Group Buy Manual/Rebuildable Lock Out Hubs

[randyn]

I recently talked to Dynatrack about this and am polling the interest in Manual/Rebuildable Lock Out Hubs.



This would be for the American Axle 9. 25" front/ four wheel drive axle.



I think this would pay for itself eventually in hub replacement costs and improved mileage. Eliminating vibration from less than optimum driveline angles would be a bonus. As I understand, the hubs cost about $400 each to replace. The stock units are sealed and you cannot simply repack/replace the bearings after you've had them in water or they wear(that seems absurd to me). The market for such a product may not develop until people start having to replace hubs, but this has been one of my few dislikes about my truck and I'd like to change now. I just can't see having the entire front drive train spinning all the time. Anyone have any ideas about mileage inprovements w/ hub disconnects?



Anyway, if you're interested please reply. If there is enough interest Dynatrack may put together a hub replacement. The guy I talked to indicated the way these units are built it would be their least expensive "Stage", so I'm hopeful.



RandyN

 

[jjdiesel]

I'm for it

I think that would be great. I'm all for it.

 

[ralphr]

lockable hubs

While I have not had a problem yet, (no vibrations, etc), I have to agree that locking hubs should improve millage, and if they are serviceable as stated that would also be a plus. of course I would like to see a "final" number but I am interested.

 

[Kimber]

Having 2Lo would be enough for me to purchase.

 

[TW1]

I would definately be interested. Keep us posted

 

[lschultz]

You can count me in on this.

 

[VStahl]

i would be interested if the final cost is manageable.

 

[Spooled-up]

I think most everyone with four wheel drive will be in the market for this if we can't rebuild or regrease the hub ourselves!!



Eventually I'll buy 'em!

 

[Blkdawdg]

Dependant upon price, I may be interested.

 

[ulhpilot]

As I am not a current owner, my vote may not carry much weight. But I can tell you from a perspective buyer's viewpoint, manual locking hubs would be a major selling point/improvement to the current design. For those of you who like the idea of shifting into 4WD without exiting the cab, it's as easy as locking the hubs prior to departure. I did it this way for years in my '87 straight axle Chev and never had any problems. Didn't worry about a lot of extra rotating mass on those long highway trips, either. BTW (someone correct me if I'm wrong), another plus would be the manual hub conversion would also mean the front axle would be free floating, that is less unsprung mass. The downside, from what I've read about the current design, it would be a major undertaking ($$) for the conversion.

 

[CATCRACKER]

2LOW is a must have with the 6speed

 

[randyn]

Just to clarify: The $400 I mentioned in my original post is what I have heard it costs to replace each stock hub assembly. I think these and any aftermarket hub are/would be full floating. That is, the load is supported by the spindle. If you're looking at $800 for hub replacement at 80 to 100,000 mi. intervals seems like $1,500 to $2,000 for rebuildable hubs. w/ the other benefits would be viable. I'm guessing the cost would be a break even proposition over time, that is over time the benefits would not cost anything.



Nice to see some early interest in this. The manual hubs are easy for me as my driving is on pavement till I get to where I need 4x4 then I lock the hubs. If you are on again off again most of the time, then I guess you would leave them locked until you took a pavement trip



RandyN

 

[Cooker]

One thing to consider, I would have to imagine the $400 cost/sealed hub assembly will come down over time.



The ability of 2lo would be a big plus though.

 

[Fitter48093]

I'm in

 

[rmcnamee]

I'm in!!!!

Count me in for the replacement kit.



Ryan

 

[bighammer]

I'm also curious about the hubs if the price isn't too bad.



I also think 2lo is also possible without a change in the axle. (probably much cheaper)

 

[BHaner]

I would do it... . I replaced the front U-Joints in my 97 twice... . what a waste.

 

[CSilkowski]

Count me in too. That was the only thing I liked about the Fords.

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

Count me in , 2lo is worth the cost !

 

[FM]

Need hard numbers and more info but interested.