i have a 2000 with the vacuum hubs but they are bad so i was wondering how to go about fixin that

 

you need to order some avm hubs do a little searching the info is out there

 

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

 

if i wanted to get some manual locking ones would i need a conversion kit or something

 

You can buy AVM or Rugged Ridge manual hubs. No conversion needed. 5-15 minute install.
Or you can modify the existing hubs to be always engaged.
Or you can buy axleshafts and bearing/hubs from 01+ rangers and convert them to live-axle.
There is plenty of info on this site regarding all of the options.

 

no, avm hub kit IS the conversion kit

 

just didnt know for sure if they required a conversion, thank you for the help

 

i put on the avm hubs after my vacuum hubs exploded. havent had a problem since. definately worth the money

 

Thats what I did and no problems yet

 

same here bearing went replace bearings hub assembly and got the manuel avms no problems since

 

I installed the AVM's yesterday, $145, didn't want to have to wonder in the middle of a blizzard whether the factory vac- pulse hubs were going to do their job or not. The hubs are no longer made in Brazil, but in Taiwan like just about everything else these days. The quality looks good, but time will tell. The set you get may say "AVM" or rebadged to "Rugged Ridge" no matter, it's the same unit.
It takes almost forever to finesse the clips out of the groove in the hub to remove the pulse vacuum hubs, in fact I broke them off as I went, I don't plan to re-use them anyhow. The design is not conducive to easy disassembly for maintenance. I have been accustomed to the Warn hubs with allen bolts, but you get what you get. It's to a person's advantage to be able to lock out and let the hubs freewheel, why put unnecessary wear on the gears, bearings, and u-joints in the front end! I believe that it's money well spent, time will tell.