I had the original auto locking hubs replaced with Warns on my '88 4Runner about a year ago. I had manual locking Warn hubs installed because they were supposedly more reliable. Well, now I go to use the Warns, and the hubs won't lock into 4x4. I can turn the dial on the hub, shift into 4x4, but the front wheels aren't pulling. I figure it's because I haven't used them but one or twice since they were installed and they aren't greased up very well. Does anyone have any advice for getting these things freed up? I'd rather not take it in for servicing...again.

Thanks, Craig, in Charlotte, NC

 

With one of the front tires jacked up off the ground and the 4wd off you should be able to engage the hub and rotate the cv back and forth to see if it has engage the hub. Sometimes it take a bit of shifting around before it seats. If it is engaged the shaft will rotate with the tire. If it isn't engaging remove the dial cover of the hub and look to see that the lock mechanism is moving. If I recall, it uses springs to engage the axle. You could remove the whole hub easily and check it.

Could it be that the diff isn't engaging the side shafts?

Good luck

Paul

 

Paul,

Thanks for your reply. I think I found the problem. I had the right front CV axle replaced recently as well. After poking around under there, I saw that the axle isn't inserted all the way into the backside of the hub/wheel assembly. Something's screwed up there, no way it could work right. It's going back to the shop that did the work first thing in the morning. It's going to be their problem now.

Craig

 

if you can, look into finding a set of AISIN hubs from a '86-95 truck or 4runner. they're much better than the warns on a toyota, since they're stronger(they use cone washers) and don't stick out as far as warns.

 

Got it fixed. For anyone interested, a snap ring broke that holds the CV axle fully inserted into the hub. They put the axle in place and replaced the snap ring. Easy fix, and free too.