video on the ebay website states and mine are not locking in. They slide right on to the axle splines (middle ring) but I don't think they are engaging/sliding onto the outer splines (the outer ring) when they are locked in... Is there something maybe I missed or should have done before installing them. I changed the outer rubber ring gasket and pushed the hub all the way on till it snapped on. Any advice would be much appreciated and Happy 4th guys!!! Thanks

 

[BadRancher]

Did you install them in the lock position? Also are you sure they slid all the way on to the tabs? also check to see if your shafts are turning when in 4wd Let me know. I have the Rugged Ridge on order and I'm expecting them to be my fix for my ranger. If this isn't I need to start research on a plan b fix just incase.

 

[Dune Runner]

I have a set on my 99 and they work fine. Like said above did you install them in the locked position?

 

[JoshT]

If you were able to install the hub then everything is lined up properly where it meets the truck, but it's entirely that the two rings on the hub aren't lining up. The outer ring is spring loaded, and the inner ring freewheels. If the splines aren't lined up perfectly when you lock them in, they won't lock in right then. If you leave them locked in and move the truck a little (or spin the tire if on jacks) the splines should align and engage.

 

[arlsranger]

Yea I installed them in the lock position and pushed them in all the way till they clicked in. Then I tested them out by turning the wheel and grabbing the axle and they were still free spinning (not locked in) I'm going to put them on there again and leave them in the lock position and drive it around to see if they lock in. I appreciate all the suggestions guys. I'll let you guys know if they start working.

 

[BadRancher]

What did you figure out?

 

[arlsranger]

What did you figure out?

I haven't had the time to try them out yet, but I will this weekend, I'll update this post about them too, thanks guys!

 

[arlsranger]

Well, I have tried to keep them in the lock position to see if they would lock in and nothing. They still won't lock in and the drivers side will fall off if the truck is locked in 4high. I'm not satisfied with them , but I will keep them on so my front drivetrain is not moving in motion. If i need 4wd I'll just slip on the old hubs which are stuck on lock. Any ideas or suggestions will gladly taken. Thanks

 

[BadRancher]

Send those back and ask for another set or order some Warn hubs. I put the RR on my ranger and they seem to work although the contact for the tabs seems kinda cheap. I don't believe they are made to be pulled off once they're on

 

[brokemechanic3000]

Are you sure that there isn't something else wrong. I got mine over the winter and love them.

 

[arlsranger]

I haven't had time to mess with them this week but I'm going to mess with them some more. I don't want to send them back because I like have the whole front end free when in 2wd. I just have to line up the outer hub (somehow?) And then they will work. The RR are the same spline as my old hubs , so they are the right ones... Maybe they just need some time to adjust and grab on. For those of you that have them on, Did you ride around on them for awhile in locked position to get them locked in or did you just throw on and go in the dirt to try them out? I installed them and then rode all week in free position because I drive 2wd most of the time. I do have the old hubs if I need 4wd right now (just for now).

 

[Destroyer000]

sorry to bring up an old thread. i just went to install a set of these for my buddy who has had them over a month. same issue. the inner splines lock gear on the hub wont correctly seat in the wheel bearing splines. when you push it on about a 1/4 of the way it grabs. then it pushes the gear towards the front of the hub making it in free mode. i have 2 sets of these hubs on my truck and my brother in laws. and bot fit great the first time no problem. i took mine off and compared it to this hub and my inner gear splines are a tighter groove and the new hub is kind of rounded .

 

[dustyn21]

I got a set of them on my 99, the driver side will lock, but the one on the passenger side will fall off and I can't get it to lock for nothing.
if anyone has any detailed info please fill me in