rbertalotto

There has been some concern on the temperature of the hubs after a free wheel conversion.

2006 quad cab, 4X4, Diesel. EMS Offroad Hub Kit:

This morning, ambient temperature 67 degrees, stop and go driving for 5 miles, hub temperature Left 81 degrees F, Right 83 degrees F.......All findings verified with infrared thermometer.

More results:

Five miles at a constant 40 mph, using the emergency brake to stop so the front brakes won't influence the findings. Ambient temp 68 degrees:
59 degrees left, 61 degrees right

10 miles at 65 mph using emergency brake to stop. Ambient 68 degrees:
59/60 degrees

10 miles at 65 mph, near panic stop using brakes. Ambient 68 degrees:
80/81

5 miles at 65mph and using brakes to slow down gradually to a stop. Ambient 68 degrees.
81/81

When I first installed the free wheel kit, my hubs were much hotter than I'm seeing now. I estimate the temperature to be +100 degrees. Seems they settle in or losen up just enough to have heat no longer an issue.

Hope this helps.

Raspy

Sounds like it's just heat from pumping grease around in the hub and bearings. Normal, especially if you put in a lot of grease.

What hubs are you running?

Colo~Dirtbikers

Id like to know what the temp would be with 5-5200lbs front axle weight.

That would tell the tale if these kits are worth it.

Raspy

I don't know why more weight on the front would make more heat in the hub. Except from more brake useage.

My setup has the same Timken bearings as comes with the older Dana axles, same part numbers. Well proven and very good quality.

They are not weak. But they can be packed full of grease and need to "break in" a bit. Plus, the locking hub has some sliding surfaces, so they will always have a bit more friction than the unit bearings. Of course, all that comes with the ability to disconnect the front axle and replace or repack the bearings. It's a good tradeoff if you plan to keep the truck.

Colo~Dirtbikers

More weight equals heat from the load.

I put 5000 miles a week on my truck. My front axle weighs 5000+lbs half that time and weighs around 4500 the rest of the time. I have a dually. Just wondering what the temp would be with some weight on the front end.