So I have been meaning to convert the Automatic Locking Hubs, that came stock with my 85 4x4 pickup, to the manual locking hubs for some time, but had several more important repairs to make first. Now I am getting light clicking (think baseball card in the BMX spokes) after any length of driving and a thud as I roll to a stop. This will stop for a short period of time after reversing for several meters (disengaging the auto locking hubs I imagine).

Since I have put it off, I am afraid that there could be something else damaged.

1) Is the Auto to Manual locking hub conversion extremely complicated? As I would like to do this myself. (Large boost of confidence after changing the water pump).

2) Is there anything else that I should consider working on, or checking, at the same time?

Thanks in advance.

 

I'd pull the tire off and srart by taking a look see. I'm thinking brakes or wheel bearings (but much less so). Maybe one of the clips on the brakes has worked loss. So if you been wanting to change over to manual hubs go ahead and check and repack wheel bearings at same time.

The cone washers are a PITA, search and look at the different methods for removing them before hand. I don't like the "beat the hub body method" damages it after all its made of aluminum.

 

It shouldn`t be that hard to change over to manual hubs, besides the manual locking hubs, im not sure what other parts you will need, but im sure someone on here can tell you. i just got done rebuilding the axle on my 85 4Runner, all new bearings and seals and it wasn`t that hard so changing over to manual hubs should be easy

 

Pretty easy swap:
- http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/autohub/

 

Thanks for the help you guys. I have been looking around for the conversion kits, and I think that I am going to go with WabFab.

Cheers

 

I just did a whole bunch of Aisins this past weekend...and I am paying for it now. I wasn't over being sick and being around all the dust and powder in the shop has me worse off than ever. Going to have to take it easy for a couple days or more.

Refurbished Aisin manual hubs do look good. I even actually did a set for myself.

 

My auto hubs do the same thing, normally I just drive forward and reverse again a second or third time and they'll finally disengage. I'll see if I can repair mine, but if not I'll be converting too

 

I am really looking forward to doing this upgrade. I just ordered the parts, so stay tuned for some pics (or frustrated questions).

BTW, is it true that I will notice an increase in gas mileage?

Cheers

 

Unless the old hubs were stuck in locked position all the time, likely you won't see any difference. Even if they were, the difference would be hard to notice.