HZJ Hubs

[Jim_Hbar]

My HZJ "power" hubs just about let me down today, it took four or five on/off cycles before they would engage. We could hear the motors cycling, but no connection - so it's either time to change them out, or modify them for manual operation.

One thought that I've had, is to drill and tap an access hole on the hub cover, and modify the motor so that one could manually crank the hub with an allen wrench... At least when I'm out there and the hubs don't engage, I have an option other than totally opening the hub up..

Another option is to go over to the '85 mini truck I have in inventory and salvage the Aisin hubs off of it. Problem is, the axle is complete right now...

Third option is just go to Lordco and get a set of Warns...

I've searched this site and the 'net, and it would appear that the Aisins are highly regarded. Any opinions based on real life experience would be appreciated.

Jim

 

[roscoFJ73]

Drlling holes will let water and dirt in.
The manual Aisan hubs are bomb proof

 

[Jim_Hbar]

Rosco:

I've been designing and manufacturing custom industrial equipment for over 25 years now - we have the technology to make sure it wouldn't leak......

The access hole would be plugged with a hydraulic fitting (An SAE ORB plug), if I was to go that route, and it would be significantly more leakproof than the dial on a manual hub. But I'm most likely to install the Warn hubs, unless I get good reasons not to.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Rosco:

I've been designing and manufacturing custom industrial equipment for over 25 years now - we have the technology to make sure it wouldn't leak......

The access hole would be plugged with a hydraulic fitting (An SAE ORB plug), if I was to go that route, and it would be significantly more leakproof than the dial on a manual hub. But I'm most likely to install the Warn hubs, unless I get good reasons not to.

Fine,but why design something when there is already a tried and tested OEM product available?

There was thread recently on one of the other forums and most preferred the Aisan over the Warn hub for strength.

 

[clintnz]

Yep, go with the Aisins, I just did this, It is possible to use spacers to fit them but I think it's much stronger & tidier to swap the whole hub assembly & change your discs over. I swapped the spindles also as the hilux ones looked to be stronger. I took some pics & I'll do a writeup soon.

My mates hilux winch challenge rig had Aisin hubs between a 400hp supercharged Lexus V8 & 35" Simexs, no problems with the hubs, pity about the CV's, lockers, r&p's, axleshafts etc. Hopefully the Nissan Patrol running gear debuting this weekend will be a bit more durable...

Cheers
Clint

 

[Jim_Hbar]

Clint:

Since I have a mini truck front axle, swapping the stuff in would be the cheapest thing to do - however, I like the electric hub functionality, just not their reliability when the "going gets tough".

My rig is a daily driver and I don't beat on it too hard - please post up your pictures, and I'll do the same when I'm done.

Jim

 

[Japan4X4]

Swap them, the electric hubs are also 4 stud while the manuals are 6 studs. You will eventually shear the dowels and break the studs.

As long as you are a machine kind of guy drill the mounting holes out to 10mm and install larger studs and or 2 more dowels.

 

[oldblue]

I have developed a fix to the electric hub problem, and still keeping the Asian hubs.
I made a dummy motor which is manualy turned with a Allan key, The S/S Cap screw is flush with the end of the hub, and is fitted with a water proof seal.

 

[oldblue]

A foto of my Hub conversion

 

[lshobie]

Hi Blue - looks great - can you please post a pic of the parts you used?

 

[oldblue]

Iv'e made about a dozen of these conversions for frends etc,it saves you from the need to fit a conversion ring kit, which can be a problem, ( working loose and breaking the studs.)
Ill show a photo of the dummy motor that I make. Positioning the seal , needs to be placed spot on, which I drill useing a jig.

 

[Jim_Hbar]

oldblue:

That looks good, similar thought to what I might do... I'm going to try and retain the motors however.

 

[oldblue]

Iv'e done that on my own Prado. able to use the electric system, and can lock them in by manually useing the allan key.
If you look at the end of the hub ,you can see the motor turning and you know that your hubs are working.
If you want Ill take a pix and put it up on this topic.

 

[clintnz]

My Electric - Manual swap using Hilux parts, pics & details:

http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=2123&start=45

Cheers
Clint

 

[70sguy]

Did you use the hilux parts because they were more available or was is because pre 1990 cruiser front spinde/hub parts don't work? Nice work!

 

[clintnz]

I used the hilux bits 'cos that's what I had. I bought a whole hilux diff for parts as the diff head & axles also fit the LJ71.

Cheers
Clint

 

[70sguy]

Cool. Thats what I figured. I am going to try swapping a set of BJ7 manual hubs/spindles etc.

Sheldon

 

[Tapage]

Aisin hubs are bomb proof

ditto ..

Maybe one year ago in a long trip I notice a wheel bearing failure too late, loos my right Aisin manual hub .. now I have other one, but at this time for replacement I found a brand new super winch hub ..

Keep in mind I use my front diff locked and chained .. I have no doubt about this hubs .. are really good ones.