BLDTruth

Finished up a complete ball joint replacement yesterday on my 1994 F150 4WD M5OD Standard Cab. What a PITA. But well worth it not to give the shop $500 of my hard earned money.

On my driver's side hub assembly (3 screw auto-locks) I found metal shrapnel in between the hub lock body and the cam assembly. Obviously something went very wrong in there and it needs to be replaced. Anyone ever have this happen?

My truck is a pavement princess. The only time it sees 4WD is the one or two times per year we get snow. So I'm wondering if it would be worth it to do a manual hub swap (about $100-150 for the hubs and spindle nut kit) or just replace the parts I need with junkyard parts. All advice appreciated.

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

Manual lock hubs look like more serious 4x4 material - whether you ever lock them in or not.
An expensive decoration, but one people who know stuff notice.

bscottie

since it rarely gets 4 wheel action the manual hubs would be a good choice, with the autos you are spinning the axels fulltime with the wheels, manuals do a full release, might even save a buck or two on MPG

Rusty but trusty

^ you said full release. Awesome

fomoco998

Your auto hubs don't spin axles with the wheels all the time. They engage with torque when you shift to 4- wheel and when you shift back to 2- wheel and back up they release. They probably are great for your use. Lock out hubs are the best if you use 4-wheel a lot.

ncranchero

What he said.

I prefer manuals for being able to use the 4LO for occasional gear reduction without wrapping up the suspension in a dry turn.