I'm pretty new to the forum since I just got my 91 runner a couple months ago. This is a great site!! I see a lot of references to converting to manual hubs instead of the auto system. I have manual tranny with auto locks and I really like the convenience of being able to shift to 4wd from the driver's seat. I had a mazda pickup previously with manual hubs and got tired of stopping and getting out to use the 4wd. What are the advantages with the manual hubs? Is there some slippage in the front system with autos or a performance advantage with manuals? ARe there parts that wear out faster in the autos? I will be replacing the front axles soon, since the boots are cracked and would appreciate some info. Also how much does it cost to switch to manuals? Thanks Guys.

 

Decreased wear and tear on your front driveline/cv's/etc. Converting isn't too expensive:

Warn hubs - around $100 I think
Aisin (best bet) - anywhere from $50 - $100, but not always easy to find

Good luck.

CTB

 

Hi Jimber. Click on my webpage listed below in my sig file.
Once there click on the modifications link.

From there choose page II.
At the bottom is my write-up on the Aisin hubs.

Actually your hubs are not auto locking ones, but ADD hubs.

Auto locking hubs are to be avoided like the plague.
They lock in when you shift to 4WD, but when you backup on a trail, they unlock on you :eek:

I should have some links below my hub stuff that will show you what the auto locking ones are.
I think they quit those around '86?

 

also, you can lift more, because of less wear on the CV's. with ADD you can only go a couple of inches unless you lower your tranny and stuff, but with manual hubs you can go 3 at least.

but if your not lifting... ADD is ok if you ask me. the manual hubs will stil wear less though on your CV's. with ADD your tires are locked on all the time and ADD conects it to the transfer case (right?? dont know about how that works completely. but they are locked so they can't spin as freely as manual hubs)

basically manual hubs allow your front tires to spin freely when they are unlocked.

 

I just picked up aisin hubs at the wreckers for $19.00 . Gotta love it when they don't have a part listed.

 

hey guys. I'm pretty new to all of this
I'm looking to buy a lifted truck that I could use for off road and on the streets
I was wondering if someone could explain what manual hubs are and what they do, in terms that a begginer like me could understand

 

For all practical purposes, hubs, whether automatic or manual, allow your wheels/tires to turn with your axles.

And, to the OP, manual hubs will providea 1-2 mpg increase do to less rotating parts

 

Id like to know where you are getting new Aisin lock-outs for $50-$100


Id REALLY like to know where you're getting yours.
I once got a kingpin HP D60 for $200 from a boneyard because it was unlisted. Poor kid probably got fired.

 

My manual hubs are going on tomorrow

 

* old thread alert * old thread alert *

maybe those hubs were going for 50-100 5 years ago, but i have only seen those deals once or twice...

 

I picked up a set of Aisins for 80 bucks.

They take all of 20 minutes and 2 bucks worth of gaskets to clean and rebuild.

They are not a part that you need to have new, as they are difficult to damage, and most used sets, once cleaned and rebuilt, work just as well as they did when they were new.

 

I wish this was true. I might have gotten .1 - .2 mpg increase.

Since swapping them in there's been a few times where I just wanted to shift to 4WD for a couple of seconds but couldn't. With manual hubs and the ADD system, if you turn to lock it's just like you have the stock block off plates installed. Best of both worlds.

Jason

 

Are there really problems with the auto hubs on the 4Runners and Tacomas? I've never really read where it's even an issue? As long as mine work I don't see a reason to switch.

 

I don't think third gen 4runners or any of the tacomas came with auto hubs. I could be wrong, But I'm pretty sure they only existed during the 86-95 years.

You have an ADD set up, meaning you have drive flanges, no locking hub of any kind. Your CV's spin all the time.

 

Ahhh,I was confused. So,are there any reported issues with the ADD setup?

 

Holy crap you're right.