On my 94 explorer would it be ok to take off the auto hub and make a quick run up the highway with them off. I've been trying to diagnose this shake I've had for some time now and I have reason to believe my hubs are stuck locked. TIA

 

Yes. Just go ahead and "gut" the housings. I had to do that on my wifes' 94, when it decided to engage the transfer case in a parking lot.... stupid E-shift junk. Put the hub housing back on as a dust shield, and go.

 

you dont have to gut the housing, remove that plastic cam piece from the spindle nut and the auto hubs cant engage.

 

This.
If you can gut the outer housing, Then throw your hubs away cause they're broke.

 

Thanks for the responses. When I took the hubs off they were completely packed with grease so I went ahead and cleaned them out. Now they work properly. I still can't figure out my vibration though. At least I know my hubs will hold for now until I can get some manual ones.

 

Does it vibrate on the steering wheel?

 

Mildly on the steering wheel. So far I have replaced tires, rear ujoints, front wheel bearings, ball joints, radius arm bushings. I've checked the tranny mounts, diff mounts, checked driveshaft for balance, had tired balance a couple different times, and used my spare on all Four corners. It still vibrates in neutral and braking doesn't change anything either. I did notice this morning when I went from dry to wet pavement the shaking/vibration noticeable lessened. I plan on getting new shocks soon but I don't think that will help. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.