Pros and Cons of Manual Hubs

[AxleIke]

i just like knowing, if i broke one side, i can unlock it, lock the front diff and be in 3wd the way out.

That is totally dependent on the break.

If you broke inside the hub, or at the bearing, you'd have to remove the axle and plug the hole first. If you broke at the joint, you could do that, but you'd have the axle smacking everything under your truck.

As for pros and cons:

Con: you have to lock them.

Pro: they are better in every sense of the word.

As for weak, I can't comment on warns. Aisins are damn strong.

Also, on a third gen, you are looking at close to an hour to replace an axle on the trail, a hub takes 5 mins.

Lastly, if you can, leave the ADD on there. That is the best set up by far. ADD+Manual hubs. If you can't due to the swap, then so be it, but if at all possible, leave it on.

[neliconcept]

yeah i didnt think about the output shaft in the hub.

[bflooks]

you guys didn't mention that with manual hubs, you can daily drive a vehicle that is locked front and rear with no signs of such until you lock the hubs. this is huge should someone want to run a lockrite or some other lunchbox locker in the front and still have it be a pavement pounder.

[AxleIke]

not in colorado you can't. As you need to be able to run at 40-50 in 4wd.

[BruceTS]

Also, on a third gen, you are looking at close to an hour to replace an axle on the trail, a hub takes 5 mins.

I assume an hour for a manual hub axle, it only takes me 15 minutes to replace a ADD axle.

Con: takes twice as long if not longer to replace a broken axle, especially if the axle breaks inside the hub, sometimes it makes it difficult to slide the axle out.

Pro: if your running an ARB locker, no parts are moving while DD

Con: output shaft is weaker, hub is weaker that ADD design

With all that said I will eventually convert over to manual hubs.......mainly for the bling factor

[bflooks]

With all that said I will eventually convert over to manual hubs.......mainly for the bling factor

that is perhaps the funniest thing i have heard yet today. HAHAHAHA!

[AxleIke]

Also, on a third gen, you are looking at close to an hour to replace an axle on the trail, a hub takes 5 mins.

I assume an hour for a manual hub axle, it only takes me 15 minutes to replace a ADD axle.

Con: takes twice as long if not longer to replace a broken axle, especially if the axle breaks inside the hub, sometimes it makes it difficult to slide the axle out.

Pro: if your running an ARB locker, no parts are moving while DD

Con: output shaft is weaker, hub is weaker that ADD design

With all that said I will eventually convert over to manual hubs.......mainly for the bling factor

Must be an experience thing. Took us well over 2 hours to change an axle on the 97. ADD, driveflanges. No modifications to the axle whatsoever.

Well, there you have it, if you have experience, it takes 15 minutes. Much longer with manual hubs.

[BruceTS]

ADD

too easy jack up truck, remove wheel, remove dust cover, remove 35mm nut, remove 4 spindle bolts.. pull away spindle assy, remove axle assy. install new axle, slide on spindle assy, install 4 bolts, install 35mm nut, install dust cover(optional), install wheel lower truck.....

Manual Hub

remove all those nuts holding manual hub on, get those annoying cone washers out(PITA) remove bolt, remove c-clip etc.... Oh and be careful you don't get dirt inside or lose those tiny parts!


99.9% of the time manual hub not needed, like I said Bling factor......

[Ric]

99.9% of the time manual hub not needed, like I said Bling factor......

I can agree with this, I dont think Ive ever "needed" them, but was thinking if its less wear on the CVs, I may do it, but after seeing what a pain it is to place them when/if they break I dont know, now Im back to where I started, lol.
I very much appreciate everyones thoughts and opinions

Keep them coming.

[AxleIke]

ADD

too easy jack up truck, remove wheel, remove dust cover, remove 35mm nut, remove 4 spindle bolts.. pull away spindle assy, remove axle assy. install new axle, slide on spindle assy, install 4 bolts, install 35mm nut, install dust cover(optional), install wheel lower truck.....

Manual Hub

remove all those nuts holding manual hub on, get those annoying cone washers out(PITA) remove bolt, remove c-clip etc.... Oh and be careful you don't get dirt inside or lose those tiny parts!


99.9% of the time manual hub not needed, like I said Bling factor......

I wasn't arguing with you. I was stating how long it took us, being inexperienced. Perhaps others will take less time.