Well I finaly put on the free spin hub kit that has been sitting in the garage for months. boy what a job. Thanks to all of the great info on this site the job went quite well I think. It did take 2 days but I have never done anything like this before. Thanks agine for everyone that spent the time wrighting up how to articles.

 

What do the free spinning hubs do?

 

They allow the the front hubs to spin freely until you need 4-wheel-drive. Just like the current Fords and all of the big 3 until "cost" became the driving force....

turbo hoss, post some pics!

 

Turbo hoss, any MPG gains ?? I hear backing up heavy loads is nice with the 2 low option.

 

too early to tell any milage gain. It does seem to turn easyer if that makes any sence.

 

My steering felt way smoother and I finally got to try the 2 LO out backing a trailer up recently. Loving them so far. Of course, I've got solid axle free spins on mine. They sat in my storage building for about 9 or 10 months before I got them put on too.

Not much of a mileage gain. 1 or so I believe, but I've not really hand calc'd mine. I keep forgetting to.

 

Turning radius much tighter on mine. Fuel mileage isn't much better, but I did pick up a mile or two when I straight piped it!

 

I saw no change in mileage. But that 2 low option is just plain awesome for backing up and manuvering a heavy 5ver in tight spaces. And the truck is much smoother on the highway with less road feel through the steering wheel, too. The main reason I got the the Freespin hubs was to ditch the total junk unit bearings. The rest of the reasons were just perks.

 

1.25mpg gain for me-that is with 50-50 driving. my hubs have been on for 2 years. absolutely no problems-enjoy!

 

I finally joined the free spin club with a Dynatrac set. Have spent the last two days putting them on along with a front brake job while doing other things. This is not the easiest thing I have ever done but worth the time. I have not driven it yet but I am expecting to see some changes as the axles alone are several pounds that won't be spinning all the time. I did replace the u joints on the axles but inspecting the factory ones I think they would have several more years and miles along with the unit bearings. I learned a lot by doing it myself. I will say that these front ends are heavy duty in my book. I can see why the factory went to the unit bearing over the hubs. They saved a bunch doing it. Although the unit bearing costs more itself the labor is easier than setting up bearings and hubs and probably less warranty problems than hubs.
These hubs do stick out with factory wheels and stock tires, about 2.25 inches beyound the stock center cap, look out curbs and fire plugs.
I can tell there is going to be much less drag by the front end just by hand spinning the tires . Hubs locked in, drag. Hubs in free, tire spins and keeps spinning.
After I take a drive I'll post some more thoughts, good or bad.

 

i can't wait to get my kit. i am on the waiting list for the EMS kit but if they don't get my order by december i'll be ordering the Dynatrac kit.

 

All but Dynatrac are at the mercy of their off-shore suppliers.

 

I have had them on for a while now and like them. Mine do not stick out past the caps very much at all. As others have said, backing up with a trailer is much easier now that I can use 4 lo.

 

Took it out for a drive. Pretty much all people say about the hubs is true. Less vibes at fwy speeds so quieter cab. Stearing seems to be easier. The differences are not massive but they are there. Are they worth it? That's up to you. There is a certain "cool" factor in having hubs. I might just get some chrome lug nut caps and not cut out the factory center cap. Kind of retro in looks, like the good old days of 4x4. I am sure other people with Ram 4x4's will take a 2nd look. I just feel better knowing that by helping my truck get better MPG I am doing my part to fight global warming and help us become not so dependant on those wonderful countries that supply us with oil. LMAO!

 

That's a good justifying way to look it.