Warn Hubs -manual or "Automatic"?

4d9r · 06-20-2008, 04:29 PM

My '75 cj5 doesn't have locking hubs (their always engaged).
Found a new set of "automatic", automatic engage when transfer case is shifted into 4wd, shift back to 2wd and back up couple feet to disengage. Do these work or should I get a set of the regular warn hubs?

JoonHoss · 06-20-2008, 04:38 PM

umm, are you sure they are for your application? those are how the hubs work on vacuum or electric controls (YJ's and TJ's), but not usually manual (CJ's)???

Hoss

jeepdaddy2000 · 06-20-2008, 04:48 PM

Automatic hubs for external applications are somewhat rare. The IH crowd sees them from time to time as they were a somewhat popular accessory. While they work well they are obsolete and parts are becoming hard to find. I would doubt you are looking at a new set. If you are seeing a used set and decide to buy, insure you get the wheel bearing nuts as well, since they are organic to the hubs.

Smtty58 · 06-20-2008, 05:00 PM

I had a set once on a 1 ton Chevy. Factory says to disassemble the entire hub (requires a special tool) and lube every 2500 miles! This got old fast, and I stopped doing it. Wasn't long before they stopped working, and with no manual overide you're stuck with two wheel drive. These were the factory hubs, not sure who made them for GM.

diamatron · 06-21-2008, 10:12 AM

My Ranger used to have some Warn automatic hubs. I hated then. Getting them to unlock and engage was a mystery sometimes. They worked good for the first 60k l=miles i guess. I instaeed Manual hubs now.

No_Bs · 06-21-2008, 10:29 AM

Yeah, I used to have these on my F150 and they were a pain. Half the time they wouldn't engage until I was spinning, and caused a serious drivetrain shock when they did. Go with true manuals, you'll be much happier.

4d9r · 06-22-2008, 09:06 AM

Manual they shall be. Thanks guys.....

OldSailor · 06-22-2008, 02:57 PM

I yoiu do much serious off-roading, I'd avoid automatic hubs. They are very likely to unlock on you when you backup offroad. Depending on the type of terrain (e.g., rocks) you're on, that can be disasterous.

jeepdaddy2000 · 06-23-2008, 03:57 PM

Understand guys, that external Warn automatic hubs differ in operation. They use a jam roller design. They also have a manual lock that bypasses the auto lock feature giving you a true locking hub. As for internal auto's. Virtually the problem units that I have seen, the malfunction has been caused by either hard grease or rust(IE lack of service).