Hey guys, I keep reading about people recommending a conversion to manual locking hubs. What are the advantages/disadvantages of this and how could I find out about the conversion?

thanks
mike

 

As far as I know, you get better mileage for one. There's a number of threads related to the idea. Have you searched, yet?

 

It is only a matter of wear, you will see no mileage benefit. If you lift your truck and put your CVs at an angle, get some manual hubs. Also if your truck has auto hubs (not ADD) you should replace them since they don't really work.

 

wear and tear on your CV joints

 

Here's some other links on the subject that might help you out:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ght=aisin+hubs

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ght=aisin+hubs

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ght=aisin+hubs

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ght=aisin+hubs

 

I'm putting the Downey coils on the rear of my Runner. Just to even out the sag and ad more support in the rear for towing (since that will be the primary use for my truck). I'm not going to crank my T-bars in the front, so I won't be changing the angles on the front hubs.

So, I'm assuming the whole CV reason won't apply to me. It also sounds like the fuel consumption advantages will be negligible. Guess I'll just keep my auto-lockers.

BTW, what is ADD? I found that reference in several threads, but no one indicated what it is.

thanks!

 

http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/add/

 

i wouldn't necessarily say that you won't notice a difference in gas mileage, as i gained almost 2mpg. it could just be one of the luck of the draw things, but i'm really glad i installed them. its really easy too.

 

My mileage increased between 1 and 2 mpg, and I noticed a SIGNIFICANT decrease in effort and better steering feel (lighter, more nimble). Well worth the $60 for two Aisins and 4 hours it took (tore down hubs & regreased); otherwise, your CV shafts are always turning. PLus, they look WAY cooler!

 

I noticed the easier turning as well and I never split a boot again after doing mine. My front end was stock but they still do wear on the boots when you turn and they are turning. Make sure if you install them you lock them and drive for a ways every couple of months to keep everything up front lubricated and in good working order.

 

I too gained about 2 mpg when I installed my Warn manual hubs. Overall feel on the road is greatly improved.

 

I read through all of the attached threads, thx!

I still have one fitment question: will any manual hub set off any Toyota truck or 4runner fit on my 90 4runner?

Thx!

 

Take a look at

http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/aisin/

for everything you need to know about the different versions of the hub.

This thread has a good writeup with part numbers -

https://www.yotatech.com/~corey/tech...etal22lica.htm

The FSM pages online at

http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...14freewhee.pdf

have the exploded view of the hubs.

They are easy to rebuild. The only part I found a bit confusing was that the "spring" actually threads into the "follower pawl", kind of like screwing in a bolt. I can't think of a good way to explain in words what is obvious once you have the parts in hand. If you don't assemble it correctly the hubs won't disengage.

These hubs come up on eBay all the time. Try to get hubs from the southwestern part of the USA as they are less likely to be all rusty and corroded.

If you get a set and end up needing some parts, I have some left over. I got three hubs and rebuilt two good ones out of them. PM me if you need anything. I'll take a look at what I have and see if I can help you.