4x4 locking hubs and Salem Kroger 4x4 repair advice

4x4kayaker · 09-21-2011, 09:32 AM

I have a 2005 GTRV with Salem kroger 4x4 conversion that has been slipping out of hi
I got stuck in the sand recently as it slipped out of 4x4 hi and I could not get it back in 4x4 hi or low! and had to be towed off the beach I'd like to install manual locking hubs as a backup! Anyone know if this is possible? I've contacted Salem kroger and am awaiting reply. Also need to get 4x4 locked at in around Olympia WA State south of Seattle. Any good 4x4 repair shops in my area?

j.whitbread · 09-21-2011, 10:35 AM

Manual locking hubs won't change the problems with your transfer case. Warn hubs are good. It goes by the front axle you have. Dana 60, for example.

Ford_6L_E350 · 09-21-2011, 11:26 AM

Even the shift on the fly hubs can be locked manually. Like mentioned above, locking the hubs won't help if you don't have power going to the axles.

Usually you can drive out of sand if you lower the air pressure enough and are gentle with the throttle.

Mike

4x4kayaker · 09-21-2011, 05:39 PM

Thanks I'm going to do some testing and work out whats going on. First see if it's engaging? Then pull off a tire and see what I have. Yes I need to fix transfer issue first but I want manual locking hubs too

I did air down my tires and still could not get out. These rigs are heavy!
I got hold of the new redbluff CA company he used to work at Salem kroger and he remembered my rig! And he will help trouble shoot if I send him some pics. Whitefeather is the name real nice guy!

jage · 09-21-2011, 07:12 PM

Airing down and being in 4x4 BEFORE getting stuck helps A LOT

When you were in 4x4 did you get noticeable digging or spinning with the front tires?

4x4kayaker · 09-21-2011, 08:53 PM

I hear ya! How low can you go for sand and still drive a little on pavement before airing back up at a gas station?

4x4kayaker · 09-21-2011, 09:04 PM

No my front end never engaged! I didn't spend enough time to ensure I was in 4x4 thought I was but instead leapt out onto the sandin 2wd light a rookie! My previous 2 beach excursions 4x4 high was working fine but occassionaly slipping out of high at higher speed? Whitefeather guy mentioned the rubber at transfer case and shifter wears out and might be the culprit. Has been difficult to find the correct position when going from 2wd into 4 high

jage · 09-21-2011, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4kayaker

I hear ya! How low can you go for sand and still drive a little on pavement before airing back up at a gas station?

Forever, you just can't go fast- fast on low pressure causes heat, heat is what ruins tires.

Sounds like your linkage was never quite right, the lever hitting the van floor or getting caught in the rubber boot. Search linkage and see if there is anything.

Ford_6L_E350 · 09-21-2011, 09:35 PM

You shouldn't have to pull a tire off. Either the hub is visible, or it will be visible when you pull off the hubcap. Factory caps are open in the middle so you can rotate and lock the hubs.

Mike

carringb · 09-21-2011, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4kayaker

I've contacted Salem kroger and am awaiting reply. Also need to get 4x4 locked at in around Olympia WA State south of Seattle. Any good 4x4 repair shops in my area?

Take it to QuadVan. I've seen them with several S/Ks in their yard waiting for re-work. I think your issue is not necessarily the hubs. QuadVan would be able to sort it out, and do upgrades to make it work reliably.