My auto locking hubs went out and I'm not going to pay for them to get fixed but I have no clue what kind of Locking Hubs I need to get... I want to get a good Hub but don't want to pay an outrageous amount... I just need to know exactly what to get because there seems to be a dozen choices to pick from...

 

Everyone usually goes with these AVM hubs. I have them on my truck when my vacuum hubs sh*t the bed and i haven't had any problems since (2yrs). They work great.
15001.70 - AVM - NOW SHIPPING - Ford Ranger Manual Locking Hubs PAIR - AVM Manual Locking Hub PAIR For 1997-00 Ford Rangers : Tellico 4x4

 

There aren't dozens of choices for your year. AVMs are your only choice.

 

lol i was just about to edit my post you beat me to it.

 

AVM's or this: Permanently Lock Your 1998-2000 Ford Ranger PVH Pulse Vacuum Hubs that mod locks them perminatly and turns it into a live axle.

 

What I did and it works great.

 

I did the same thing on my 99. Albeit I had to do it while the truck was stuck in the mud in 30 degree raining weather. In the middle of nowhere with both hubs pulled apart messing with those damn clips lol.

 

Rugged Ridge is actually making the hubs now, I think...
I bought AVM hubs but all the labeling says rugged ridge. Mine costs me $118.00 shipped From tellico 4x4 but it seems that everyone upped there price. I love these hubs, steering feels a lot nicer when they are not engaged.

Rugged Ridge 15001.70 Locking Hub, Pair, 98-00 Ford Ranger

 

Rugged Ridge / AVM are the same company. The rugged ridge ones are made by AVM in Brazil and just re-badged.

 

there is one last option guys...

replace:

- CV shafts
- Wheel bearings


with one's from live axle and all those problems go away

 

LIVEAXLE FTL lol AVM's FTW

 

but here is a thought....... it works OMG i know who honestly would have thought that. i mean dear god is it possible holy crap *****

 

broken hubs FTL!!! ha ha

 

rofl.

+1 for live axles.

 

x2 on the live axle, AVM hubs suck. IMO

 

My AVM's haven't failed me. Works just grand. Especially those locked in the front.

 

locker works fine with a live axle.

 

AVM's suck hard!!! ive been through 4 sets so far, and if you wheel alot even if you cap off the vacume lines mud still finds its way inside them because they only clip on.

 

Well thanks a lot guys!! Well I'm kinda pissed because I had to get one of my wheel bearings replaced on my front driver side wheel ended up costing me like 600 dollars... Well thats when my 4x4 got screwed up I believe they messed it up I could be completely wrong haha but I took it back and they said of course the vacuum isn't working of course... So I want to get some good Locking hubs because I hear its so much better than worrying about the lovely Ford Auto locking hubs go out a lot!!

 

I never capped off the vacuum lines, there is no need to. That way I didn't get a bunch of dirt/water in the hubs.

The AVMs are fine, much better than stock. They are not as good as Warn hubs or something, but that is due to Fords design on the hubs themselves. AVM didn't have a good platform to start with but they are a huge improvement.

I still liked the live axles in the sport trac though, and may be converting my F150 to live axles because it also has vacuum hubs.

 

I just did this when my 4 wheel drive stopped working and it took me 25 minutes and it works great....and it cost nothing but a little of my time.....chack it out

Permanently Lock Your 1998-2000 Ford Ranger PVH Pulse Vacuum Hubs

 

ok, so this is something thats can be done to STOCK hubs? I'm replacing both front hubs anyways, so I can add this?
Also, whats difference between them? besides you have to get out and egage them,,,


I'm noob at hub/differential stuff, trying to learn!

 

I am no expert either, but it is my understanding that now my hubs are locked in all the time (like the newer Rangers) but the truck is only in 4 wheel drive after I engage the transfer case with the switch on the dash. I don't feel any difference in driving in 2 wheel and the 4 wheel works great when engaged. It saved me a lot of money and was very easy to do. Good luck!!!

 

I'm thinking about doing the live axles. How long did it take y'all to do them?

 

when you think you won't use them, keep them free if you can. When i keep mine locked for some reason my MPG goes down a bit looking at my scangauge and there's more resistance on the front end.
thats what i've seen on my own truck anyway.