Manual Hubs
03-11-2009, 07:22 PM
#1
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Manual Hubs
Well I'm tired of this 4wd issue and the reliability issue of having Vacuum lines and such to operate my 4wd. I'm wondering how hard it is to put manual locking hubs and permanently engage the front axle?
03-12-2009, 12:56 AM
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Try this to eliminate the CAD
http://www.4x4posi-lok.com/app_dodge.html
http://www.4x4posi-lok.com/app_dodge.html
03-12-2009, 01:07 AM
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yes, my 4wd was spotty at best. I think there is a vacuum issue with the truck because the cruise and HVAC doesn't work either. I setup my own custom vacuum valves with a switch in the cab that allows me to engage the front axle at will then I can just shift the transfercase to get the front wheels driving as well which is nice when I'm driving a snowy or slippery road.
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03-14-2009, 08:56 AM
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If you want your front axle to be engaged full time, posi-lok makes a kit for that which should be quite reliable. Most people who have a unit from them get the one with the cable which is in cab controllable so that you can actually unlock the front end.
03-14-2009, 03:40 PM
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03-14-2009, 05:17 PM
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They are hard to engage and disengage. Sometimes you get lucky and it is easy but you really need to be stopped to engage and rolling pretty slowly to disengage. Also, they have a habbit of coming disengaged when you don't want it to.
03-14-2009, 05:35 PM
#12
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I thought that the cable just engaged the factory coupling and the cable also had a locking position on it. Have you tried backing off the power when engaging and disengaging?
03-15-2009, 09:03 AM
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Busboy,
You are correct on the locking mechanism of the cable. Mine has never actually popped out but many people have theirs pop out. I guess that it slips or something.
As far as engaging and disengaging, backing off of the power can work. My method for getting it locked in is to put the truck in first from a stop and 4wd, then slowly let the clutch out and pull the cable at the same time. Once I started doing this, it is easy but the problem is that you have to stop which means you have to think ahead before you get to that really snowy hill. For disengaging, the best method I have come up with is to be going pretty slowly and push the clutch and cable in at the same time. Sometimes it is a lot easier if there is no pressure on the splines but sometimes it is quite hard to time it right.
You are correct on the locking mechanism of the cable. Mine has never actually popped out but many people have theirs pop out. I guess that it slips or something.
As far as engaging and disengaging, backing off of the power can work. My method for getting it locked in is to put the truck in first from a stop and 4wd, then slowly let the clutch out and pull the cable at the same time. Once I started doing this, it is easy but the problem is that you have to stop which means you have to think ahead before you get to that really snowy hill. For disengaging, the best method I have come up with is to be going pretty slowly and push the clutch and cable in at the same time. Sometimes it is a lot easier if there is no pressure on the splines but sometimes it is quite hard to time it right.
03-15-2009, 02:47 PM
#14
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Thanks for the reply, I have been considering this system even though there is nothing wrong with my vacuum setup. I just prefer knowing the axle IS engaged for sure and will remain so even after leaving the road through the ditch.
I think I'll stay with the current vacuum syst for now.
I think I'll stay with the current vacuum syst for now.
03-15-2009, 06:49 PM
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Only reason I want to get rid of my setup is it seems when it gets below freezing the axle either takes ages to engage or doesn't engage at all. I'm thinking there may be some moisture in the lines freezing.
But it all goes back to why change a perfectly good system in the first place. I like the fact that with manual hubs you know for sure you're locked it, don't have to worry about vac leaks or stiff cables. I know how to slide the coupling over and hold it there permently, I'm just looking for a way to install the hubs. Perhaps just swapping knubles and all the outers from a older dodge? or ford?
But it all goes back to why change a perfectly good system in the first place. I like the fact that with manual hubs you know for sure you're locked it, don't have to worry about vac leaks or stiff cables. I know how to slide the coupling over and hold it there permently, I'm just looking for a way to install the hubs. Perhaps just swapping knubles and all the outers from a older dodge? or ford?
