manual locking hubs?
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jwc9
Member
We do not have hubs in the sense as the old trucks and the super dutys have. I know someone on here can explain it better so I will not even try.
tonydiv
technical advisor
What we have is a unit bearing hub where the axle shaft bolts directly in to the hub. That means that the axle shafts are spinning when the wheels are moving. So to keep drag down to a minium, they put in a center axle disconnect that uncouples one side so that the full differential and driveshaft won't spin in 2wd.
The newer trucks have IWE (integrated wheel ends) that disconnect the hubs from the axleshafts.
None of these shift on the fly, push button 4wd systems are very good for real off road use. None of them allow for a limited slip diff in the front. If you could fit real locking hubs on the truck, there would be no issues using a limited slip (or even a locker) in the front during normal 2wd driving.
I've been looking for a kit to convert my 4wd system to a fully (or at least mostly) mechanical shift, but I haven't had much luck. There is a company that makes a kit that replaces the vacuum actuator for the center axle disconnect and converts it to a manual, cable style, but I haven't found a source for standard style wheel bearings and manual locking hubs. Everything I could find are for solid axle trucks like the F250s, 350s and Excursions.
The newer trucks have IWE (integrated wheel ends) that disconnect the hubs from the axleshafts.
None of these shift on the fly, push button 4wd systems are very good for real off road use. None of them allow for a limited slip diff in the front. If you could fit real locking hubs on the truck, there would be no issues using a limited slip (or even a locker) in the front during normal 2wd driving.
I've been looking for a kit to convert my 4wd system to a fully (or at least mostly) mechanical shift, but I haven't had much luck. There is a company that makes a kit that replaces the vacuum actuator for the center axle disconnect and converts it to a manual, cable style, but I haven't found a source for standard style wheel bearings and manual locking hubs. Everything I could find are for solid axle trucks like the F250s, 350s and Excursions.
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panda24619
Full Access Members
now that i think about it your right. i havent found anything either. i wouldnt mind getting out to engage the hubs if i have too. the only locker you can use in the front of these things are selectable. ie, air or eletronic, maybe even an ox locker. i have seen manual hubs for the early ifs toyotas but dont remember the company the makes them.
KWT2000
Full Access Members
my neighbor has a 98 f-150 and he uses a heavy duty choke cable to lock the passenger side axel in,,, he says it works great when he is snow plowing and it stays locked unlike the vacum pod
panda24619
Full Access Members
really? how would you do that? i kind of want to do a cheap version of the cable locking system but dont know how to do it.
tonydiv
technical advisor
www.4x4posi-lok.com makes the cable actuated center axle disconnect system. I think it's about $200 or so.
If you know how long you need it, the cable itself can be found at any discount marine place. These are the same heavy duty cables that are used for throttle and gearshift controls on power and sail boats.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10106&subdeptNum=10476&classNum=10478
They are probably even cheaper at defender.com
If you know how long you need it, the cable itself can be found at any discount marine place. These are the same heavy duty cables that are used for throttle and gearshift controls on power and sail boats.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10106&subdeptNum=10476&classNum=10478
They are probably even cheaper at defender.com
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panda24619
Full Access Members
i think ill get that kit if i ever have a problem. i do have a problem with my switch i think. the light on it goes out then back on. still works though. and when in 4hi it switches to a4wd then back to 4 hi then back to a4wd. i just put it back to 2wd then to 4hi and it works. its just weird.
tonydiv
technical advisor
The issue that cropped up on me last winter was that damn center axle disconnect. I could watch the rear tires spin and see the front driveshaft turning when my brother jumped on it in the driveway... but no front wheelspin at all.
Mine doesn't have that black plastic cover over it and I'm not sure if it just iced up or if the actuator was bad or even if it's just one of the electric vacuum solinoids. The cable seems like the easiest and most reliable fix.
Mine doesn't have that black plastic cover over it and I'm not sure if it just iced up or if the actuator was bad or even if it's just one of the electric vacuum solinoids. The cable seems like the easiest and most reliable fix.
99 Expy
Full Access Members
If anyone can get this to work on their expy, I'm interested. The new electrical ways of doing everything make stuff quicker and more convenient to do, but I like mechanical much better, so you can actually see whats happening and parts last much longer.
panda24619
Full Access Members
agreed. thats why i like my dads cj7. manuel hubs and manuel transfer case shifter. that way you know its activated.
tonydiv
technical advisor
One of the greatest products that Warn ever made were the Lock-a-Matic hubs, that I used to have on my Scout II. They were a full manual locking hub, but even if they were unlocked, they had a cam action that would send power to the wheels if you threw it in to 4wd. It was great for those little unexpected times when you needed 4wd and you didn't feel like locking them in.
They stopped making them ages ago and even stopped making the rebuild kits 10 or 12 years ago. A good set of them are like gold to those 'in the know'.
Once again, 70's technology proves superior to today's.
They stopped making them ages ago and even stopped making the rebuild kits 10 or 12 years ago. A good set of them are like gold to those 'in the know'.
Once again, 70's technology proves superior to today's.
SourMashII
Full Access Members
So I just did a ZF 6 swap on my 98 Expy. This facilitates the use of the SuperDuties NV 271 or 273 t case. The 273 is e shift, but Mama wants a lever, so she gets one. What am I going to need to do to lock in the front hubs? Will there be a vacuum port off the nv271? Help? Not opposed to a SFA swap, but....... Trying to avoid it at all costs
tonydiv
technical advisor
I actually put in the 4x4 Posi Lok cable a couple of weeks ago and it works great. It's nice to be able to manually lock and unlock the center axle disconnect. It also allows you to use 2wd low. (shift to 4 low and keep the posi lok open)
SourMashII
Full Access Members
Did you do a write up on the install? Following your earlier link now. Thanks, Kevin
KWT2000
Full Access Members
ive seen a kit where you can convert to the old style inner and outter bearings with warn hubs on some trucks wonderin if that might be something we could try
tonydiv
technical advisor
I've seen them too, but not for our trucks. If anyone can find a link, you'll be my new best friend.
Oh, I didn't do a write up on the posi lok install, because their directions are spot on and very detailed.
Oh, I didn't do a write up on the posi lok install, because their directions are spot on and very detailed.
lenny2001harley
Member
4wd actuator
should i replace the faulty 4wd vacuum actuator or go for the posi-lok kit
should i replace the faulty 4wd vacuum actuator or go for the posi-lok kit
tonydiv
technical advisor
It's more money and one extra thing to do when you want to engage 4wd, so you need to take that in to account. Also, how orten to you use 4wd?
I'm the type who would get rid of all the electronic shift on the fly B.S. and replace it with hubs and a real transfer case shift lever if I could, so the Posi-Lok is right up my alley.
Install is a breeze and the directions can be found on their web site.
I'm the type who would get rid of all the electronic shift on the fly B.S. and replace it with hubs and a real transfer case shift lever if I could, so the Posi-Lok is right up my alley.
Install is a breeze and the directions can be found on their web site.
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