welding auto hubs

[AllanD]

yes but it doesn't get enough fluid to the front bearing and it seizes up

Wrong


because on either a 13-50 or a 13-54 if you are driving around
in 2wd with the hubs locked you are obviously being pushed by
the REAR axle and thus the rear output.

If the REAR output is turning it's turning the T-case's internal positive displacement oil pump and that feeds the top parts, including the input bearing

The "lower" parts of the T-case (and front output bearing) are
splash oiled by movement of the chain.

the only way you can move the truck without the T-case oil pump
spinning is by towing it with the rear wheels off the ground and
the Hubs locked in which case the movement of the chain will
lubricate the moving parts.

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[RumpRangerSTX]

 

[racsan]

so, has this idea worked out? im considering trying it due to a blown manual hub. the only welder i have access to is a old lincoln electrode (arc) welder. will that work with the metal parts?

 

[Ranger#1]

yes it works iv bin there and done it all you will notice is about 1-2 mpg decrease just dont engage 4wd on any verry sticky surface and turn sharp

 

[kroed11581]

I welded my hubs on a 91 Exploder. It worked through one winter with no problems. The problem came when I took the wheels off in the spring, the housing for the guts must have expanded and the hubs were stuck in the wheels. I literally had to take a sledge and pound them out of the wheel, ruining the hubs. I also know of another TRS member who gave me the idea to begin with who did the same to his rig, but he said they will literally explode the housing if you put too much power to them. I think mine were heading for this, probably expanding/buldging first, and crack/explode next. I used mine only for daily driving and snowy days. IMO, it'll work, but really isn't a permanent or extremely reliable solution.

 

[camp207]

Explored front end

I have a 99 with vac hubs that work when they want to I did alot of research you can permently lock your hubs or you can go to a auto salvage and buy the front end off the explorer it uses live axle set up you won't have to worry bout lockn hubs

 

[feellnfroggy]

I have a 99 with vac hubs that work when they want to I did alot of research you can permently lock your hubs or you can go to a auto salvage and buy the front end off the explorer it uses live axle set up you won't have to worry bout lockn hubs

For this you can do the manual locking mod, its temporary but will get you through. Theres a write up somewhere, basically cutting a hole in the end of the hub so you can push the vacuum acuated assembly by hand.