I have an 87 rnnr with auto's up front that don't work.
I know they need to go, but don't know if I have the time before vacation...
Is there a way to check if the hub just won't engage, or if there is another problem?
Is an actuator used in the front end?
Any related comments would be helpful.
J-

 

The wabbit, has fabbed it!

http://wabfab.org/aisinmanualhubs/aisin.htm

All your answers lie in there.

 

thats is a great site, but i don't have the time or the money to get hubs without being sure that the problem lies in the hubs.
what about the actuator???

 

I dont think there is really an actuator in the hubs, I think they lock up when power is comming from the front diff.
But don't quote me on that.
Is there a reason you need your front hubs to be able to lock on your vac?

 

They don't have an actuator... they simply engage when power is applied to the front wheels. I had them on my 87, and I just switched to Warn manuals. I took mine apart when they wouldn't disengage... good luck getting those back together. They aren't nearly as simple as manuals, and mine looked pretty chewed up... lots of breakable plastic pieces in there that you can't get parts for.

I bought my manual Warns for about $130 (pair) and the spindle nut conversion kit from Downey ($20). Installation takes about 1 hour per side (less on the second side once you know what you are doing).

You will need:
- A torque wrench that goes down to at least 10lb/ft
- a 55mm axle socket

It really isn't that hard... I'm really glad I did it.

 

There is a plastic "brake drum" (thats what Toyota calls it) in there, with a spring attached to it. The spring breaks, followed by that break drum, and the hubs stop functioning. Good idea, poor execution on Toyotas part. If I ever buy a truck with Auto hubs, I am immeadietly converting to Manual hubs.

BTW, Auto hubs are NOT the same as Auto Disconnecting Diff

 

should have done it already, but i was busy with a total motor rebuild, springs, tires, tuning, working too much, a trashed disc in my back(L5,S1), a 20 month old little boy, and a crazy wife
oh yeah, i'm really lazy too:]
its good to know that the problem is the hubs
and that whole $150 is probably ok
thanks guys
lonestar