Electric Hub replacement
- Thread starter Gene45
- Start date
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The simple way is to buy an adapter plate from Radd Cruisers or 4WheelAuto to bolt your manual hubs.
The way I did it, was to un-bolt everything from the Spindle out on the electric hub assembly and find the same components from a manual hub assembly. The knuckles are basically the same electric and manual. The spindles are different electric vs. manual but they have the same bolt pattern to the knuckles.
A good link that shows the tear down of the electric hubs is:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/70-series-tech/327662-lj78-prado-axle-service-how.html
Oldblue (on the forum) from New Zealand can also provide a method for converting your electric hubs to manual keeping your current configuration. His information is posted on post # 5 of the link above.
Hope this helps,
-Alberto
The way I did it, was to un-bolt everything from the Spindle out on the electric hub assembly and find the same components from a manual hub assembly. The knuckles are basically the same electric and manual. The spindles are different electric vs. manual but they have the same bolt pattern to the knuckles.
A good link that shows the tear down of the electric hubs is:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/70-series-tech/327662-lj78-prado-axle-service-how.html
Oldblue (on the forum) from New Zealand can also provide a method for converting your electric hubs to manual keeping your current configuration. His information is posted on post # 5 of the link above.
Hope this helps,
-Alberto
Can also get some Hilux Stubs and do a bit of a swap, try and get 2nd hand ones with AISIN hubs. Link attached has it all- this is what Ive done to mine. 
http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=4900
http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=4900
Here's a question. If switching to manual hubs, Does the electric contact "washer" stay or go?
Is this what the spacer makes up for?
Is this what the spacer makes up for?
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I took all my parts off a mini truck axle. Any 1979-1985 toyota truck or 4runner front knuckles will do.
This is my opinion is the cheapest and strongest way to go.
This is my opinion is the cheapest and strongest way to go.
Hmmmm Too much work, I'm lazy I guess. AVM makes a hub that has the spacer built in. I'm trying to figure out if I can change it myself or send it back to the shop later to have them do it. She's more of a garage queen to daily than she is off roading. I just can't live without the 4x4 option.
I may be interested in buying your takeoffs.
Thanks
I used spacers / adaptors but they would come loose and shear the bolts...
Ended up swapping hub assy for earlier 70 series units...Bit of work.
Nowadays there are better ways... the electric hub structurally is just as strong as a manual hub. Its just the electrical side is problematic.
Oldblues mod to the cover plate to remove the electric motor and use an allen key to turn the mechanism is by far the easiest way to go.
Ended up swapping hub assy for earlier 70 series units...Bit of work.
Nowadays there are better ways... the electric hub structurally is just as strong as a manual hub. Its just the electrical side is problematic.
Oldblues mod to the cover plate to remove the electric motor and use an allen key to turn the mechanism is by far the easiest way to go.
I was impressed with Oldblue's workaround. I have decided to go with the AVM 463 hubs made with spacing built in. I'll try to post up my experience with them in the future here.
@JimmyPrado ..... "I was impressed with Oldblue's workaround."
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I would like to fabricate something similar thus the need for "takeoff" parts.
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I would like to fabricate something similar thus the need for "takeoff" parts.
Still interested in "takeoff" parts.
Thanks
Thanks
Hey Peterb, here's my update. So I purchased these AVM hubs and had them shipped to Torfab because my cruiser was there and they put them on for me. Anyway, I added a pic to show that they have 6 holes but two didn't line up. So they are held on with 4 bolts. I don't know if it is my cruisers hub or all would be this way. I didn't get the instructions with the old hubs in the box unfortunately. While I'm not too worried about the strength aspect ( I'm not into serious off-road adventures yet) I am watching them like a hawk. The fit seems great otherwise and they work like a charm. But, because of that 1978HJ45, I think I want to keep the electrics for a while Juuuuussttt in case. ( I may be a spare parts hoarder)
![thumbnail_IMG_1459[1].webp](https://forum.ih8mud.com/attachments/thumbnail_img_1459-1-webp.1368008/ "thumbnail_IMG_1459[1].webp")
I Understand...... 
So there are 4 ways to convert to manual. (correct me if I'm wrong)
1. Convert e-hubs to manual by modifying internals - Cost is Free!
There is a great Mud thread on that. Downside is easy of lock/un-lock. Also upgraded inner gears will not work with the e-hub components so while the stock AISIN stuff is great, it can/does break.
2. Convert to manual hubs using a spacer and standard hubs - Cost ~$350-500
There are a couple companies making the spacer, it bolts to the hub and then uses any standard 79-90 Land Cruiser hub, Warn, AISIN, Milemarker, etc. Upside is the clean look and bolt-on ability.
3. Convert to manual hubs using custom hubs designed to convert - Cost is ???
May or may not be a direct fit for all 7x Models, see Jimmy Prado's post above.
4. Convert hub components to non-electric. - Cost is ~$500-$600
This for sure requires replacement of the spindle and hub body and accompanying hardware. Birfs are good to go.
1. Convert e-hubs to manual by modifying internals - Cost is Free!
There is a great Mud thread on that. Downside is easy of lock/un-lock. Also upgraded inner gears will not work with the e-hub components so while the stock AISIN stuff is great, it can/does break.
2. Convert to manual hubs using a spacer and standard hubs - Cost ~$350-500
There are a couple companies making the spacer, it bolts to the hub and then uses any standard 79-90 Land Cruiser hub, Warn, AISIN, Milemarker, etc. Upside is the clean look and bolt-on ability.
3. Convert to manual hubs using custom hubs designed to convert - Cost is ???
May or may not be a direct fit for all 7x Models, see Jimmy Prado's post above.
4. Convert hub components to non-electric. - Cost is ~$500-$600
This for sure requires replacement of the spindle and hub body and accompanying hardware. Birfs are good to go.
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43405-60040: birf that comes with the e-locked hubs can be reused when converting to manual hubs.
238.5mm in length IIRC. But I would have to double check notes when I get into office tomorrow.
Sweet, I'll measure them tomorrow. So that means we can put together a kit with Japanese spindles, hubs and AISIN hubs for a few bucks more than option 2.
Thanks dude!
All I used on my E-Hub to Manuel conversion was the spindle, hub (bearing) and locking hub (obviously) I retained the factory birfs and knuckle. Had to add a little extra form a gasket in the space that allows the wires to connect to the E-spinal. All in all cost me about 100 bux. I bought a complete front axle for 350 and sold what I didn't use. Brakes swap over to the mini truck bearing hub no problem.
Here is my axle.
Here is my axle.