Early 99 Hubs - Where to Buy?

[AlaskanEngineer]

Ok, so I need a new drivers side front wheel bearing - thus new hub assembly as I understand it. Its an EARLY 99, 4X4 , which I understand to have different hub than the late 99.

My question is what is the best brand to get within limits of econimical reason (ie no 2000.00 conversion kits etc), and where would be a place that I can count on getting the correct hub. I am afraid that if I just go down to NAPA and ask for a Bearing/Hub Assembly for an early 99 Super Duty, I am going to get blank stares, or worse a hub that does not fit my early 99.

Oh, and if the other side is showing little to no sign of problems, should I bother doing the bearings as a matched set?

Ideas/Thoughts/and Advice welcomed!! Would be especially happy to learn of a way to simply replace the bearings and races without having to buy a 250 dollar hub assembly. Never been a fan of replacing stuff thats not broke just because its attached to something that is!

As a tag along question, should my hubs have the auto-locking feature via vacuum when set to free? I am guessing no, but wanted to check to be sure.

[AlaskanEngineer]

Just been a few days and I really want to get the hubs replaced before its -25 out next week. Getting worse each day...

Anyone? Or shall I just play the NAPA roulette game?

Thanks...

[Tony V]

Well they should be able to order you what you need. You can get them off ebay for a lot cheaper about 120 bucks I think it was.