Auto Hubs to Manual

[MD05]

For decades I have had Manual front hubs, no wI have picked up a F450 KR with Auto Hubs a dn an electric shift Transfer case. Can these hubs be switched out for Manual units???? and if so what is involved???

[greasltn]

I don't know if they make manual hubs for the 08's yet, but you can always manually lock the hubs. The hubs have auto and manual lock settings.

[mor4wd]

My truck has manual hubs with a floor shift transfer case. If you bought the manual hubs they should bolt right in, but I don't know about the vacuum shift. The auto's work off a vacuum line, you could just disconnect it, but that might mess up the indicator light.

[peteoreo]

Originally Posted by mor4wd

My truck has manual hubs with a floor shift transfer case. If you bought the manual hubs they should bolt right in, but I don't know about the vacuum shift. The auto's work off a vacuum line, you could just disconnect it, but that might mess up the indicator light.

What he said. Ford factory manuel hubs.

[First_Ford]

Unless you are going to change the transfer case I don't see the point. If you disconnect the vacuum lines you will have strictly manual hubs, and it won't mess with the indicator light. Unfotunately I found out the hard way, that the hubs did not lock, it sucked. If I am going off road I now always lock the hubs at the wheel.

[GregsSD]

Originally Posted by First_Ford

Unless you are going to change the transfer case I don't see the point. If you disconnect the vacuum lines you will have strictly manual hubs, and it won't mess with the indicator light.

You can lock the hubs manually, but if you disconnect the vacuum lines or if your hubs have a vacuum leak then they won't unlock when you go back to 2wd. The autohubs must have a vacuum pulse to unlock.

I found this out when one of my hub seals went bad.

And the only aftermarket locking hub setup for the 2005 and newer superdutys is the complete dynatrac system which is around $2k. http://www.dynatrac.com/products_freespin_ford.html

[MD05]

I guess I need to elaborate a bit. Not real happy withthe performance of "auto hubs" I have seen and driven too many rigs where the hubs do not unlock as advertised. I do not mind stepping out to lock or un lock the hubs, I was wondering if the factory Ford Auto hubs could be swapped with the factory Manual hubs without grossly affecting the system. Looks like the only issue is a vacuum line that will need to be plugged.

Thanks for all you input.

[mor4wd]

They should be a direct swap between auto or manual, but I really don't know if it would be any different than just using the auto hubs in a manual mode.

[southern7.3]

^^^^^ This is why I love my manual hubs and manual t-case

[mor4wd]

+1 on that. Never a question as to whether your in 4wd or not.