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Old 01-22-2013, 10:23 AM   #1
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Hubs

Hi guys,

What is the best, manual hub or automatic 4x4 ? I need infos before make my 4x4 conversion.

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Old 01-22-2013, 11:37 AM   #2
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Re: Hubs

The automatic ones i have experience with are really bad. You never know if they are in or out and they get fault fast. So manuals are my first choice.
I do not know if there are pneumatik versions are available....they would be great. Comfortable and reliable
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Old 01-22-2013, 12:40 PM   #3
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Re: Hubs

It depends on what is more important to you:

- The ability to lock the hubs from the driver's seat

- The knowledge the hubs are truly locked

It doesn't matter what is more important to me or what I prefer.

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Old 01-22-2013, 12:57 PM   #4
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Re: Hubs

When I went down to Fish Creek at Anza Borrego last month, within 100 yards of leaving the pavement for the sandy wash, it quickly became apparant that my 4x4 system was not engaged (2001 Excursion with in-cab 4x4 selector switch). I jumped out, rotated the hubs manually, and got back in. A minor inconvenience.

Automatic hubs are fine by me, as long as there is a manual backup system. Personally though, when given a choice, I do tend to favor the less-is-more philosophy to complicated systems (vehicles), especially when off the beaten track.

Don't let the availability of one over the other preclude you from choosing the vehicle that best suits you. Auto hubs (at least factory Ford auto hubs) can easily be changed out for manual hubs if that's what you prefer.


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Old 01-22-2013, 02:04 PM   #5
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Hubs

One more unmentioned:

Automatic hubs must roll forward to engage. Manual do not.

Example: thought you could make it in 2wd, turns out you were wrong and are stuck in the mud. With automatic hubs, you stay in the driver seat with clean shoes and select 4wd. Unfortunately, you are still stuck because you can't roll forward to engage 4wd. With, manual hubs you get your shoes dirty, but you also get 4wd and can continue on your way.

AND, ditto on Herbs thought. More simple systems = fewer broken systems.
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Old 01-22-2013, 03:05 PM   #6
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Re: Hubs

Manual is simple / less to go wrong.

I myself plan on going with automatic hubs. As long as they are engaged regularly, they are decently reliable. But I also plan on going with ESOF (electronic shift on the fly) because I don't want a shifter on the floor.

I will also add a front hub actuator lockout so I can have 2WD low for backing trailers.
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Old 01-22-2013, 08:50 PM   #7
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Re: Hubs

Manual Ford one ton or Warn. Manual is bomb proof. Get a full float in the rear and put hubs back there too! That way if you break an axle you can still get out.
Manual shift transfer case too for bomb proofness.

On the other hand, why simplfy your already way too complex electronic battleship on wheels.

I have had auto hubs fail and I have had push button 4x4 fail also.
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Old 01-23-2013, 02:34 PM   #8
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Re: Hubs

Quote:
Originally Posted by maxacceleration
Manual Ford one ton or Warn. Manual is bomb proof. Get s full float in the rear and put hubs back there too! That way if you break an axle you can still get out.
Manual shift transfer.
I've never seen selectable hubs for the rear. I can't envision how that could work without custom axle shaft.

Pulling and axle shaft will do the same thing, and its pretty easy to do. You don't even need to remove the wheel. A plastic yogurt tub lid can make a temporary closeout to hold the oil in.
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Old 01-23-2013, 03:16 PM   #9
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Re: Hubs

Here you go cb. http://www.off-roadweb.com/tech/0112or_ ... ing_axles/

If your heavy rig does not have a full floating rear axle, there are benefits to be had.
Yes locking hubs in the rear. For flat towing a locked rear end or getting out if you have broke an axle.
Well known and been done on the hardcore scene for a while now.
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Old 01-23-2013, 03:54 PM   #10
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Re: Hubs

No one makes a locking hub for flanged axle full floating rear axles like the Dana 60. There are some custom setups that convert lighter duty semi floating axles like the Ford 9 inch and Dana 44...
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