Any one that has the manual hub conversion I would like to know how they are working out, long term. Would you spend the bucks for them again. Any negative effects like transfer case not getting lubed due to front shaft not spinning? Does it matter whose mfg I choose, Dynatrack vs EMS? I still want to do them but don't like supprizes.

 

Now, I don't have a locking hub kit on my Dodge but I can tell you there will be no negative effects on the transfer case whatsoever. In fact, having a hub kit will be better for the transfer case, front axle, and drive shaft.

I still want to hear how the locking hub kits are holding up as that is something high on my to buy list.

 

4,000 miles on my dyna-trac hubs- no problems here. have used them many times-they work perfectly. i also like the 1.5 mpg i picked up with not having the front end spinning all the time!

 

6k on my ems kit, .5-1 mpg increase, no problems...

i love the peice of mind and 2wd low for backing trailers

 

Dynatracs installed back in July 4K miles ago. Picked up 2mpg my average econ now being just a tad under 19. As for giving the front a lube bath if you don't run some occasional offroad just lock them in once a month and run it that way for a few miles and you're good to go. It's the best mod I have hands down and if I ever get another one of these trucks it'll be the first thing to get slapped on there. High quality kit with a good precision fit on everything absolutely no dissappointments there. Exactly what you would expect for the money. Also, any of you guys doing this mod that need some clean holes bored out of your stock hub caps so you can get them back on there I'd be glad to do it for nothing as long as you paid the shipping. I've got a lathe in my shop and can pop them out in about 10 minutes.

 

A few minutes on the calculator tells me that the payback on the kit is less than 100k miles with diesel at $3+ a gal, plus the cost of those unit bearings looming out there. Toss in a possible U-joint or two or four. It is a lot a bucks but it might be a wise choice for those that plan to keep what they have for another 100k or more miles. I know there aren't a lot of the the kits out there but if there is no one on the negative side that's a good sign.

 

if you keep your truck long enough and have to replace a couple of hub assemblies-the pain in the butt it is,plus the price for them- the dyna-trac kits look very attractive!!

 

i plan on keeping mine to 400k or more if shell keep runnin, heck its payed for now

 

What can one expect to pay for the lockouts plus installation?

Is this something the the average Joe-sixpack can do in one day with every day tools?

I have had several older Ford front axels apart and know my way around them pretty good...I've just never owned a Dodge untill this one...so I'm a bit nervous. I also don't have a garage...yet.

 

if you can do the older ford axles you will be fine...you are basically converting it to a dana 60 style setup. it took me 5 hours.

mine with the drw adapters were 1895 i think, but it was worth every penny!

 

Dynatrac was $1895 back when I bought the kit about 9 months ago but in this span of time EMS came on the scene so possibly it's come down some? I'm not master mechanic or anything but I had it installed in about 8 hours. The instructions were plenty good. Offhand about the only specialty tool I can think of that you might need to pick up is a 6 point spanner socket.

 

There are treads on this and I think Dynatrac has instructions also. As i recall the hardest part is getting the unitized old bearing unit off. Setting up the new axels and U joints would be new to me. Also would have to remember not to try to put it in 4x4 hi with hubs not locked while moving. I will go with Dynatrac as they are a 45 min drive from my home.