Lockable Hubs

[tnagaway]

Hey there...
I'm thinking of installing a pair of lockable hubs on the front of my 62, & was wondering whether I'll notice a difference in handling, mileage, speed, or steering as my rig has no power steering, and whether lockable hubs are in essence, front diff locks ...... ???

 

[Advent]

Locking hubs and a locking differential are two totally different things. You shouldn't experience any handling differences at all (unless there's something screwed up in your front end).

You might get a mile or two extra per gallon though.

 

[Mace]

I sriously doubt you will see a 2 mpg performance gain. It typically is much less than that.

Your 62 has driveflanges on it? You sure? Most had either autolocking hubs or locking hubs.

there is a BIG difference between a front differential lock and a locking hub.


You rig also has no power steering??

Where are you located?

 

[tnagaway]

Thanks guys,
so what's the point of having locking hubs in the 1st place ???
My rig has autolocking hubs, and the local 4x4 club I'm a member of advises of having them. The terrain we hit is mostly rocks, sand and mud ....
and I'm an american residing in Jordan.

 

[Advent]

The point of them is to increase the mpg (a little) and reduce wear and tear while on the road.

I'm surprised about the lack of power steering as well...

Autolocking hubs aren't a problem if you haven't broken them. A hub swap takes all of 5 minutes, might as well run what you have 'till they break.

 

[tnagaway]

In regards to Power steering, all LCs imported to Jordan its seems, were middle east specs having Aircon but no PS. The positive side is that i don't have to go to the gym anymore as my biceps are bigger than ever ......

 

[Mace]

The point of them is to increase the mpg (a little) and reduce wear and tear while on the road.

I'm surprised about the lack of power steering as well...

Autolocking hubs aren't a problem if you haven't broken them. A hub swap takes all of 5 minutes, might as well run what you have 'till they break.

Advent is exactly right, The reason that your friend advises against the autolocking hubs is because they are not as robust as a manual hub. PLus they don't always lock in when you want them to. They are reasonable but not the best solution.

I would imagine it is a safety thing. It is very hard to turn a non assisted PS box. So if your PS dies it makes it pretty hard to turn. So a manual box is more reliable.
AC, well, you can live with out that in an emergency