Manual Hub Install

LAwhat
06-18-2009, 03:02 PM
I bought Warn Hubs for my 97 T100 along with the required spindle nut conversion kit. I pulled the hubs apart and the instructions for the spindle nut conversion kit didn't appear to be for my truck. Also, it looked like the warn hubs could just bolt right on no problem without the conversion kit.

I installed the hubs without the conversion kit and they engaged and disengaged fine. Has anyone else had much experience installing manual hubs on thier T100?

TruckTruckTruck
06-19-2009, 01:00 AM
Howdy,

It seems to me that locking hubs on a 4WD just slightly lowers the amount of rotating mass, and subsequent wear on equipment (though there is no load) between the hubs and the differential.

So it's mostly and efficiency gain, right?

This is what prompted that:
Though locking hubs are particularly made to engage or disengage the front wheels from the front axle shafts, the idea was still to keep the parts that are not needed in 2WD mode from rotating. This is essential in reducing mechanical drag and saving gas. During bad weather, it is also recommended to leave the hubs locked to allow you to shift in and out of 4WD whenever the need arises. The drive lines will synchronize if the locking hubs are left engaged. Keep in mind that leaving your hubs locked will cause no damage or harm to your vehicle and will not even influence its handling. The good news about it is that you don't have to deal with the hassle-free stop just to shift into 4WD.
from: http://4wheelonline.com

For the T100, I would guess that locking hubs are a small upgrade compared to a locking differential in the rear, which would have significant improvements in off road capability, right?

I have enthusiasm, time, and capability, but I'm pretty skimpy on practical knowledge, thanks.

Kookadala
06-19-2009, 12:25 PM
The Warn hubs bolt right on, NO conversion kit is needed, take it back and get your money back for the conversion kit.

LAwhat
06-19-2009, 12:52 PM
I did the manual hubs for a few reasons, mainly:

-Gas mileage. Even though it's not a huge gain it's something.

-Less wear on the CV joints. Those things are a pain and pricey to fix, so it's a preventative measure to have manual locking hubs. When your CVs are always spinning, thats a lot of unnecessary wear, especially in the summer when you don't use 4x4 very often.

-Future front end lift. When you lift the front end you put a greater strain on your CVs because of the sharper angle. If you have a front end lift and drive around with your front hubs locked it will wear out your components a lot faster.

The locking rear diff. is a pretty big upgrade for off-roading, but it's pricey. The manual hubs weren't so much for an improvement off road, but to save my CVs. And they look cool too.


Thanks for the tip on the conversion kit. I'll be sure to get back the unnecessarily spent $75.

Hartzog
06-19-2009, 04:02 PM
LAwhat, where did you buy the warns?? prices??
i am wanting to do a manual hub conversion myself! i hate these stupid automatic hubs, dont work half the friggin time, and when you have manual hubs, you have the option to put your truck in 2wd low if needed

LAwhat
06-19-2009, 04:11 PM
I bought the Warn hubs from 4wheelparts for like $175 plus shipping, and the unnnecessary conversion kit for $75. But I've read that Mile Marker hubs are also very good, but less expensive than Warn.

The install wasn't too bad. It took like 1.5 hours for both, and I'm no pro.

Hartzog
06-19-2009, 04:18 PM
yes, i was gonna ask that question, i think the mile marker hubs are wat i will end up getting, just becuase money isnt to available these days, lol

LAwhat
06-19-2009, 04:22 PM
Yeah i looked into it after I already purchased my Warns. I think I saw MileMarkers for about $150, and they probably work great.

Hartzog
06-19-2009, 04:32 PM
i seen some milemarkers on ebay for the T100 for like $100

i have been told the 89-95 pickup hubs and the T100 hubs are the same, but i have a question if this is true........
my buddy has a 93, and he wants auto hubs, can you just bolt up the automatic hubs to a manual hub truck and it work??

BamZipPow
06-19-2009, 05:06 PM
Auto hubs and ADD hubs are different things. You DON'T want auto hubs...really. They disconnect when you back up...not good if yer trying to rock out of a situation.

The AISIN hubs from the early trucks will work just fine. Lower profile and great quality. Easy to rebuild. You can usually find a pair from $25 to $75. Yer choice... ;)

Hartzog
06-19-2009, 09:32 PM
Auto hubs and ADD hubs are different things. You DON'T want auto hubs...really. They disconnect when you back up...not good if yer trying to rock out of a situation.

The AISIN hubs from the early trucks will work just fine. Lower profile and great quality. Easy to rebuild. You can usually find a pair from $25 to $75. Yer choice... ;)

it aint me that is wanting auto hubs, i want manual, my bud wants to know if he can just bolt on auto hubs in place of his manual hup pickup

BamZipPow
06-19-2009, 10:07 PM
it aint me that is wanting auto hubs, i want manual, my bud wants to know if he can just bolt on auto hubs in place of his manual hup pickup

If he has the same spline count...yes.

LS1 T100
06-20-2009, 02:47 AM
Hey guys I just wanted to know where you guys buy ur stuff from. Mile marker hubs on ebay for $100!!!! i saw them for like $150!!!! Check out summit racing http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MMK-490/ $95.95+ S&H and there new! they bolt on in 15 min no conversion kit or any crap needed. you can do them with the factory wheels still on!!

I had this same conversation on here with someone else. next time use search this thread.

LS1 T100