I've done a search and couldn't find the answer.

I saw manual locking hubs for a 2000 and before. But I have an 01 Edge.

I want to convert to take some strain off the front end when not in 4WD

Does anyone know where I can get them? Or if they are available.

 

cant get them.. You have live axle... so the "hubs" are always locked.

unless you convert over to older parts.

 

You'll need new 98-00 CV shafts and new 98-00 wheel bearings to run those AVM/RR hubs. You may or may not lose your front ABS when you do this.




Love axles are more reliable and don't strain any parts...

 

they arent available for 2001+ because they switched to a live axle (no lockouts, axle spins all the time) in 2001. if you want manual hubs you can swap in 2000 or older hub assemblys and CV axles and you can run the manual hubs for the 2000 and older. in all honesty you wont see much of a gain going from your live axle to manual hubs though

 

Live Axle > Manual Locks > PVH.

IMO...it's all about longevity and reliability.

 

Yeah but what if you snap a CV with your live axels?

 

***.



you got me....

But hey...I got spare CV's.

 

what if you break a lockout? they are weaker than CV's are?

 

Have fun changing that out in the middle of the trail....LOL


And Pat,

With the locking hubs, you can unlock the CV so it does not spin. With the live axels, even if you don't have it in 4wd the CV's still spin.

 

yeah i know, still doesnt explain why its so terrible to break a CV on a live axle as opposed to a lockout. ive never broke a CV, i have broke a few lockouts

 

Oh well then. I just thought it would be a little better, but it sounds like more work than I anticipated.

I think I'll just leave it like it is.

Thanks for the help

 

^This

As long as the bearings you use support ABS it should work fine.
It is an easy swap. It is nice to be able to unlock the front if something breaks, however some people have had problems with the AVMs falling off. On the other hand, it creates a new "weak point" so you are less likely to break a CV joint in my opinion.

Live axle is great, and for more dependable. After I had 4.88 gears and a front locker in my sport trac, I always carried spare CV joints and gear oil.

 

There's absolutely nothing wrong with live axles. How do you think FWD cars work? Live axles! You have a lot less crap to worry about then I do. Most of the time when I switch back to 2wd from 4x4 I have to unlock the hubs by clicking the spring that engages the axles to turn the wheels. It doesn't like to come out of 4x4 and the axles on my truck are still locked in at the moment. I would much rather have your live axles so the only thing i'd have to worry about is the t-case shift motor. By the way, I believe some 2000's had the live axle setup also.

 

True. The change from the Pulse Vacuum Hublock system to live axles occurred during the 2000 model year.

 

so whats the difference between the pvh hubs and the ones that came on 01+ rangers? are the pvh hubs serviceable or are they sealed units like the new ones? also, are they weaker? other than losing abs, what is the downfall?

 

The Warn PVH system was supposed to be a new and better approach to the concept of automatic hubs. Unfortunately, it is more complicated, less reliable and mechanically weaker than the live axles used on later Rangers. In addition, a leak the PVH vacuum controls can steal vacuum from the A/C controls and create a path for unfiltered air to enter the engine.

Ford must have recognized the PVH system to be a serious problem because it was axed in mid model year instead of waiting for the next new model changeover. Intro'd on Rangers in 1998, the warranty costs from the PVH's steadily piled up into 2000 when the Rangers were quickly switched over to the proven live axles already used in the Explorers.

Having PVH's does not mean that that a Ranger cannot have 4WABS.

 

What would you need to go from what I have (don't know its exact name) to a live axle? other than the axle itself? Do I need to take the hubs off lets say an 01 ranger the CV's and the Axle, Is that it?

 

You would need the wheel bearings and the CV axle from a 2001+ Ranger 4x4.

I personally have a 2002 Ranger that I converted from 2wd to 4wd using PVH parts with manual hubs. The ABS still works just fine as the donor truck had ABS. I love my locking hubs as my gas mileage stayed the same and I haven't had any issues with breakage or problems of any sort.

 

You would need the CV joints (whole shafts are easier) and the hub/bearing assembly.
Bob said why. The vacuum hubs are more weak by design, lots of plastic and extra junk. The AVM hub is more reliable, but just as weak. Plus, because of design, they often fall off under lots of torque. They literally clip on with plastic friction clips.

The live axles are splined and go write through the hub/bearing, and are threaded on the end. Then the axle nut goes on the end. Nothing much there to break or fail except the wheel bearing or the CV joint itself. Plus there is no noticeable amount of play between the CV axle and the wheel. With automatic or manual hubs, you can turn the axle shaft back and forth a little before they stop. You might see a small decrease in mileage (should be minimal) since the entire front axle assembly will be turning all the time.
The nice thing is you can switch right into 4x4 while driving and not cause any harm as the driveline is always up to speed (same thing if you have the manual hubs locked it).

 

You have what I have...the PVH system. It's on all 98-mid 2000s (I think it's mid-2000's anyway). There is actually a modification someone did where they just got the axles locked in all the time as if it were a live axle setup. I'd care to bet if you jacked up your truck right now so the front tires are off the ground and you spun them the CV axles would turn aswell (they aren't suppose to) because this system is bad about "unlocking" even when you cycle out of 4x4. The only way to unlock them if they are still locked is manually which is very simple. Sorry I didn't really answer your question, i'm just trying to help you understand what you have a bit better (and it's issues).

 

Yes you can modify the automatic hubs to be engaged all the time, but then you still have a weaker hub. The AVM hubs are not expensive, I would much rather have them than modifying the original hubs. I liked the AVMs on my 98 personally, they never caused me any problems.

 

It sounds like theirs benefits to both setups. I plan on doing a manual t-case swap, so my next question is

Does doing the manual t-case swap effect anything in the front end?

I don't think it does but I just wanted to make sure before I get to deep into the swap.

 

RangerExtreme has a manual t-case pm him about it.

 

ok someone more knowledgeable, educate me please. the pvh hubs are automatic am i correct? the manual locking hubs, you dont have to have the pvh setup do you? i understand you cant run an 01+ unit bearing on there or those live axles. you HAVE to have the older style cv's. that i DO understand. I think i just need a picture of it or something. but isnt there some sort of aftermarket manual hub out there that would make this swap worth while? you dont HAVE to run it through a vacuum do you?


maybe throw a jeep hub on there with some warns?

 

The t-case has nothing to do with the front axle. All the t case does is send engine power to the front.