4x4

[driximus]

I have a quick question.

On manual hubs do they need to be locked when in 4HI or just 4LO

I Figure it is yes, and i only ask because im not near my book to look it up and I remember My buddies Ranger had manual hubs but they only needed to be locked when engauging 4LO

[Dave]

Gotta lock em in in either 4 hi or 4 lo with manual hubs otherwise the axle is just freespining and doin nothin for you

[PSDfan99]

4HI or 4LO if you dont lock em' you got no power going to the front axle.

[driximus]

Thanks for the quick replies. anyone changed to autolocking hubs? i dont imagine it would be to difficult.

[Dave]

Should have to lock em in on the ranger 4hi or 4 lo too if they are manual hubs

[bigcountrysg]

Originally Posted by driximus

Thanks for the quick replies. anyone changed to autolocking hubs? i dont imagine it would be to difficult.

Yes it would be, as well as costly. I say this because if you have manual hubs then you need the vaccuum conections and lines plus the auto locking hubs. As well as any other parts.

Manual locking hubs are better in my opinion because they usually are stronger and less likely to fail when the vaccuum is lost.

The only hubs I would switch too is the warn hubs.

Also if you live where you get snow and need 4wd often. I suggest you drive around with your hubs locked in. I do this all winter long I have yet to have any damage or premature wear. The only thing I did notice is a drop of about 1-2 mpg in the winter. As long as you only engage the 4wheeldrive when needed you won't have no problems. My auto locking hubs vaccuum system has failed often and no longer works. Yeah I could fix it but it is easy to just lock and unlock the hubs.

[driximus]

Sweet that is the first time i have ever heard that When i get back ill try cruising around with them Locked. My main concern was Snow when i travel home over the rockies. However Ill give that a try. Thanks for the help everyone.

[rajharley]

Originally Posted by bigcountrysg

Yes it would be, as well as costly. I say this because if you have manual hubs then you need the vaccuum conections and lines plus the auto locking hubs. As well as any other parts.

Manual locking hubs are better in my opinion because they usually are stronger and less likely to fail when the vaccuum is lost.

The only hubs I would switch too is the warn hubs.

Also if you live where you get snow and need 4wd often. I suggest you drive around with your hubs locked in. I do this all winter long I have yet to have any damage or premature wear. The only thing I did notice is a drop of about 1-2 mpg in the winter. As long as you only engage the 4wheeldrive when needed you won't have no problems. My auto locking hubs vaccuum system has failed often and no longer works. Yeah I could fix it but it is easy to just lock and unlock the hubs.

Big Country....so are youn saying that if i turn off my hubs that I might see 1-2 MPG more???? This is my first 4x4 and I do not think I have taken them outta the locked position since I owned it. Other than just checking them to make sure that I can still move the switch on the hubs back and forth from time to time.

[Dave]

Yeah that is very possible

[bigcountrysg]

Originally Posted by rajharley

Big Country....so are youn saying that if i turn off my hubs that I might see 1-2 MPG more???? This is my first 4x4 and I do not think I have taken them outta the locked position since I owned it. Other than just checking them to make sure that I can still move the switch on the hubs back and forth from time to time.

Yes Rajharley, if you unlock them you will gain 1-2mpg. I can't even believe you been driving in cali with them locked in all this time.