Too good to be true?

[kamps989]

I have a 2000 4x4 and am wondering if locking the auto hubs permanently like this http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Apr04/offroad.htm has a list of disadvantages, or is it the way to go? seems to me it would maybe waste some gas. If this isn't the way to go what is? from what I gather I can't put manual hubs on my model?

 

[mkpecor]

if you did lock the hubs the front drive line is going to spin all the time, you will get better mpg with the hubs unlocked. i have heard of alot of peaple doing it.

 

[4x4junkie]

Yes you can if yours has the PVH hubs

http://www.tellico4x4.com/product_info.php/cPath/2880_238_3148/products_id/26509

 

[kamps989]

Yes you can if yours has the PVH hubs

How do I tell if I have the PVH hubs?

 

[engdept]

yours is a 2000, so it has PVH hubs.

 

[kamps989]

I'm pretty good at working on stuff, but I still consider myself a rook. Are these hubs pretty easy to install (I have looked in the tech library but you can never tell how easy stuff is until you do it)? and after install is it customary to ditch the hub caps and just get some chrome lugs or covers, or modify the caps?

 

[4x4junkie]

No, not all 2000s have PVH hubs.

Easy way to tell:

If you have a black hub with a little screen mesh on the end, its the PVH hub.
If you have a large nut in the center of the hub (like a FWD car usually has), its the live spindle setup (solidly engaged)

As for installing them, it looks pretty simple. This link might help, you'll just be replacing the locking hubs themselves, not the bearing hub assy. (the AVM hubs install in a similar manner)

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/spring07/98_00_Ranger_hub_bearing.htm

 

[kamps989]

cool looks as easy as snapping the old ones off and the new ones on, or so I gather. I still am curious as to what people do as far as hubcaps and having access to the manual hubs?

 

[4x4junkie]

Cut the centers out or use caps from an earlier model 4WD.

 

[triumphrider-1]

Something you may want to look into is making them selectable. Thats this weekends project for me.

When I first bought my truck the hubs were locked, the mileage was not as good as it is currently with unlocked hubs. In addition to that with my oversized tires and front drivleine locked in it wanted to kicked out of overdrive all of the time going up slight grades on the highway.

Edit:
Here is the source I have for a guide to modify your hubs.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...r_19982000_Ford_Ranger_Pulse_Vacuum_Hubs.html

As far as you center cap, you could just do what 4x4junkie mentioned, or just use a multi-tool or flat screwdriver to pop your caps off when you get to the trail (thats all I do).