I had a problem with the hubs not locking about a year ago and so I did the hub fix found on here, does the locked hubs hurt gas mileage enough that it would be worth buying the avm manual locking hubs? I think I can tell a bad difference in mileage but it sucks anyways (13 - 16 mpg)
I've got a 98 XLT 4x4 3.0L if it matters...thanks in advance!

 

yes it definately does hurt mileage.

with my hubs unlocked i got 18.5 driving to grand rapids from livonia, on my way back hubs locked in i got 15

 

Something else cause the mileage drop or something is wrong with your truck.

I had AVM hubs on my 98 and got 14-15mpg no matter what. If I locked the hubs (as I did for months at a time) I would see a 1 mpg drop at the most.

2000.5 and newer rangers have live axles (engaged all the time). So do 01-05 sport tracs, 95-01 explorers, etc.

On the other hand the AVM hubs are nice to have. 2wd low is fun to play with sometimes. And if you break a CV joint you can unlock the hubs and drive it still if you have to. Some people have had them break or fall off, but mine worked well for me. Besides they are cheap and super easy to install. Keep your current modified hubs in the truck as a backup.
I guess even with a 1mpg drop they will eventually pay for themselves...?

 

I was getting 13 with locked hubs that I didn't know where locked..LOL after the AVM install and "OFFICIALLY UNLOCKED" I was getting 17.

 

the 3.0 is so underpowered that you can notice a difference with them locked in

 

I didn't notice any mileage change when I did my 4x4 swap......

 

How much are the avm locks and where can i find them?

 

Found from google....

15001.70 - AVM - NOW SHIPPING - Ford Ranger Manual Locking Hubs PAIR - AVM Manual Locking Hub PAIR For 1997-00 Ford Rangers : Tellico 4x4

 

+1 on that...thanks for all the info guys, I think I'm gonna buy the avm's and install them and see if it helps, I guess it cant hurt! Thanks again!

 

Okay, so I ordered the avm hubs and know I was wandering did any of you cap the vaccum hoses for the old hubs? I dont know how to go about capping them. got suggestions? thanks in advance!

 

I didn't.

 

so did any else not cap the vaccum hoses for the old hubs? Im gonna install them this weekend and look in my serivce manual to see if it lists anything about the vac hub system but any other input would be helpful

 

i capped mine where they split off on the pass side...if u follow the hoses you will see..then i found found something that would work....dont remember what i used but anything will work.

 

i never noticed a difference between locked and unlocked on my 93 or 96 but i did on my old 86. if youre front drivetrain components are in good shape you wont notice much of a difference if any.