bldavis11

Hello Folks,

I have seen the discussion on the board about changing the factory hubs to the manaul style hubs. I googled the topic and wound up at 4x4wire (http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/autohub/), a site that I have seen referenced on this board many a time.

The author of the article discusses 3 different styles of hubs: manaul, auto, and add. I went outside and checked my rig ('89 4R, SR5), and the hub covers state that they are ADDs. The author of the article also suggests (though does not say), that the ADD's are more or less okay (they are full-time "locked") and that the AUTO style hubs are the devil incarnate. He goes on to explain the rest of the install.

My question is primarily, what's the benefit of switching from ADD to manaul hubs. If the ADD's do not unlock while reversing (as the AUTO's do), what's the point of the swap?

Thanks,

Ben

Corey

iTrader: (1)

With the ADD setup, your CV shafts are spinning all the time, even when you are not in 4WD.
This puts stress on the boots as well.

With the manual hubs unlocked, your shafts are not spinning and causing drag.
Yes, with ADD you have drag.

When mine are unlocked, I have more power.
Not much, but it's enough to notice.

When you do lock in the manual hubs by hand, it's the same as if you had the ADD setup.
You can shift on the fly upto about 50 miles per hour or so into 4H.

Also if you plan on cranking your T bars to get a little bit of lift, it can put stress on the CVs, hence another reason to switch to the manual hubs.

Manual hubs are just better as it frees up stress, and a tad of power.
I saw no increase in gas mileage when I did mine, but some report getting a tad better.

And yes, those old style auto hubs are bad.
Back up a hair, and they unlock on you at a bad time.

Glenn

Maybe that is what the factory says, but I have done it at speeds of 75 mph. It just snicks right in as long as you aren't on the gas too hard.

metal22lica

why would you be going that fast and have to switch into 4wd?

bldavis11

Corey,

Thanks for the information. I do not (currently) plan on lifting the truck at all. I do limited offroad use (mainly some nasty roads at the hunting camp), so do you think that it is worth the time or effort to switch them out? Any other opinions?

-Davis

metal22lica

i just got a set off of ebay at a killer price. i dont go offroading..but since it decreases wear and tear i am doing it. i just got all the bolts and paints..now all i need are the gaskets. plus it gives me something to do!!! if you have the money and time..i say do it!!

Corey

iTrader: (1)

Yes I do think it is worth switching them out.
My '90 truck I had before the 4Runner came with them as it was a plain jane model Extracab, no power windows, no air-con, or SR5 stuff.

Most of the SR5 came with the ADD as Toyota must have figured it would be more convenient for folk's not to get out lock them in.

Bunk, I'd rather lock them in.
They are worth their weight in gold alone just to free up your CVs from spinning full time.

Look to Ebay for a set, or see if Death Cougar here can check for you at his work.
www.nix99.com

They are one of the biggest Toyota graveyards around.
Many places to pick up a used set.
You never buy the Aisin hubs new, they are about $400 I believe from Toyota.

Glenn

Well, I thought it might provide a little extra margin on a wet interstate. It was either go fast or sleep in the truck. I wouldn't recommend that anyone do it unless you are aware of what's happening in the driveline, etc.

bldavis11

what about the hubs manufactured by warn? I've read a couple of articles that claim the top of the line warn hubs are superior to the aisin. has anyone had any difficulties with either brand?

-Davis