this question is out of curiosity:
whats better locking hubs like on the pickups or nonlocking like on the 4runners?
always wondered what the benefits were of locking hubs?

thanks guys

 

less strain on your cvs... since with auto hubs the cvs always turning ...when you have manual locking hubs you can unlock them so the cvs wont spin, it is helpful if you mess up your front end on a trail.. if you dont have the front end will always turn and you might need a tow when if you had manual hubs you could get out an unlock them

 

I like the simplicity and reliablity of a manual locking hub.

 

On the other hand I rarely ever read about issues with the auto hubs on any Toyota trucks no matter how many miles.

 

for real? ive heard and seen plenty to know that manual hubs are better some america is just lazy and likes "luxury" thats why they make auto hubs, a.d.d. stuff like that f250s have manual hubs

 

I perfer manual for wheeling rigs, for a daily driver autos are really nice. It allows for me to be lazy and just hit the button.

 

There are actually 3 types of hubs, the manuals, the automatics and the Automatic Differential Disconnect (ADD) which uses drive flanges:
- http://www.off-road.com/offroad/arti....jsp?id=399668

They all have advantages and disadvantages depending on your point of view. The true automatic hubs automatically lock when you stop and shift into 4WD and unlock when you go back to 2WD. But they can be prone to acting up and not locking when they are supposed to and unlocking when they are not supposed to. One situation they are troublesome in is when you get stuck in 2WD and then shift into 4WD to try and get out. The automatics need to turn some fraction of a rotation to lock and if you are stuck to the point of not being able to move, the front end won't lock up.

The ADD setup has the advantage of shift on the fly (manual hubs can do this if you lock the hubs). But the disadvantages are that you have the CVs turning (and wearing) all the time and with more moving parts, the ADD can stop working. Usually a vacuum line or electrical switch issue.

 

might see a little better mpg with manual as well. trail repairs are easier.

 

We need to dispose of this myth that mpg changes if you go from ADD to manual hubs. Theoretically, sure. In practice, no. The ADD system keeps the CVs spinning but there is no wear on the rest of the front driveline. However, you would see a bit of mpg decrease if you had a non-ADD system and locked your hubs and drove around in 2WD mode. In that case the front diff is spinning as well as the driveshaft, just not mechanically coupled to the power. I know that with mine I can actually *feel* the engine having to work harder when I drive around that way.

 

i just know that w/ my manual hubs locked all winter i do see a decrease in mileage. i would assume that is because they are locked and essentially like an ADD vehicle. i suppose that lines up directly with what youre saying.

 

Yes it does. The ADD system is not just like the non-ADD with the hubs always locked. It actually disengages one of the half-shafts from the differential. Pretty cool, really.

 

My 4runner came with manual hubs stock. Lots of them did.

I like them because they don't spin anything. I don't think they help my mileage any. Just less wear and tear.

 

I'm a little confused. I have auto hubs up front. If I were to go to manual would I have to engage them manually every time I want all 4 tires to spin?

 

Yes,you've seen plenty on how they are better but there's also no evidence auto hubs (on Toyotas at least) are bad either or have failure issues so I guess I like my chances with my auto hubs.


"I'm a little confused. I have auto hubs up front. If I were to go to manual would I have to engage them manually every time I want all 4 tires to spin?"

Yes,you'd be going backward in the evolution of technology and convenience.

 

Auto hubs are actually known to be quite weak, and crappy. They often unlock when you don't want them to.

Perhaps you all are referring to Drive Flanges. Those are not weak at all. They are essentially a manual hub with no moving parts. Very strong.

 

Manual locking hubs provide a lot more options for getting off the trail.

ADD flanges are practically unbreakable. That's what I carry for my spares.

 

when i get BJ spacers and 33's, would it save my cv's if i got manual hubs? because I've been told before it would but it it doesn't then there's no point?

 

Of course it will, as the CV's won't be spinning when the hubs are unlocked, so there's no wear.

 

Ok, so locked hubs in 2wd is like driving with 2wd with auto hubs. and unlocked 2wd would just be like having rear wheel drive?

 

you got it toyota!