I can't help but believe there are parts out there that would convert the "live" front axle configuration to manual hubs. The industry (read all) have followed each other to live front drives. Not all wheel.

The current trend is engagement of front drive at the transfer case. They've dropped both automatic hubs as well as manual. Only the big trucks still have manual.

Help! help!. Need some idea. My Mazda B4000 is a daily driver and 16mpg isn't fair when all previous Rangers did far better.
cm

 

you wont notice any measurable increase in mileage by going back to manual or auto lock outs. in order to convert a 2001+ live axle to a 98-2000 auto hub you would have to swap out the cv axles and bearing units and what you end up with is a weak unreliable lockout. the live axle configuration is much stronger and much more reliable than the previous PVH set up.

 

or do a sas swap. of course you add weight to it.

 

patrick, i beg to differ, i get 2-3 mpg by unlocking mine

get 98-early 00 wheel bearings, 98- early 00 cv's and AVM (rugged ridge) hubs

 

So you take the front shaft off. Your still spinning the cv shafts. That's inertia and requires energy. I've broken auto hubs but never manual hubs and do some off road every so often. I will go to manual hubs some way or another.
Thanks for all the comments.

 

justin, i will fight you! i still stand my ground though. i ran an entire summer with no CV's in my truck (had stubs holding the bearings together) and i never noticed any change in mileage at all.