Well it was theirs when they did it, but I don't know why they did it...

They converted it from automatic 4x4 (from within the cab) to the older style locking hubs. Anyone know how hard / how much it would be to put it back the way it should be? or are the older style more reliable?

As it is, I have to get out to lock the hubs, and press the button inside! :o

BTW: Some pictures of the truck...

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...w.cfm?num=4546

 

manuals are more durable and less prone to breakage. If you know your gonna be wheelin jus tlock the hubs and drive around and when you wnat for wheel just put it in neutral( at a stop of course) and hit the button. Hubs are already locked so no need to get out. Do not drive w/ hubs lcoked 24/7 though because it will eat your bearings up. If you really want to go to automatic hubs best bet would be a salvage yard.

 

id leave it manual...

 

The big problem with the manual hubs is the way they engage. It takes a few turns from the front driveshaft to lock in. When most people are stuck in the mud they put in in 4 wheel and floor it. When you do that the hubs like to go kaboom.
Then to disengage them you have to back up with the truck in 2wd.

A good set of manual hubs, like the Warn premium (full turns as I like to call them) are next to bullet proof.
Just lock them in before you go in the mud and when you want 4wd hit the button or pull the stick back. These trucks have a t-case that can be shifted while moving, up to 45 mph if Im not mistaken. The only reason to put in neutral to shift it is for low range.

 

I would leave them also, the auto hubs for made were junk. If warm makes a set of auto hubs, they might be worth looking into. But if not, I would just leave them alone.

 

I never ran a truck without the locking hubs, so I didn't know if I'm missing anything or not. Sounds like I'll be ok with these. I'm looking forward to a good snow fall to test out the 4WD and determine if anything needs replaced. Don't have time to go looking for mud...

 

MnvlMat,

Do you mean the problem with automatic locking hubs? The way you were describing them sounds like the auto locking hubs to me. At any rate, I prefer the manual locking hubs. Like everyone else said, more durable and you know for sure that they are either engaged or disengaged. Besides, getting out of your truck in muddy or snowy conditions and locking the hubs gets the adrenaline going!

 

My truck came with automatic hubs and they were nothing but trouble. Got a set of warn premiums and they are great

 

OOPS... I was thinking one thing and tying another....


Yes I was describing the AUTO hubs.

 

Ya know my truck as sucky auto hubs...
How hard to change to manual hubs & what all do I need? I remember reading about needing a conversion kit but

 

Allen keys, snapring plyers and a pick set.

 

Sorry, I didn't think to provide some information about my truck. It's a '92 Ford Supercab, 4x4, automatic, 4 speed (overdrive), with a 302.

I was asking the question because they had the truck changed from automatic hubs to manual locking hubs. I guess the hubs went bad and someone at the garage suggested to replace it with the manual hubs. And I didn't know if it would be a good thing to change back or not.

The reason I was thinking about changing them back... After my initial use of the truck in 4x4, I noticed some noise coming from the front-end universals. If I'm going to be getting in there some time, I might as well do the entire job. I needed to know if the the automatic 4x4 was just nice to have, or the 'better' way to go.

I intend to stick with the locking hubs as they are. I'll run the truck for a little will yet before addressing the front end problem. I hope to have at least a few weeks yet before the snow flys!

 

According to my contact at Ford 92-96 F150 stock locking hubs were nothing but junk. I bought my truck used with only 50k miles and someone had already converted it as well to the warn lock in hubs. Its not that big of hassle.

 

Most guys I know with the older style auto-locking hubs wished they didnt have em. I have the Manual hubs with a floor-shift t-case and they have never ever failed on me..If i were you, I would leave em as is.