I have to replace the driver's side lockout hub, or at least that's what I've been told.

Is it possible to replace the vacuum activated hub with a manual lockout hub? If yes, how can it be done? If no, why can't it be done? When I get around to replacing it, does anyone have a tutorial regarding such things.

I am a novice in the realm of mechanics, but I am mechanically inclined, so I do learn fast.

Is there anything I need to be extra delicate with, such as sensors?

One more question, how can I tell if my truck has all-wheel ABS or rear wheel ABS? Since it is the XLT package, all-wheel ABS sounds likely, but I want to know for sure.

Thank-you in advance for any replies.

 

This video shows a guy swapping to manual hubs on his 98.

 

Thanks for the video link, frankieb! That looks like an insanely simple job... and for the less than the cost of a new vacuum hub, I can do the manual conversion.

I'll have to talk the guy who told me that the manual conversion could not be done, and that I'd have to buy the vacuum hub from Ford. Whoever told him that appears to have been misiformed. For all I know, somebody could have been implementing some personal biases.

... One more thing.
By going manual, am I going to have to plug any vacuum lines off, or anything like that?

 

Some people say you should plug the vacuum lines off but Ive had manual hubs for about 2 years and dont have mine plugged with no issues.

 

Yeah you don't have to but apparently water gets into the system and can cause damage. I have them to and removed the old hardware and plugged them off.

 

you could even shove a nail in the vacuum line, zip tie it tight, and nothing will get in

 

I'm a big fan of plugging unused vacuum lines with bolts and hose clamps. The hose clamps are a little overkill, but I'd rather have too much security than not enough.