One of my auto locking hubs just broke, so I'm looking for a rebuild kit. The hub body looks fine, but the internal engagement mechanism is toast.

I know everyone says to convert to manual hubs (which I'm considering) but I'd like to repair the auto hubs if possible. I'm not the only driver and I would like to keep things simple for the other drivers. Also, this truck won't see much off road use, the 4wd is mostly for snow and driving uphill on wet grass in the yard.

Does anyone know where I can find new replacement parts for the auto hubs for a reasonable price?

 

I'm pretty sure you have to replace the whole hub. I would just get manual hubs, all you do is twist it to the lock position so it's incredibly easy to do. Or you could replace the auto hub with another auto if you're really worried about keeping things simple.

 

Thanks for the reply! Any idea where to get new replacement parts for the auto hubs besides the dealer? If I can find just the engagement mechanism for the auto hubs, I would much prefer to repair them instead of converting.

I do have a set of manual hubs similar to these:
Manual Locking Hub for Ford Bronco II Explorer Ranger Navajo Mazda Pickup | eBay
If I decide to convert to manual hubs, do they all use the same conversion kit or do I need to get one specifically for the brand I have (I think the brand is "4wd Pros")?

 

Probably won't find any new kits for rebuilding the Auto Hubs, ebay is your best bet, people who have switch to Manual Hubs sell their old hubs.
Also wrecking yards could have what you need.

Manual is a better path, you can leave the hubs locked through out the winter months, so driver just needs to engage electric shift to get 4WD, it won't hurt anything.
In 2001 all Rangers got "live" front axles, meaning they were all Locked all the time.
And having the front drive train moving means differential and u-joints are always lubed, vs having dry spots when first engaged.

 

Thanks! Do you know if the manual hubs all use the same conversion kit?

 

I think '83 to '97 are pretty much the same, I know '93 to '97 are
In '98 Ford changed to the nightmare PVH system, then gave up in 2001 and just change the Locked axle name to "Live axle", lol

Good read here on the conversion: Automatic To Manual Hub Conversion

 

Thanks for the advice! I ended up switching to manual hubs since I got everything for $80 including the socket I needed.

 

Good change...........and good work on getting it done.