can i switch my auto locking hubs to manual has any one done this yet?

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2006 FX4 LEVEL II screaming yellow 15X8 ion alloy wheels with 31-10.50/15 michelle Ltx tires, daul flowmaster pipes, spyder auto headlights, pioneer deck with one 12inch sub, leer cab.

You can, but it's a dumb idea IMO.

You'd need CV shafts from a 98-00 model. As well as wheel bearings and the AVM/Rugged Ridge manual hubs for a 98-00 model. I think it's a dumb idea because the stock PVH(pulse vacuum) hubs are very problematic(why do you think Ford changed them in '00.5 when the explorer was running them since '95?), not very reliable, and they break and it's fairly common when wheeled every moderately. The manual hubs help some, but they still are a big weak link as all the gears inside are plastic.

They are good for one thing: they break before your CV shaft breaks. takes a harrrrrd hit of force to break a CV. Right now, it's a no-worry system. If you break a CV shaft, you're doing something hardcore.


I looked at doing it at one point....sided against it after some research and reviews from people with those model trucks as well as working on mine(live axle) and working on my friends(98 PVH).

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'01 XLT disguised as a '03 Fx4 Level II.

so what type of hubs or locking system is in my truck then?

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2006 FX4 LEVEL II screaming yellow 15X8 ion alloy wheels with 31-10.50/15 michelle Ltx tires, daul flowmaster pipes, spyder auto headlights, pioneer deck with one 12inch sub, leer cab.

You're good with the live axle.

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ɹǝʌo ǝɯ dılɟ

i thought a live axle is a solid axle

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2006 FX4 LEVEL II screaming yellow 15X8 ion alloy wheels with 31-10.50/15 michelle Ltx tires, daul flowmaster pipes, spyder auto headlights, pioneer deck with one 12inch sub, leer cab.

No, a solid axle is a solid axle.

The live axle has no hubs to be engaged. I can't do a very good job of describing how it works. I'll leave that to someone else.

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ɹǝʌo ǝɯ dılɟ

Live Axle = Axle internals are always spinning, they are alive, no hub, 100% locked hubs all the time. That's what you've got as well as 00.5+ rangers and 95+ explorers.

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'01 XLT disguised as a '03 Fx4 Level II.

The live axle setup is more reliable and stronger since it eliminate the weak and problematic hubs. I wouldn't give up the live axle for an inferior setup.

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but if you did a manual hubs would you get better milage out of the truck? and then go to a different type of locking system? just ask in would like to know for the future

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Jay's
09 XL reg cab
L4 2.3 , 40 series flowmaster , tinted windows 5% back 35% sides ,muffler removed from air box mod ,and ac on off switch mod , blinker mod, avs window vent shades
coming soon! k&n drop in/fiberglass bed cover/bed sprayed liner

I switched my truck to manual hubs, I broke the hell out of the automatics. I've had great luck with mine but I would rather have the live axle.

By switching away from the live axle and to the manual hubs where you aren't spinning all the time I'm sure you get better mileage. It's about 15 below right now and snowing so I have my hubs locked in because they don't plow all the roads. I lose about 2 mpg locked in. Usually less than that because that is in 4wd the whole time. If I only use the 4wd to make turns or get across intersections (I know you shouldn't use your 4wd on the street, we have enough ice that will keep it from causing to much abuse to the driveline according to the Ford dealer and my instructors.) then my mileage stays about the same.

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97 Ranger - 4.0 V6 auto, 4wd, 31x10.5x15s Wild Country XTX Sport All Terrains, Warn locking hubs, Pioneer deck with iPod attachment, Snugtop Topper, K&N filter, scan gauge II, Hella 500 Lights, More parts coming, waiting for the paycheck to get bigger!

Truck built in loving memory of Norm Howard
Outcast Racing
PNW Crew!!!
Afterhours Clan!!

So when when you switch on 4wd in a live axle truck, you're merely engaging the always-turning axles to the transfer case.

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ɹǝʌo ǝɯ dılɟ

Back when Ford was doing the testing, I've read that they saw a loss in mileage by less than .5 mpg. I've got no facts to back that up, just read it on the internet. Most 4wd's these days are liveaxle now because of the reliability they give.

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'01 XLT disguised as a '03 Fx4 Level II.

just stick with the live axle how it is. my dad used to have a manual hub 4x4 and he hated it. just stick with whatcha got and you will be good.

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2001 ford ranger XLT/4.0 sohc./160,000
Mods:Cb/recon third brake light/air silencer mod/new door speakers and h/u / shorty console, 245-75-16 goodyear wrangler duratracs on rock crawler rims. hellas and 03 honeycomb grille.

EDGEMAN4.0 FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!

thanks guys that helps as long as i dont have the vacum s**t i am happy

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2006 FX4 LEVEL II screaming yellow 15X8 ion alloy wheels with 31-10.50/15 michelle Ltx tires, daul flowmaster pipes, spyder auto headlights, pioneer deck with one 12inch sub, leer cab.

put you a straight axle in and call it a long week lol.. i put one in my rock crawler project it was hard work but i loved it afterwards