2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Free Spin hubs with lockouts

[dclassens]

After lots of research and reading articles on this issue, I am still kind of unsure as to what my options may be. I am wondering if members can give me feed back on mounting free spin hubs on a 2002 truck with non CAD front axle. What is the best brand, and what brand is the cheapest? Any and all feedback would be great. Thanks



Dave

 

[HHhuntitall]

Well, basically, there are four kits... . Dynatrac, Spyntec(Solid Axle Industries), EMS Offroad, and Randy's Ring and Pinion Yukon Gear kits..... All work the same way, but the top quality are the Dynatrac and Spyntec. I've used all but the EMS and they're all excellent kits, with the Yukon Gear kits seeming a little cheaper than the others in quality... . I've wanted to try the EMS kits, and even helped them develope the dually kits, but never got a kit to try, even asking for it, so buyer beware. I've heard a lot of negatives about Dynatrac as of late, but I've had good service from them and Spyntec. I like Spyntec the best, as they have a better ABS sensor design. I'm not sure if EMS or Randy's offers the ABS sensor option.....



The CAD is irrelevent here, as the factory shaft upgrade kits come seperately, and that's what's used to replace the CAD... ... .



Personally, I'd go with the Spyntec kits, and that's what I'll use next time I install any for a customer. Dynatrac will be a close second.

 

[dclassens]

Thanks so much for the data!!

Dave

 

[AH64ID]

I am shopping for hubs right now. I put the dynatrac's out of the equasion based on cost. For me it's down to Spyntec and Yukon. Both receive excellent reviews, and I haven't found anything stating that the Yukon is in a class lower than Spyntec. Cost is comparable between the two, so that is not an issue.

The big difference between the Spyntec and Yukon is the hubs, width, and ABS sensor. Spyntec uses a sealed ABS sensor, Yukon does not. Even the $$$ Dynatrac's don't use a sealed sensor, as they feel that dirt/dust/grime will build up behind the seal and cause issues.

Spyntec uses MM hubs, and will substitute Warn's for $100 (I have never been a MM guy, but have no experience to base that on. . Just always used Warn over MM). Yukon uses their own brand of hubs, that are supposed to be TOUGH, and are thinner than Warn, and appear slightly smaller than MM.

The Spyntec has a new shorty kit, which means less protrusion. Spyntec said the bearing spacing is the same as on Ford axles and didn't see issues with the new narrower kits. Yukon's do stick out a bit more, and claim that the bearings run cooler with the spacing they have. They tested shorter kits and got more bearing heat. The Yukon's do look like a '93 W350 axle, but hey I think they were better back then.

As for my decision I could pick either kit and be happy. I will probably go Yukon since my dad has them on his 06, just to use that as a tie breaker.

 

[dclassens]

Does going to free spin hubs, which changes the outer portion of the steering knuckle and axle shaft change wheel stance? do the wheels set out further, or is it the same basic foot print of the factory set up?

 

[AH64ID]

They should sit the same.

 

[HHhuntitall]

I think with the Dynatrac, they actually sit out a few 1/16ths further..... Basically the same factory stance. The Spyntec hubs are quite a bit heavier and thicker than the Yukons I got to test. I don't think they'll have any problems holding up, however. I don't think you'd be unhappy with any of them. All are a big upgrade over the factory unitized bearing setup.

 

[Wayne M.]

Spyntecs on a 3rd gen here. Very happy with the result. Yes they stick out a bit, but with the factory caps punched out, look fine. I highly reccomend. Search on 3rd gen forum and you'll see. I think the offset us spot on. No change in geometry. No change in handling or alignment. Be prepared to coast down hills faster etc.